Local Science Engagement Network Community

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  • 1.  60 Second Intro

    Posted 10-04-2025 10:58 AM

    60-second intro:

    1. Who you are & What you do: Trained as a synthetic organic chemist (at URochester, UPenn, and Columbia), transitioned into medical and scientific editing and writing after postdoc-hood, became a high school teacher of chemistry and physics at age 53, now retired and active in professional organizations
    2. Why now: Current challenges to science, truth, critical thinking, free speech, higher education, and culture in general make it imperative to support one another
    3. Role and sector: Various AAAS communities as well as other science, science communication, and science teaching organizations
    4. Building this year: Because lifelong learning and sharing in a wide range of areas combined with clarifying thought and reducing ambiguous communication in anyone who will listen to me are my goals I mentor, coach, write, and teach to advance one small idea at a time and try to avoid retrograde motion
    5. Can help with: Brainstorming, communicating, clarifying, mentoring
    6. Looking for (next 30 days): Connections with likeminded individuals to encourage and support scientific thinking in the genpop
    7. Time zone and typical availability: EST/EDT and flexible
    8. One small joy or fun micro-fact: JOY--The existence and growth of the AAAS STEAM community and other scientific and educational groups in support of the ideas and practices we hold to be right and valuable. MICROFACT--I take great pleasure in witnessing that spark of comprehension when I get through to someone with a scientific concept or truth they had previously doubted or not known.


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    Elliot Richman, PhD
    AAAS Superhero
    Baltimore, Maryland, USA
    richmanelliot@gmail.com

    AAAS Communities & Sections: Chemistry, Physics, History & Philosophy of Science, Science In History, Ask A Scientist, Climate Change Connections, Infectious Disease Trends & Threats, LSEN, STEAM Enthusiasts.

    AACT: Member, American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT) Governing Board.
    ACS: Member, American Chemical Society (ACS) Senior Chemists Committee, Division of Chemical Education, Division of Organic Chemistry.
    NASW: Member, National Association of Science Writers (NASW).
    AAPT: Member, American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).
    NYAS: Life Member, New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS).
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  • 2.  RE: 60 Second Intro

    Posted 10-06-2025 09:39 AM

    Hi Elliot, thanks for sharing.

    It's been a while since I posted in this group, so I'll respond with the same format!

    1. Who you are & What you do: Currently a Cell Therapy Manufacturing Manager at a major biopharma company. Looking to move into a more technical/scientific role. Trained as a molecular biologist (MS) with experience in CRISPR and protein research, CAR-T cell therapy, and leadership. 
    2. Why now: To engage the public in hands-on science, talks, and other events; combat disinformation and misinformation; remove the "ivory tower" perception. 
    3. Role and sector: Manager, CAR-T Cell Therapy Manufacturing. Started The Flemington Science Collective, currently a 100% volunteer-based group/untitled nonprofit. Former graduate student researcher. 
    4. Building this year: The Flemington Science Collective partnerships, collaborations and network, membership and volunteer base. Also seeking different role in career. 
    5. Can help with: science communication, management and leadership skills, basic/intermediate project management skills, communication and relationship-building. 
    6. Looking for (next 30 days): a bigger network of people like us!
    7. Time zone and typical availability: EST/EDT, Mondays and Tuesdays are best
    8. One small joy or fun micro-fact: Meeting with the department heads of the county library and also attending a technical school's board meeting to build potential collaborations for a series of science talks and joining in on an annual science fair/symposium! Fingers crossed.



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    Douglas Job
    Flemington NJ
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  • 3.  RE: 60 Second Intro

    Posted 10-07-2025 06:02 PM

    Hi Elliot and Douglas,

    Thank you for sharing your introductions. In the same spirit, I'll do the same here.

    1. Who you are & What you do: Formerly, I was a teaching professor of physics, an AAAS Science and Technology Fellow, and a microsimulation scientist in health policy and human rights. Currently, I'm disabled and a stay-at-home mother.
    2. Why now? To address public skepticism of science and combat misinformation, which is vital in areas like climate change and public health.
    3. Role and sector: Academia 
    4. Building this year: A strong, independent, intelligent, creative three year old daughter. But previously, I wrote a series of books to make introductory physics more accessible and to increase interest in the subject by incorporating art-based teaching at the undergraduate level. The art conveys principles of physics through personal stories that range from gender identity to politics to relationships to popular culture. The art is emotional, raw, and imperfect. It includes perspectives from groups traditionally absent from physics and provides a fuller and more accurate portrayal of the subject.
    5. Can help with: science communication, outreach, advocacy, engagement
    6. Looking for (next 30 days): To join an initiative in science outreach, advocacy, or engagement
    7. Time zone and typical availability: Pacific Standard time
    8. One small joy or fun micro-fact: During the pandemic, I replaced the traditional final exam with community service. I paired each student with a senior in a local nursing home who was stuck in quarantine. The students were tasked with teaching physics concepts they'd learned to their elderly partner. It was an act of community service, since the seniors were on lockdown and were especially isolated.

    Regards,

    Stephanie



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    Stephanie Bailey PhD
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  • 4.  RE: 60 Second Intro

    Posted 10-15-2025 08:22 PM

    Hi all, thanks for starting this thread, it's a great idea!

    1. Who you are & What you do: I am a science outreach professional in public health laboratory science who manages our K-16 outreach portfolio and our volunteer outreach program. I'm also currently working on my M.S. in sustainable management.
    2. Why now: Working to combat misinformation and make science more accessible for everyone.
    3. Role and sector: While I work in public health, I'm also engaged in volunteer engagement and science advocacy organizations. I am also very interested in sustainability and embedding that into the work that I do.
    4. Building this year: I'm working on building and growing a local science group for folks interested in science outreach and advocacy in my area. I'm also working on my career development and building my professional network.
    5. Can help with: Science outreach, organizing, youth mentorship
    6. Looking for (next 30 days): More connections and opportunities to engage with folks
    7. Time zone and typical availability: EST and very flexible
    8. One small joy or fun micro-fact: I just got married (which is also why I disappeared from a lot of my groups recently, but I'm looking forward to getting back into everything!)


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    Hailey Reiss
    Association of Public Health Laboratories
    Quakertown PA
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