Spring 2021
HBRF's new Young Voices of Science initiative (YVoS) is a free science communications training program for graduate and undergraduate students in environmental fields.
After the success of the inaugural fall 2020 program, we were delighted to welcome a new spring cohort. Twenty-one students from 13 institutions participated in seven expert-led virtual workshops between March and April.
To practice what they learned, participants designed their own outreach projects with one-on-one mentorship from HBRF staff. Last week, the cohort gathered via Zoom for a Project Showcase to share updates.
The following is a sample of their work.
YVoS Logo and student illustrations provided by Cydney Livingston, Duke University.
Lena Champlin
PhD Candidate, Environmental Science
Drexel University
Lena's video combines her original artwork and narration to describe how scientists use carbon isotopes in seashells to study climate change.
Lena plans to feature her video in presentations at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, where she works as a research assistant.
Watch Video: "History told by Shells"
Ananya Chandra
Double Majoring in Environment, Sustainability, & Policy and Environental Engineering
Syracuse University
Ananya wrote an op-ed about the environmental costs of fast fashion. Through vivid descriptions of her personal experiences with hand-me-downs, she makes a compelling case for second-hand clothing.
My family's culture of clothing reuse
Resource Recycling
Dayna De La Cruz
BA, Biology
Wellesley College
Dayna's Video focuses on the lack of diversity in ecology and how it drives higher rates of imposter syndrome among scientists from underrepresented groups. She speaks movingly from personal experience in this powerful and important piece.
Watch Video: "Imposter Syndrome in the Sciences"
Amelia Fitch
PhD Candidate, Ecology, Evolution, Environment, & Society
Dartmouth College
Amelia launched a podcast called "Timber Lens," an audio series about the science, practice, and industry of forestry.
As Amelia explains in the first segment, "it’s about making space for stories and experiences from folks in the timber industry and environmental advocates."
The first segment features a conversation with two people about the controversial practice of slash burning.
Listen to "Timber Lens: Part 1"
Morgan Irons
PhD Candidate, Soil and Crop Sciences
Cornell University
Morgan presented her research on food security—both on Earth and in deep space—at the Climate and Clean Energy Youth Forum. Morgan is the Founder and Chief Science Officer of Deep Space Ecology Inc., a space and agricultural business startup.
Morgan also posed a question about regenerative agriculture as a climate strategy during Uniting to Protect Our Planet, a bipartisan discussion on how the agriculture and faith communities can come together to develop climate change solutions.
Last but not least, Morgan is currently working on a perspective paper about bioregenerative life support systems.
Check out Morgan's website at the following link:
https://www.deepspaceecology.
Eva Legge
Double Majoring in Biology and Environmental Earth Sciences
Dartmouth College
Eva published two written pieces (below) and is working on an op-ed about the development of a previously wild oasis in her hometown of Austin, TX.
The Long-Forgotten Predecessors of Her Deepness, Sylvia Earle in Lady Science
Latria Graham Rewrites the Narrative on Being Black in the Outdoors in The Open Notebook
Jessica Maccaro
PhD Candidate, Entomology
UC Riverside
Jessica built an interactive website that's buzzing with information about bees. Users navigate through a cleverly-designed faux Zoom meeting—complete with Jessica's stunning macro photography—to learn about different bee genera.
See more of Jessica's macro photography at the following link:
https://jmacc0031.wixsite.com/
Sam Majoros
MSc Candidate, Bioinformatica
University of Guelph
Sam launched a podcast called "False Dichotomy" that brings scientists and artists together to find creative ways to communicate science.
Listen to the first episode, "Tipulilampydoptera the Musical."
Logo and YVoS student portraits by Cydney Livingston
Young Voices of Science is a program of the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation. It is possible through generous support from the Bailey Charitable Foundation, the Canaday Family Charitable Trust, the Cotyledon Fund, and an anonymous foundation.