2024 Program Faculty
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Evguenia Alechine (she/her)Evguenia is science communication specialist, lecturer and career coach from Buenos Aires, Argentina, with special interest in natural health and environmental sustainability.
Evguenia Alechine (she/her)
Evguenia is science communication specialist, lecturer and career coach from Buenos Aires, Argentina, with special interest in natural health and environmental sustainability.
Evguenia Alechine holds a degree in biochemistry, a master in biomedical science and a PhD in human genetics from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Since 2015, she is actively working in the field of science communication and medical writing with particular interest in natural health and environmental sustainability and bringing scientific knowledge to a lay audience. Evguenia is really passionate about teaching science communication. She’s an active member of the European Medical Writers Association (EMWA), the chair of the Getting into Medical Writing group, co-editor of the Medical Writing journal, and faculty member of Homeward Bound, a year-long program for women in STEMM working towards a better leadership for a greater good in the pressing times of climate change, and a strong advocate for science communication in Latin America. This is Evguenia's third year teaching Citizen Science. -
Nick AvossaNick has extensive experience in science education, teaching science for 32 years at Kingston High School in Kingston, NY. This is his third year teaching Citizen Science.
Nick Avossa
Nick has extensive experience in science education, teaching science for 32 years at Kingston High School in Kingston, NY. This is his third year teaching Citizen Science.
Nick (a.k.a. Mr. Avossa) taught a variety and levels of life science, including AP, College Biology and Forensic Science. Nick was also a member of the SUNY Ulster Collegian Program. Over the years he has conducted ecological expeditions with his students to Belize and Costa Rica, as well as numerous local sites.
In addition to his work in science education, Nick also has been extensively involved in the performing arts, serving as director of the KHS Theatre as well as marching director/drill designer for the KHS Marching Band. He remains involved in the world of Drum and Bugle Corps as the show announcer for Drum Corps Associates. After retiring in 2020, Nick and his wife Carol moved to the quiet Florida Panhandle where he is a brewer and manager of a local brewery. He remains heavily involved in community theatre.
Nick is excited to continue being a part of the uniquely creative Bard Community. -
Melanie Bolden (she/her)Melanie is currently a doctoral student at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, focusing on Environmental Health and works as a Biologist with the Environmental Protection Agency.
Melanie Bolden (she/her)
Melanie is currently a doctoral student at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, focusing on Environmental Health and works as a Biologist with the Environmental Protection Agency.
Originally from New Orleans, Melanie earned a BS in Biology from the University of Arkansas and an MPH from SUNY-Albany. She is currently earning her DrPH at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Pubic Health. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mozambique, focusing on Malaria prevention and HIV/AIDS community work. Her current research interests focus around assessing and mitigating environmental hazards in vulnerable communities. Melanie enjoys distance running and spending time with her two little doggy daughters, Missyanne and Alfie. -
Clara Chang (she/her)Clara is a doctoral student in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University.
Clara Chang (she/her)
Clara is a doctoral student in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University.
Clara studies sediments from lakes, rivers, and wetlands and their depositional and paleoenvironmental contexts. Her research interests are diverse: from understanding early Mesozoic climate and dinosaur evolution, to learning about sedimentation processes in Hudson River wetlands. This is her first time teaching Citizen Science, and she is excited to have great conversations with students about the earth and beyond! -
Michael Czajkowski
(they/them)Michael uses art, outreach and advocacy to translate their PhD in soft matter physics into public trust and engagement with science. They work with Science for Georgia to organize and connect communities with the technical knowledge and advocacy resources that can help them live and thrive.Michael Czajkowski
(they/them)Michael uses art, outreach and advocacy to translate their PhD in soft matter physics into public trust and engagement with science. They work with Science for Georgia to organize and connect communities with the technical knowledge and advocacy resources that can help them live and thrive.
Michael’s PhD work concerned geometric physics of soft biological tissues. This work advanced understanding how the closely packed cells that line your organs and airway can behave similarly to glass, to jammed packings, and to living macroscopic flocks. In this time them became involved with Science Advocacy, helping found a Science Policy Graduate and co-organizing the Syracuse March for Science. In Atlanta they continue to study cross-disciplinary physics in origami and robotics, at Georgia Tech and currently in the translation of this research into art and outreach. As Director of Advocacy for Science for Georgia, they have pushed their advocacy beyond outreach, into directed local grassroots efforts. This includes the creation of the “Climate Survival Training” program, SciComm education of university students around the state, and creation of advocacy training materials for local environmental justice efforts. Michael is from Buffalo, NY. -
Mona Das (she/her)Mona Das is a powerful force for environmental justice, racial equity, housing affordability, and economic fairness in Washington. Das’ family came to the U.S. when she was eight months old with only six dollars in their pockets, and her lived experience has driven her commitment to dismantling barriers for marginalized people in every aspect of her work and life.
Mona Das (she/her)
Mona Das is a powerful force for environmental justice, racial equity, housing affordability, and economic fairness in Washington. Das’ family came to the U.S. when she was eight months old with only six dollars in their pockets, and her lived experience has driven her commitment to dismantling barriers for marginalized people in every aspect of her work and life.
In 2018, Mona was elected State Senator for the 47th district in Washington and served until 2023. She achieved many successes during her term, including championing and passing senate bills which banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of certain single-use plastics, created a working group on natural disaster mitigation and resilience, and championed millions of dollars in climate resilience projects like the Soos Creek Hatchery in Auburn.
A small-business owner, Mona earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, an MBA in sustainable business from Pinchot University in Washington, and now serves on the faculty at Bard College and the Campaign School at Yale. Not surprisingly, Das loves spending time outdoors, traveling and with her family, including her two adorable nephews. -
Alicia Denning (she/her)Alicia takes her background in chemical engineering and has applied it to issues around stormwater and pesticides while working for the EPA.
Alicia Denning (she/her)
Alicia takes her background in chemical engineering and has applied it to issues around stormwater and pesticides while working for the EPA.
Alicia has worked as an environmental engineer for EPA’s Office of Water since July 2020. She has focused primarily on EPA’s Multi-Sector General Permit for industrial stormwater in the NPDES stormwater program. Prior to joining EPA's Office of Water, Alicia worked in EPA's Office of Pesticide Program in the Antimicrobial Division as a Human Health Risk Assessor. Alicia also served for two years as a Technology Transfer and Engineering Specialist in Peace Corps Mexico after having worked in the Oil and Gas fields in Texas and Oklahoma for three years. Alicia holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from Auburn University. -
Cathleen Doherty (she/her)Cathleen is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Rutgers University. She received her Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Columbia University, with a focus on mantle dynamics and isotope geochemistry. Her studies have brought her all over the world, from living aboard an icebreaker ship in Antarctica to walking across the crust-mantle boundary in Oman
Cathleen Doherty (she/her)
Cathleen is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Rutgers University. She received her Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Columbia University, with a focus on mantle dynamics and isotope geochemistry. Her studies have brought her all over the world, from living aboard an icebreaker ship in Antarctica to walking across the crust-mantle boundary in Oman
After receiving her Ph.D., she held a joint position as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and a Columbia Science Teaching Fellow in the Frontiers of Science Program at Columbia University. She then served as an Analytical Laboratory Director in the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute at Rutgers University, where she mentored undergraduate and graduate students in environmental exposure, toxicology, and analytical methods development. Her current research interests span scales of both time and space, from preset-day surface processes related to environmental contamination, to ancient deep-Earth processes related to differentiation of Earth’s reservoirs. Her work employs field and laboratory techniques using isotope geochemistry, in-situ chemical analysis, and mass spectrometry to answer questions related to chemical cycling, biomarkers of human heavy metal exposure, global climate change, and the evolution of Earth’s mantle. Most recently, her research aims to address emerging questions at the intersection of environmental exposure and public health, with a focus on environmental justice. Her broad research interests are motivated by the adaptability of geochemistry to various Earth systems, and the development of novel techniques to assess environmental exposure and human health in at-risk populations.
Cathleen is also deeply passionate about science education and helping students recognize their own interests, and aims to provide research opportunities that she hopes will engage, inspire, promote, and diversify the future generation of Earth and Environmental Science researchers. She is committed to supporting an equitable and diverse scientific community, and aims to foster an inclusive environment where all people feel safe, valued, and respected. -
Krys Doran (they/she)Krys is a planetary geologist with a focus on studying and classifying lunar meteorites. They are passionate about inclusivity and accessibility in geology education. Krys enjoys science outreach activities such as community fairs and public science talks.
Krys Doran (they/she)
Krys is a planetary geologist with a focus on studying and classifying lunar meteorites. They are passionate about inclusivity and accessibility in geology education. Krys enjoys science outreach activities such as community fairs and public science talks.
They hold two bachelors degrees, one in graphic design and the other in geology. They obtained their Masters degree in geology from Rutgers University. While at Rutgers, they lead a seminar course called Cosmos Cafe that included graduate and undergraduate students. Cosmos Cafe covered a wide variety of topics related to planetary geology, from space law to the newest discoveries of the James Webb Space Telescope. In December of 2021 they gave a public talk for Amateur Astronomers Inc. at the Sperry Observatory in Cranton NJ entitled "Modeling the Moon: The history of humanity’s journey to understand the Moon". This is Krys' first year teaching Citizen Science. -
Julie Fornaciari (she/her)Julie Fornaciari, Ph.D. is a chemical engineer, a science communicator, and currently a science and technology policy fellow at the US Department of Energy. This is her first year as a citizen science faculty member.
Julie Fornaciari (she/her)
Julie Fornaciari, Ph.D. is a chemical engineer, a science communicator, and currently a science and technology policy fellow at the US Department of Energy. This is her first year as a citizen science faculty member.
Julie earned her Ph.D. in chemical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. Her dissertation was investigating transport of various chemical species within a water electrolyzer to make clean hydrogen. Over the last six years, Julie has also been an active participant and proponent for science communication and education, as she has taught various K-12 classrooms, organized the science communication conference, ComSciCon, and has written various articles for a graduate student run science magazine. In her current position at the Department of Energy, she is working on overseeing various research and development programs in the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office and developing more material for hydrogen education and addressing various common concerns about hydrogen for communities. -
Marina Alejandra González BesteiroMarina is an internationally-trained biotechnologist with 15+ years of science-based experience. Marina currently works as a scientific writer and consultant with expertise in molecular biology, environmental toxins and sustainability.
Marina Alejandra González Besteiro
Marina is an internationally-trained biotechnologist with 15+ years of science-based experience. Marina currently works as a scientific writer and consultant with expertise in molecular biology, environmental toxins and sustainability.
Marina received a M.S. in Biotechnology from University of San Martín, in Argentina, and earned a PhD in plant molecular biology from University of Freiburg, in Germany, followed by 7 years at Fundación Instituto Leloir in Buenos Aires, Argentina, first as a post-doctoral fellow and then as a CONICET Research Scientist. During that time at Fundación Instituto Leloir, Marina's research focused on DNA replication errors that drive genomic instability in cancer cells.
Marina is an educator on a mission to help people develop critical thinking and become aware of their power to independently interpret and transform the world. Marina teaches Molecular Biology and Genetics at Favaloro University (Buenos Aires). In addition, Marina is a popular educator at Miguelito Pepe teaching mathematics and chemistry to marginalized high school students. Marina translates scientific data into blog articles and social media content to help non-scientists reduce their environmental impact and their exposure to environmental toxins through cosmetics.
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Martin Habif (he/him)Martin Habif is a biological sciences researcher based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He obtained his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Buenos Aires, doing later on postdoctoral stays in the US and Germany, and focusing his professional career at the intersection between biological and physical sciences.
Martin Habif (he/him)
Martin Habif is a biological sciences researcher based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He obtained his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Buenos Aires, doing later on postdoctoral stays in the US and Germany, and focusing his professional career at the intersection between biological and physical sciences.
He is currently working on the design and development of nanobodies for early diagnosis and experimental therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.
He also has an extensive experience as a teacher in the physical-chemical area as well as in biomedical sciences. Being a great enthusiastic of approaching teaching from a "scientific literacy" perspective, during his classes he highlights the human and environmental impact of the scientific endeavor. He addresses topics such as the biotechnological developments aimed to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of neglected diseases in Latin America, including Chagas disease and Dengue, which mainly affect vulnerable populations. These subjects work as a spark for the students, to raise awareness about the underlying social and political aspects of science. He greatly enjoys exchanging experiences and multicultural environments.
This is Martin's first year teaching Citizen Science. -
Kate Huffer (they/them)Kate Huffer is returning to teach Citizen Science for the second time. Kate is a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Kenton Swartz, PhD, at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in Bethesda, MD, where they study proteins called Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels that are involved in sensing a wide variety of physical and chemical stimuli in virtually every cell in the human body. They are particularly interested in what the structure of an ion channel can tell us about how it works and which drugs it might be sensitive to.
Kate Huffer (they/them)
Kate Huffer is returning to teach Citizen Science for the second time. Kate is a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Kenton Swartz, PhD, at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in Bethesda, MD, where they study proteins called Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels that are involved in sensing a wide variety of physical and chemical stimuli in virtually every cell in the human body. They are particularly interested in what the structure of an ion channel can tell us about how it works and which drugs it might be sensitive to.
Kate grew up in Green Bay, WI and received their bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College, where they majored in Neuroscience and Biological Chemistry. They then earned their PhD in Biology from the National Institutes of Health-Johns Hopkins Graduate Partnerships Program. They live just outside of Washington, D.C., and they enjoy knitting, spinning yarn, and biking. -
Anna Kazarina (she/her)Anna is a Microbiology PhD student in the Division of Biology at Kansas State University. Anna is originally from Russia but made the decision to study in the U.S. at the age of 17. Her PhD work focuses on understanding how microbes associated with Andropogon gerardii (aka big bluestem) roots affect plant host functions, specifically the ability to resist environmental stress.
Anna Kazarina (she/her)
Anna is a Microbiology PhD student in the Division of Biology at Kansas State University. Anna is originally from Russia but made the decision to study in the U.S. at the age of 17. Her PhD work focuses on understanding how microbes associated with Andropogon gerardii (aka big bluestem) roots affect plant host functions, specifically the ability to resist environmental stress.
Anna started her academic journey in the U.S. by receiving a bachelor’s in environmental science while playing tennis for Alcorn State University. Anna then completed her master’s at Kansas State University where she studied the effects of temporal dynamics and conservation agriculture management on the bacterial and fungal communities associated with the grass Panicum virgatum (aka switchgrass). Anna is passionate about science outreach and educating others about the greatness of biology. She is an active board member and a logistic coordinator for the Kansas Science Festival, which is a bridge between scientists and the public. Anna can be found on campus in her lab or teaching in the classroom. In her free time Anna loves to be active such as traveling, hiking, running, and playing tennis. -
Deborah Keszenman (she/her)Deborah earned her MD from the Universidad de la Republica’s School of Medicine in Montevideo, Uruguay, and her MS and PhD in Biophysics in the area of Radiation Biology from the Universidad de la Republica–PEDECIBA.
Deborah is returning to Citizen Science as an ten-year veteran.Deborah Keszenman (she/her)
Deborah earned her MD from the Universidad de la Republica’s School of Medicine in Montevideo, Uruguay, and her MS and PhD in Biophysics in the area of Radiation Biology from the Universidad de la Republica–PEDECIBA.
Deborah is returning to Citizen Science as an ten-year veteran.
Deborah Keszenman earned her MD from the Universidad de la Republica’s School of Medicine in Montevideo, Uruguay. Following her curiosity and desire of exploration of new areas, at an early stage of her medical studies she joined the Biophysics Department at the Medical School and started to do research in the area of DNA damage and repair. While working as a physician and teaching Biophysics at the Medical School, Deborah earned a MS and then a PhD in Biophysics in the area of Radiation Biology from the Universidad de la Republica–PEDECIBA. Deborah worked researching and teaching Biophysics at the Universidad de la Republica for more than 30 years, beginning as an honorary lecturer. She is a research member of the Project for Development of Basic Sciences PEDECIBA, Uruguay. In 2005, Deborah and her family moved to the United States where she continued her scientific career at the Biosciences Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York and in 2006 she became a Beam Line Scientist of the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL). In 2015, Dr. Keszenman returned to Uruguay to join the Group of Biophysical Chemistry as Professor of Biophysics at CENUR Litoral Norte in Salto, and to be in charge of the Environmental and Medical Radiation Biology Laboratory. Her scientific research is focused towards problems of radiation biology with potential application in clinical Medicine and with impact on the human-environment interaction. Deborah has specialized in the study of genomic responses to nitro-oxidative stress induced by UV, ionizing radiation, anticarcinogenic agents and pesticides at the molecular and cellular levels. Her research group is also studying the role of natural products on protective and adaptive responses to genomic damage induced by physical and chemical agents present in the environment. Her group is actively involved in the transference of all this basic knowledge to society to empower a sustainable development. -
Deborah A. Kravchuk (she/her)Deborah holds a B.S. in Physical Oceanography and Dynamic Meteorology from SUNY Maritime College; an MAED in Teacher Leadership and Curriculum from Ashford University, and an EdD in Teaching and Curriculum from Northcentral University.
Deborah A. Kravchuk (she/her)
Deborah holds a B.S. in Physical Oceanography and Dynamic Meteorology from SUNY Maritime College; an MAED in Teacher Leadership and Curriculum from Ashford University, and an EdD in Teaching and Curriculum from Northcentral University.
Deborah is the co-founder of Girls Rock STEM, an educational program for underrepresented female middle school students in the STEM Fields. She was named to the inaugural class of Master Teachers by the State of New York, is the recipient of the 2009 Science Teachers Association of New York (STANYS-SE) Earth Science Teacher of the Year, a 2015 finalist for New York State Teacher-of-the-Year. She has participated as a Teacher Fellow for the Mid-Hudson Young Environmental Science (MH-YES)Program And TeachNY Advisory Council. Deborah is a Regeneron STEM Teaching Fellow, National Science Foundation Fellow in Climate Change, National Geographic Certified Educator and has received multiple research grants from the National Science Foundation, the College Board, the American Academy for the Advancement of Sciences, the National Urban Alliance, and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. As an educator, she has presented at multiple conferences on Diversity and Equity in STEM Education, including; the National Differentiated Conference, National Science Teachers Association(NSTA) Conference and at the New York University (NYU) Steinhardt TAC-D Sumer Institute. She has been an adjunct member of the Bard College MAT Faculty since 2015 as well as being an adjunct in the MAT Program at SUNY Empire State College. Deborah is currently member of the SUNY Maritime College Council. This is her third year teaching Citizen Science. -
Maria De Freece Lawrence (she/her)Maria teaches science and STEM education to undergraduate, graduate students, and K-8 teachers.
Maria De Freece Lawrence (she/her)
Maria teaches science and STEM education to undergraduate, graduate students, and K-8 teachers.
She lives in Rhode Island and is excited to join the Citizen Science program this year! -
Sonny Lee (he/him)Sonny is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Biology at Kansas State University. He received his PhD in environmental science from the University of Auckland. Sonny is returning to teach his 7th Citizen Science!
Sonny Lee (he/him)
Sonny is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Biology at Kansas State University. He received his PhD in environmental science from the University of Auckland. Sonny is returning to teach his 7th Citizen Science!
After receiving his PhD in environmental science from the University of Auckland in New Zealand, he was a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Chicago Medicine. Sonny’s research has always been centered around understanding the interaction between the microbiome and its hosts, and how it is affected by the environment. His research extends from model systems in the ocean to terrestrial, and from human gut to plants. He investigates shifts in the coral microbiome as a result of climate change, and its impact on the coral host. He is also working on understanding the human immune system and its response to diseases, and how it can be mediated by the gut microbiome. Besides coral and human, Sonny is also keen to understand the influence of severe climate changes on the interaction between the plant host and its microbiome. He uses both laboratory work to investigate the mechanistic explanation of microbe-host cross talk and bioinformatics to analyze huge OMICs datasets. Sonny is always eager to share his experience and knowledge with others, and enjoys the opportunity to make science more approachable. During his free time you can find Sonny scuba diving and discovering the wonders of the underwater world, or trail running in the woods. -
Jessica Maccaro (she/her)Jessica Maccaro is a PhD Candidate in the Entomology Department at the University of California, Riverside, an NSF GRFP fellow and Gluck fellow. She studies bee-microbe coevolution in two main systems: vulture bee microbiomes and the evolution of pathogenicity of a group of fungi that only associate with bees.
Jessica Maccaro (she/her)
Jessica Maccaro is a PhD Candidate in the Entomology Department at the University of California, Riverside, an NSF GRFP fellow and Gluck fellow. She studies bee-microbe coevolution in two main systems: vulture bee microbiomes and the evolution of pathogenicity of a group of fungi that only associate with bees.
Jessica is dedicated to promoting affective, creative and trans-disciplinary approaches to science communication across several mediums. In the arts, she has organized and ran a workshop where graduate students in the sciences transform their research into art pieces and show them in 2 art shows Spring 2023. She has also published science poetry and works with kids to write poetry about insects to explore their relationship to them. She does insect macrophotography (https://jmacc0031.wixsite.com/mysite/), specializing in bee headshots! Her podcast called "Across the Cline" connects two people from seemingly very different backgrounds to explore the ways they relate to and inspire each other. She is extending this concept to found the Across The Cline Coalition -- A non-profit to connect people interested in creative, trans-disciplinary collaborations and display the results of their collaboration through different mediums (writing, art, audio, etc.). For more information, and if you want to join, contact her. She has several other projects at the intersection of the arts and sciences and is always looking to mentor students in combining their unique talents. -
Jamal Davis Neal, Jr.
(he/ they)Jamal Davis Neal, Jr. is a current Master of Divinity student at Yale Divinity School and recent Master's of Social Work graduate of UConn School of Social Work as part of a joint-degree program between the two schools.
This will be his first time teaching Citizen Science and he's looking forward to developing relationships with students!Jamal Davis Neal, Jr.
(he/ they)Jamal Davis Neal, Jr. is a current Master of Divinity student at Yale Divinity School and recent Master's of Social Work graduate of UConn School of Social Work as part of a joint-degree program between the two schools.
This will be his first time teaching Citizen Science and he's looking forward to developing relationships with students!
Jamal's last forayed into the scientific world was during their time in undergrad at the University of Vermont, where they graduated with a B.S. in Neuroscience in 2019. While the work he does now is not necessarily related to the hard sciences, he is encouraged by Citizen Science's goal of highlighting scientific literacy skills as central to being a good citizen, in interconnected relationship with one another and with our planet. When you meet them, feel free to ask them more about their switch from the field of hard sciences to the social science disciplines--they promise they have a story to tell you. (He would also love to hear your life narrative as well!) -
Sofia Polcowñuk
(she/her)Sofia holds a Ph.D. in Biology, is a neuroscientist by training, a wildlife ecologist by heart, a scientific writer, illustrator, and communicator. She is passionate about Biology; nature always amazed me.Sofia Polcowñuk
(she/her)Sofia holds a Ph.D. in Biology, is a neuroscientist by training, a wildlife ecologist by heart, a scientific writer, illustrator, and communicator. She is passionate about Biology; nature always amazed me.
Sofia started her career in a very different field with a more ecological background. She did her bachelor’s and master’s degree at the Universidad del Comahue in Bariloche, Argentina, where she was born. After her masters degree, she moved to Buenos Aires and started her Ph.D. at the Instituto Leloir, Universidad de Buenos Aires, in the Behavioural Genetics laboratory. There she worked with Drosophila Melanogaster to understand the mechanisms of circadian-controlled behaviours like locomotor activity. Currently, Sofia is a research associate at the University of Glasgow, UK and she continues her work with Drosophila as a model organism to understand gut-brain communication in the context of colorectal cancer and how intestinal diseases affect sleep. In her time outside of the lab, Sofia enjoys painting with watercolours and drawing. Sofia works to combine her research with art. She recently had her first exhibition at the Pint of Science event, Creative Reactions. Sofia enjoys hiking and is a yoga instructor. -
Alli Privitt (she/her)Alli Privitt has extensive experience in science education, teaching for a decade as a chemistry instructor. Alli earned a BS in Health Education, Chemistry, and Biology at Truman State University, an MA in Science Teaching & Instruction at Maryville University.
Alli Privitt (she/her)
Alli Privitt has extensive experience in science education, teaching for a decade as a chemistry instructor. Alli earned a BS in Health Education, Chemistry, and Biology at Truman State University, an MA in Science Teaching & Instruction at Maryville University.
Alli is a science educator, learning design expert, licensed skydiving coach, event coordinator for a retreat center in the Northwoods of Wisconsin where she lives, and a full time entrepreneur. As a science instructor and entrepreneur, Alli is committed to building lifelong personal learning and development in any environment. She believes purpose is found in the path of releasing perfection, moving consistently forward, and putting in the hard work. Alli has a diverse background in science, health education, public education, professional development leadership, personalized coaching, curriculum design, community outreach, nonprofit leadership.
As a teacher, she has helped thousands of students overcome almost all academic challenges, many of which have to do with mindset. Other than her passion for teaching and learning, she also loves to skydive, enjoys mango-banana smoothies, running marathons, weight training, traveling to volcanic islands chains (think Hawaii, the Galapagos, the Azores, Dominican Republic, Iceland, and New Zealand), and avidly watching the original reality television show that started them all: Survivor -
Shannon Roback (she/her)Shannon Roback, D.Env. is the Science Director at Riverkeeper. Her research is focused on identifying new toxic drinking water pollutants, assessing their toxicity and developing remediation strategies for contaminated water.
Shannon Roback (she/her)
Shannon Roback, D.Env. is the Science Director at Riverkeeper. Her research is focused on identifying new toxic drinking water pollutants, assessing their toxicity and developing remediation strategies for contaminated water.
Dr. Roback has a doctoral degree from University of California, Los Angeles in Environmental Science and Engineering as well as MS and BS degrees in Environmental Health Science. She has worked with water agencies and collaborators throughout the U.S. as well as in Europe, Japan, Israel, China and Canada on solving water quality problems posed by emerging trace organic pollutants. In addition to her research, Dr. Roback works with a variety of local and state governments, educational institutions and community organizations to develop educational, public outreach and workforce development programs to increase awareness of pressing water problems and build a knowledgeable, sustainable and diverse water workforce. -
Jeanette Starpine (they/them)While completing their chemistry PhD in Sydney, Australia at the University of New South Wales, Jeanette discovered the joy of science education and hasn't looked back.
They've had the privilege to teach both formally and informally to a range of levels from graduate school to preschool and everything in betweenJeanette Starpine (they/them)
While completing their chemistry PhD in Sydney, Australia at the University of New South Wales, Jeanette discovered the joy of science education and hasn't looked back.
They've had the privilege to teach both formally and informally to a range of levels from graduate school to preschool and everything in between
Jeanette is currently the Director of Education, Outreach and Diversity for a chemistry research center at UC San Diego. Whether it’s through research experiences or educational hands-on activities, Jeanette loves to guide people become curious about science and find it in their everyday lives. When not nerd-ing out about science Jeanette loves to be outside soaking up the sun. They live with their partner, two cats, and many plants in the place we call San Diego, which is located on Kumeyaay land. -
Kathryn Tabb (she/her)Kathryn is an assistant professor of philosophy at Bard, with affiliations in Experimental Humanities and Human Rights.
Kathryn Tabb (she/her)
Kathryn is an assistant professor of philosophy at Bard, with affiliations in Experimental Humanities and Human Rights.
Her background is in history and philosophy of science, and she has a special interest in psychiatry and mental health. -
Andrea VictorAndy has extensive experience teaching High School Science. She recently recently retired after 26 years! Her schooling has been in Geology for which she holds both a Bachelors of Science (William & Mary) and a Masters of Science (University of Delaware). This is her first year with Citizen Science.
Andrea Victor
Andy has extensive experience teaching High School Science. She recently recently retired after 26 years! Her schooling has been in Geology for which she holds both a Bachelors of Science (William & Mary) and a Masters of Science (University of Delaware). This is her first year with Citizen Science.
Prior to teaching Andy worked as an Environmental Geologist conducting groundwater and soil studies for local businesses. In her teaching career she taught a variety of subjects including AP Environmental, Paleontology and Earth Science. As an educator her goal was to share her love of the subject, the Earth, and to promote effective communication skills. Andy lives in the Hudson Valley and enjoys rowing on the Hudson River. -
Kellie Vinal (she/her)Kellie Vinal, Ph.D. is a science writer, educator, producer, storyteller, and interdisciplinary artist based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Kellie Vinal (she/her)
Kellie Vinal, Ph.D. is a science writer, educator, producer, storyteller, and interdisciplinary artist based in Atlanta, Georgia.
She's exorbitantly jazzed about where science, art, and society meet and generally can't sit still. -
Nykia Walker (she/her)Nyki is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and studies breast cancer research. She loves to perform research and mentoring students. Nyki's overall goal is to stand up to cancer by developing novel cell-based approaches to prevent breast cancer metastasis. Besides working in the lab, Nyki loves estate sales, cooking, music, dancing, laughing, and traveling.
Nykia Walker (she/her)
Nyki is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and studies breast cancer research. She loves to perform research and mentoring students. Nyki's overall goal is to stand up to cancer by developing novel cell-based approaches to prevent breast cancer metastasis. Besides working in the lab, Nyki loves estate sales, cooking, music, dancing, laughing, and traveling.
Nyki has lived in five different cities including Baltimore, Chicago, Bayonne, NJ, Houston and Philadelphia (born and raised) and really enjoys meeting new people and exploring new things. From September to February, you can find her every Sunday afternoon cheering on her beloved 2017 Super Bowl Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. Prior to the pandemic, she rescued a 3-year-old schnoodle (schnauzer and poodle mix) named King George. King George loves running, belly rubs, bananas and ice cream which has been fun during the pandemic. Nyki has been teaching CitSci since 2019 and is becoming more enlighten by Bardians each year. -
Signe White (she/her)Signe is a postdoc in the Department of Integrative Biology at UC Berkeley researching infectious disease dynamics. She uses a moth host and its virus as a model system. She has previously taught at Citizen Science in the communications and science & policy strands. She's passionate about science communication and seeks to make science more accessible and understandable to the general public.
Signe White (she/her)
Signe is a postdoc in the Department of Integrative Biology at UC Berkeley researching infectious disease dynamics. She uses a moth host and its virus as a model system. She has previously taught at Citizen Science in the communications and science & policy strands. She's passionate about science communication and seeks to make science more accessible and understandable to the general public.
Signe received her bachelor's degree from Indiana University in anthropology, then a PhD in Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution from Emory University. After her PhD, she was a postdoc at UC San Diego, where she studied microbiomes of marine algae before starting a new postdoc at UC Berkeley. She also enjoys natural history, trail running, cycling, embroidery and cross-stitching, and insect photography. -
Melissa Willhouse (she/her)Melissa resides in the DC Metropolitan Area and works in communications.
Melissa Willhouse (she/her)
Melissa resides in the DC Metropolitan Area and works in communications.
She obtained her MS in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University, and her BA in Communication Studies from Rider University. In addition to managing the website for a clean power organization, Melissa is also an online adjunct for a university in Maine. She takes pride in using her storytelling skills to excite others about the natural world and encourage them to take action. When Melissa isn't working, she enjoys photography, spending time in nature, and relaxing with her two cats. -
Monika Yordanova (she/her)Monika has a MRes in Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation from University College London where she took courses in Science communication and has been an editor at multiple scientific magazines including The Scientist's Scribe and Kinezis magazine
Monika Yordanova (she/her)
Monika has a MRes in Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation from University College London where she took courses in Science communication and has been an editor at multiple scientific magazines including The Scientist's Scribe and Kinezis magazine
She is currently a doctoral student at Imperial College London, focusing on understanding how chemical stressors can influence bee disease risks. At Bard college, she hopes to instil an enthusiasm for knowledge and the pursuit of the scientific method in the citizens of tomorrow to help guide their decisions and views of the world.
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