Archives for Podcast

Broader Impacts Defined and Helpful Communication Tips, with Dr. Michael Thompson – Ep #10

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What do you think of when you hear the term, “Broader Impacts?” Have you ever received a brief and definitive explanation of the term? To remove all confusion and cut to the heart of what this term means is the Broader Impacts Guy himself, Dr. Michael Thompson. 

Dr. Thompson is currently on the Senior Staff of the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Founding Director of the Broader Impacts in Research organization at the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Thompson specializes in Impact Strategy, Professional Faculty Development, Broader Impact Research, Proposal Development, Social Entrepreneurship, and much more.


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Innovative Ways to Highlight Science and Policy Work, with Dr. Jeffrey Toney – Ep #9

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When was the last time a science and policy article went viral? If you are struggling to think of one, you aren’t alone. With the help of skilled professionals like Dr. Jeffrey Toney, the tide might be changing. 

Dr. Jeffrey Toney is an educator and a scientist whose career has spanned academia and the pharmaceutical industry. He serves as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Kean University in Union, Toms River, and Manahawkin, New Jersey, as well as Wenzhou, China. Kean University is focused on access and opportunity. His news media publications include Huffington Post, 


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How to be a Powerhouse in Science Advocacy Work, with Dr. Adriana Bankston – Ep #8

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What does it take to kickstart a career in science advocacy? Do you need to make the right connections and relationships at the right time or is a “make it up as you go” type of endeavor? If you’ve wondered about getting involved with this critical work, you’ve come to the right place. Here to share her experience getting involved with science advocacy is Dr. Adriana Bankston.

Dr. Bankston is a skeletal muscle biologist turned science policy researcher. She is a member of the Board of Directors at Future of Research, a nonprofit organization with a mission to champion,


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Scientists’ Unique Advantage in Running for Office, with Shaughnessy Naughton – Ep #7

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Did you know that there is a distinct and valuable advantage to having more scientists running for office? When scientists step out and contribute to the political process, we get more people making policy decisions that value facts and evidence. During the midterm elections, ten new science-credentialed candidates were elected: one senator and nine members of the House.

The current members of the 115th Congress include one physicist, one microbiologist, and one chemist, as well as eight engineers and one mathematician. The medical professions are slightly better represented, with three nurses and 15 doctors, as well as at least three veterinarians.


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How to Get Involved with Science Policy Work, with Dr. Elizabeth Wayne – Ep #6

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What does it take to get involved with science policy work substantively and effectively? Are the opportunities out there easy to find or do you have to do some digging? In this episode, you’ll hear from Dr. Elizabeth Wayne as she opens up about her journey into science policy work, why science shouldn’t stay out of politics, the value of civic engagement, and so much more.

Dr. Wayne is an award-winning biomedical engineer, TED Fellow, speaker, and advocate for women in higher education. She is also the co-host of the PhDivas Podcast. Dr. Wayne is currently a National Cancer Institute Cancer Nanotechnology Training Program Postdoctoral Fellow in the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at UNC-Chapel Hill.


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Why We Need More People Engaged in Civic Activism, with Mark Epley – Ep #5

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What will it take to get more people engaged with civic activism? Too often, people think of voting as their primary means to make an impact politically. The truth is, you can do so much more than merely vote. Don’t let the media’s narrow focus on national topics blind you from what is going on in your backyard. Mark Epley is here to help unpack this concept of civic activism and how everyone can get engaged.

Mark currently works on Capitol Hill as the General Counsel to Congressman Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the U.S.


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Cultivating a Diversified Skill Set, with Chequeta Allen – Ep #4

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What is the best way to set yourself up for success in the public square? Does it come down to knowing the right people or connecting to the right organization? Those strategies certainly help, but you should also consider cultivating a diversified skill set. Bringing her wealth of experience to this relevant topic is my guest, Chequeta Allen.

Chequeta is the consummate professional. She has led a multifaceted career in both the public and private sectors. At USC, Chequeta taught Health Information Systems for nearly five years in the MHA program. Currently, Chequeta is making an impact in her role as the Product Marketing Director of Healthcare &


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Getting People Excited about Exploring the Ocean Floor, with Dr. Dawn Wright – Ep #3

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Were you aware that we know very little about the ocean floor? It’s true! In fact, scientists have mapped more of the surface of the moon than the ocean floor! Part of the reason is, in many ways, its easier to observe the moon’s surface than the ocean floor. Here to help get people excited about science and oceanography, in particular, is Dr. Dawn Wright.

Dr. Wright is a leading authority in the application of geographic information system (GIS) technology to the field of ocean science. She has played a key role in creating the first GIS data model for the oceans.


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Can Scientific Facts Change Minds? Dr. Bruce Lewenstein – Ep #2

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When was the last time you changed your opinion about something significant based on scientific facts? If you are anything like the average American, chances are you can’t think of one! Does that mean scientific research and it’s dissemination into the public square is unnecessary? Here to address this important question is Dr. Bruce Lewenstein.

Dr. Lewenstein is Professor of Science Communication and chair of the Department of Science & Technology Studies at Cornell University. Trained as a historian of science, he works across the field of public communication of science and technology, including informal science education,


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When Science Speaks – Mark’s New Podcast

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When Science Speaks is a new web series profiling innovative and interesting people working in science and technical fields - from academia, to industry, to the non-profit world.

Mark and his guests will explore:

  • How to be a powerhouse advocate for science and your research
  • How to advance your career in meaningful ways that make you happy
  • How to push back on the ongoing assault on science, and
  • Other related issues of interest happening in the world of science

You are invited to listen and to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app or podcast player.


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