REINVENTED ISSUE 08
the
SciComm issue
RAVEN the SCIENCE MAVEN Putting the A in STEAM
SUMMER 2021
Team Credits EDITOR IN CHIEF Caeley Looney Hi Mom!
WRITING Officer: Aparna Rajesh Officer: Vilina Mehta Director: Meghana Krishna
Abigayle Peterson Aysia Torres Erin Robinson Grace Pfohl Isabel Powell Jenn Toso Lavanya Sharma Luyang Zhang Madeleine Bloomer Madeline Day Rachel Mason Samyukta Iyer Sona Popat Zhao Gu Gammage
ASK GLORIA Gloria Kimbwala
PUBLISHING Officer: Laura Peckyno Isabelle Tran Laurel Ferguson Patricia Mercado Sandy Zhang
GUEST WRITERS Kathy Ceceri
page 2 | Team Credits
CREATIVE CCO: Avika Patel Director: Aditi Shinde Director: Alice Liu Director: Christine Ao Director: Megan Jacob Manager: Niamh Murphy Manager: Sarah Bargfrede Anna Below Anoushka Shrivastava Caroline Dinh Faith Lam Jada Hunter Hays Jasmine Lin Jolie Miller Joyce Zhao Lisa Lam Lynn Nguyen Maria Fernanda Sagastume Nithya Guduri Reyna Morales Lumagui Rimi Chakravarti Vrinda Bansal
VOLUNTEERS Allison Maurice Ananya Balaji Andrea Lawrence Cara Stievater Chantelle Faria Estrella Popoca Hannah Warsame Jacleen Nardiello Jessica Paul Keerthi Sekar Krisha Khandelwal Madeline Estey Maesen Silva Mariana Toledo Mavis Murdock Miranda Liu Natasha Matta Nirmiti Nerkar Priti Sharma Riya Patel Sareena Patel Sravya Nagalakunta Taylor Kohnow
FINANCE Director: Palak Mehta Manager: Amy Zheng Manager: Avantika Samanta
Manager: Nandini Goyal Manager: Niyati Patel Charlotte Picardo Risha Bhat
OPERATIONS COO: Aly Trevino COO: Renee Becker-Blau Director: Aashni Patel Director: Nikki Stout Director: Snigdha Saha Manager: Aneesha Kodati Manager: Divya Sharma Manager: Erika Torkildsen Manager: Madhu Suraj Aisha Lawrey Amanda Sherman Claire Carvalho Crystal Huynh Devon Langley Jolene Lee Kendall Hoes Olamide Fadahunsi Sharafa Mohammed Shayna Weinstein Vasundhara Bagchi
SPECIAL THANKS Carla Sinclair James Cornett Jen Jones Karen Peterson Ruthe Farmer Sherry Huss Xyla Foxlin
MARKETING CMO: Rachel Weeks Director: Anjali Cherukuri Director: Kaitlyn Davey Director: Marie Young Director: Varija Mehta Manager: Anika Garg Manager: Armita Hosseini Manager: Emma Fedewa Manager: Kristina Lian Manager: Sanjana Yeddula Manager: Sharafa Mohammed
Abigail Jolteus Amelie Tran Ayushi Kumar Ella Sunghyun Kang Gizem Ilayda Öztürk Hansa Sree Karen Velderrain-Lopez Leah Marie Baluyot Pranika Chandra Sanjita Maram Shakaani Nasankar Shamailah Haque Vaishnavi Venuturimilli
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Letter
FROM
The Editor Hey Readers! I still can’t believe it’s already June. I literally have no clue where this year went. I’m about 95% sure it’s actually still February of 2020. I’m still working from home, and my collection of pajamas is still growing. I’ve gained what people keep calling the ‘quarantine fifteen’ (and I’m starting to be totally cool with it since it seems I’m not alone). Since I’ve been home, I’ve been able to do more of the things I’ve always wanted to do, like posting on my Instagram more regularly, playing with the Cricut I got for Christmas, and connecting with some really amazing women in STEM. While this pandemic has brought on many challenges, it also made STEM and STEM education more accessible. From virtual hackathons to women in STEM conferences gone viral, students now have nearly unlimited access to educational content, right from the comfort of their homes. One benefit of this push toward greater accessibility for STEM education is the rise in recognition for science communicators - or SciCommers - and that’s what this issue is all about.
Science communication has been crucial during this pandemic. From helping people understand how the virus works and how it spreads, to keeping people informed on vaccinations and new mandates, SciCommers have taken the world by storm. This pandemic isn’t the only topic SciCommers have been leveraging their platforms to discuss; in the last year, the world has witnessed milestones in medicine, space exploration, and even diversity initiatives. The ladies featured in this issue use their platforms to explain the significance behind some of these milestones in an engaging, easily comprehensible format. One thing I think you’ll realize through many of these interviews is that these women are busy. Most not only have full-time jobs as engineers or are in school working on their degrees and Ph.D.s, but, on top of all of that, they also take time to curate content for the public. So here is my quarterly reminder for all of you to take time for yourself. I was recently told there are 1,440 minutes in every day, which was a great data point for my very data-driven brain, and you are worth at least 1% of them. That 1% is only 15 minutes. I get it; life can get chaotic. College applications, homework, exams, deadlines at work -- they all build up, and you can feel stuck with no end in sight. But, the truth is, if you don’t recognize when you need a break and give yourself that 1%, you will burn out. The world may certainly feel different as circumstances continue to evolve, but don’t forget the importance of selfcare. And if you ever need to take a break and relax, go give some of these SciCommers some love and check out their awesome content! To Infinity & Beyond, Caeley Looney
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Letter from the Editor | page 3
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How To Get Started In SciComm
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Historical Figure: Mary Somerville Everyday Changemakers: Camille - The Galactic Gal 18 Meena Das 20 Krystal Horton 22 Diana - Latina Engineer 24 Dr. Sian Proctor 16
Reinvented's Favorite YouTubers Feature: Raven the Science Maven Tips For Overcoming Burnout SciComm via Different Platforms Creative SciComm DIY Section
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Breaking Into
Become a Science Communicator BY: ABIGAYLE PETERSON
Dedicated to Educate In the world of academia and scientific discovery, our thoughts and words shape our method of processing information. Research papers inspire books, movies, press releases, and even legislation that reinforce innovations that benefit humanity. Like academic information created by people, the World Wide Web, also called the internet, is a purely technical creation that once existed as a figment of someone’s imagination. The internet serves not only as a testament to our advancement in science and technology but also a service to instantly exchange opinions, facts, news, and much more. Because of the internet’s features, American society now has the potential to access billions of pieces of information faster than generations before. This slew of data and pictures on the web, however, may leave individuals feeling overwhelmed. There is so much to discover; the need for specific people to summarize the large pieces of data to help everyone understand advanced topics on the web has never been more crucial. Science communication exists as the pathway that bridges communities together through a passion for action and advocacy in STEM. It holds the potential to act as the bridge between the perplexing, hidden knowledge on the internet and the general public.
By the People, For the People Science communication, commonly referred to as SciComm, is the practice of informing, educating, and raising awareness of science-related topics; in page 8 | Breaking Into SciComm
essence, it is the act of increasing the enthusiasm and sense of wonder about scientific discoveries and arguments. The topics scientific communicators cover range from thermodynamics to quantum computing to materials science—and they must be able to present complex research in a digestible manner. Science communicators work to educate nonexperts on what were previously niche and hard-to-understand topics in STEM. Although their expertise may be rooted in various scientific fields, science communicators bridge the gap between scientific understanding and the public. By breaking down topics like artificial intelligence and thermal expansion, science communicators propel us, the people, towards a brighter, more informed future.
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Harnessing the Power of SciComm
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A common misconception in the SciComm community is that you need a degree in science or science communication in order to effectively educate others about STEM topics. This could not be further than the truth. The most important skill in SciComm is the ability to condense a challenging STEM subject into a fascinating one through effective communication and organization. A college journalism program or just a knack for education, for example, can be enough to be a successful science communicator. They foster the skills necessary for a career in SciComm— skills such as writing, research, outreach, and public speaking. SciComm both increases knowledge in interpersonal and academic endeavors, which is the ideal combination for anyone who has a passion for all things STEM. Breaking Into SciComm | page 9
Pathways to Excitement and Innovation It’s not rocket science, but anyone can start immersing themselves in the realm of science communication at any given age. By definition, “Science Communicator” means presenting the field of STEM in an engaging yet informative way. Have a passion for sea animals? Consider creating an enjoyable presentation about dolphins. Love computer science and music? Explain the code behind a popular video game franchise in the form of a musical number. Interested in outer space? Check out Instagram’s TikTok-like feature to create a video on educating others about our galaxy. With the countless number of STEM fields and artistic mediums, the possibilities are countless. The only limit to becoming a science communicator is your imagination.
Education and Inspiration For All
Although it is recommended one has a solid background in STEM through a college degree program, the most important aspect of becoming a science communicator is your passion for the field. Because passion fuels purpose, one’s motivation for increasing one’s knowledge in STEM increases exponentially. In your local community, there are most likely flyers for attending (virtual for now) science fairs, STEM conventions, even volunteer opportunities for outreach events. These are all unique opportunities to both enhance your understanding of STEM and help brainstorm ideas for new ways to inspire others to pursue the same activities. page 10 | Breaking Into SciComm
SciComm offers a wide array of careers for people of all different backgrounds and perspectives. By publishing scientific papers, hosting STEM-themed podcasts, and managing interactive social media accounts, science communicators have the ability to excitedly share the knowledge that explains natural phenomena in the mysterious world around us. If you choose to work in SciComm, regardless of whether you choose to become an educator, medical writer, or start a new SciComm centric Instagram profile, you will undoubtedly facilitate the exchange of useful information pertaining to different STEM disciplines. Indeed, the internet is a vast place full of ideas, opinions, facts, and communities. And as the internet grows to include more websites and users, we need to encourage more passionate STEM advocates to pursue paths in SciComm in order to make overwhelming information on the web (and beyond) easier to digest for everyone of all educational backgrounds. Through education, writing, inspiration, and public speaking, science communicators will harness the power of scientific knowledge and empathy to grant everyone a chance to have a newfound appreciation for STEM.
y Somerville Mary Somerville ry SomervilleMary Somervill Somerville Mary SomervilleM Mary Somerville Mary Somerv Mary SomervilleMary Somer FIGURE: ry Somerville Mary Somervil Mary Somerville Mary Somer Mary SomervilleMary Some ary Somerville Mary Somervi y Somerville Mary Somerville ry SomervilleMary Somervill Somerville Mary SomervilleM
HISTORICAL y r a M rville e m oS BY: JENN TOSO
Mary Somerville (1780 - 1872) was born during a time when education was not offered or even encouraged for women, but she persisted. Not only did Mary educate herself but went on to educate others. Her ability to take complicated scientific facts and translate them into concepts that the general public could understand and enjoy became her superpower. It was Mary’s fascination with algebra that instilled her craving for education. Discovering algebraic symbols quite by accident, Mary was mesmerized and immediately wanted to learn more. She studied whenever and wherever she could despite her parents’ misgivings. The reality that Mary lived in was that education was thought to be unhealthy for women. It was a common belief that education may even cause physical and mental harm to a woman because of her delicate nature.
Young Mary Somerville
"Jackson John - Mary Somerville (1780-1872), as a Young Woman" by wl.glazewski is marked with CC PDM 1.0
Mary’s pursuit of education continued into adulthood even though her first husband discouraged her at every turn. Mary continued to educate herself while caring for their two children, maintaining the house, and keeping up with social obligations. After his death, her second husband William Somerville was impressed by his wife’s educational attributes and encouraged her to expand her studies with Greek, geology, botany, and mineralogy. In 1827, Lord Henry Brougham made a request that would kickstart Mary’s superpower. Lord Henry asked Mary if she would be interested in translating Pierre Laplace’s "Celestial Mechanics." She hesitated at first due to her lack of formal education but eventually agreed with the support of her husband. Four years later, "Mechanism of the Heavens" was published. Mary did not simply translate "Celestial Mechanics"; she breathed life into it. She added comments and explanations so that the reader would fully understand the concepts. She made the content enjoyable and approachable to persons that did not inherently understand scientific concepts. The beauty of Mary’s gift was turning the scientific word into verbiage that was understandable and relatable. Her gift in scientific communication was wondrous and profound. Laplace, the author that her translation was based on, praised her and claimed that Mary was one of the few who truly understood his work. Her book was not only profitable, but it was so clear and concise it was used as a college text for the next century. page 12 | Mary Somerville
Mary later published "Physical Geography" (1848) and "On Molecular and Microscopic Science" (1869). Each piece took the reader further into science by explanation and example. Continuing to go beyond simply explaining scientific facts, Mary wanted her readers to know the who, where, and why behind the science. Mary Somerville achieved respect in the scientific community despite being a woman and was often discouraged from these pursuits. She was awarded the Victoria Gold Medal at the Royal Geographical Society of London and the Geographical Society of Florence’s Victor Emmanuel Gold Medal in 1869. Mary Somerville died November 29th, 1872, in Naples, Italy, of natural causes at the age of 91. She left behind a legacy of written work, numerous scientific society memberships, and, most importantly, accolades as a respected science expositor and champion for women’s education.
Mary’s next book, "Preliminary Dissertation on the Mechanism of the Heavens," was the introduction from "Mechanism of the Heavens" printed as a separate piece of work. In 1883, following her recent publications, Mary became an honorary member of the Royal Astronomical Society, along with Caroline Herschel, a German-born British astronomer, sister to William Herschel. Mary and Caroline were the first women to be bestowed this honor. Mary’s next publication, "The Connection of the Physical Sciences," was published in 1834. This book was even more successful than her previous publications, and Mary continued to make science available to everyone. Mary not only brought the concept of the physical sciences together for her audience, she also expanded on it and explained how branches of science came together and often intertwined in techniques and ideas.
Book: On Molecular and Microscopic Science
"On molecular and microscopic science" by Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, UofT is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Mary Somerville | page 13
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ILLUSTRATION BY: CAROLINE DINH
The Duality of Camille Calibeo BY: ZHAO GU GAMMAGE GRAPHICS BY: SARAH BARGFREDE
Albert Einstein was an esteemed physicist … and musician. Camille Calibeo, the voice behind The Galactic Gal, is one such multi-talented personage. She is an aerospace engineer and trumpeter, as well as a science communicator and STEMinist. Her journey to becoming this versatile individual did not come easy. Calibeo faced adversity in becoming the multifaceted person she is today; since there is a gender gap and lack of support in pursuing engineering and music, originating from female stereotyping in the male-dominated fields, Calibeo felt discouraged from following her passions. Growing up, Calibeo enjoyed math, and she was good at it, too. Yet, she faced discrimination for her interest in math solely because she was a girl. She lacked social support and opportunities to learn about engineering, so Calibeo was unable to explore her curiosities there. She felt shut out of STEM and decided to learn the trumpet. Although she faced gender discrimination for this as well, her parents’ encouragement propelled her to continue. Calibeo soon wanted more music education than her traditional public high school offered. She then began looking into and applied to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, an institution that awards high school, undergraduate, and graduate degrees, and was accepted as a high school student. While there, she noticed her peers unapologetically pursued their passions, which inspired her to rekindle her enthusiasm for math. Her time at UNCSA also enabled her to surpass her own musical expectations—she became one of the best high school trumpet players in the country and received offers to enroll at top music conservatories for college. When selecting a college, Calibeo knew she wanted to attend a school with math and music opportunities. When on a tour at the University of Tennessee, the dean of the institution explained the many opportunities the school offered for women in STEM. That was one of the many reasons that, during the fall of her senior year, she applied to and was later accepted into the University of Tennessee. page 16 | Camille Calibeo
In college, Calibeo majored in aerospace engineering and continued playing the trumpet on the side. Midway through college, however, she had a neck injury and had to discontinue playing the trumpet. She had built a relationship with music and felt heartbroken when she was forced to cease playing. But she still continued with her other passion. She enjoyed her engineering classes and eventually landed internships at top aerospace companies like Pratt & Whitney and Lockheed Martin. But after completing her internships, she felt conflicted since engineering classes peaked her interest, but practical applications for engineering did not. As her graduation date approached, she felt confined when considering job prospects. After graduating in 2019, Calibeo became an aerospace engineer for Lockheed Martin. She worked on the Artemis Program, the NASA program that is sending humanity back to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, including the first woman. Regardless of how important her work was, she still disliked being a traditional engineer. Instead of continuing her career as a traditional engineer, she thought about other jobs she could do at Lockheed Martin and became interested in
business development, which combines engineering and business. She also realized her passion for teaching the general public about science and space, so she decided to take a chance and start her own science communication platform, The Galactic Gal. Created in 2020, The Galactic Gal is a science communication platform through which Calibeo aims to make aerospace more accessible. On her website, she consistently updates a blog that touches on everything from the modern history of space, to life as a woman in a male-dominated field, to combating imposter syndrome. On her YouTube channel, she interviews other people pursuing multiple STEAM, like people working in the space industry and theater. Additionally, she hosts space-related events, and livestreamed interviews with other aerospace engineers to further raise awareness about diversity in the field. Calibeo uses her experience as a woman in STEM to encourage and empower girls to follow their passions. She promotes her brand by collaborating with other women in STEM as well. In its first year, The Galactic Gal has garnered an impressive audience —her Instagram page has gained over 26,000 followers, and YouTube channel over 2,100 views. She ultimately hopes The Galactic Gal “empowers [women with] the strength to embrace their femininity and make aerospace accessible to everyone.”
“Being able to bring creativity, and humanity, and artistry to engineering lets me think differently about creative problem-solving.” In engaging her creative and technical backgrounds, Calibeo has formed a unique way to combine her diverse interests. In aerospace, she intends to make the field more understandable to everyone, not just engineers. And in STEM as a whole, she intends to empower women to embrace their femininity. Hopeful about her impact on the field, she remarks, “There are so many more opportunities available to everyone, and it’s my goal to bring these to light.”
Calibeo’s background in music and engineering has enabled her to think creatively when crafting The Galactic Gal. Instead of creating material chock-full of technical jargon she appeals to both engineers and the general public alike. Additionally, she publishes writing independent of engineering altogether, such as articles about studying tips and resumé-building.
To learn more about her website, check out the QR Code Below
Camille Calibeo | page 17
Meena Das
Disability Activist Talks Tech Accessibility and Self-Acceptance BY: MEGHANA KRISHNA
Though nearly a quarter of adults in the United States live with some form of disability, discussions surrounding the topic are often swept under the rug. Twenty-four-year-old disability activist Meena Das, however, is working to destroy the taboo. She’s fighting for a world in which individuals of all abilities are accepted fully, encouraged to embrace their differences as strengths rather than as handicaps. At the age of five, Meena was diagnosed with a stutter, a speech disorder involving problems with the normal fluency and flow of speech. As she grew older and more self-conscious, Meena’s self-esteem deteriorated. She withdrew socially, fearing her stutter would be ridiculed by her peers. Though her family was supportive and encouraged her to always speak up, others weren’t always as empathetic or as accommodating of her needs. Meena recalls being excluded from classroom discussions and school debate competitions because her teachers believed she took too much time to speak. “At first, I just felt relief when teachers pulled me out of debates because speaking in front of so many people was such a stressful thing for me. But eventually, I started to feel like I wasn’t on par with my classmates,” Meena remembers. As a child, Meena was forced to bear the burden of her peers’ unfounded beliefs about what a stutter implied about her intelligence and competence; she couldn’t help but absorb many of the soft expectations placed on her by teachers and peers. page 18 | Meena Das
Today, Meena has shattered nearly every stereotype about what it means to live with a disability. She is completing her master’s degree in computer science and has accepted an offer to join Microsoft as a software engineer. Meena has also established herself as a champion for the disabled community, spearheading initiatives to make technology more accessible and empowering disabled individuals through advocacy. At 17, Meena took an eight-thousand-mile leap of faith, moving to the United States from India to study at Mississippi State University. Her decision to study abroad was a major milestone, proof that a disability couldn’t limit her independence. Adapting to life in a foreign country far from family was a challenge—at home, Meena relied on her mother to help her make phone calls, set up appointments, and talk to new people. With the help of faculty and other support groups at MSU, however, Meena slowly embraced her newfound autonomy. As a freshman, Meena joined a research lab where she first encountered the concept of tech accessibility (how easily people of varying abilities and disabilities can use a tool). She was also introduced to Access Computing, an organization dedicated to making computer sciencebased careers more accessible for people with disabilities. After receiving a grant to conduct a programming workshop for blind and low-vision students, Meena realized just how large the accessibility gap was.
disabilities club, for example) can also provide an opportunity to share struggles, vent, and find hope and encouragement. Meena points to her own Facebook group, called Working With Disabilities, as a resource that has helped hundreds of disabled youth find support.
Meena has since become a passionate advocate for disability inclusion in tech. She’s spoken at numerous conferences on accessibility and written for magazines where she shares her expertise on making tech products accessible to people with disabilities. Meena also served as a member of Disability:IN’s NextGen Council, where she shared a student perspective on disability inclusion and actively mentored over 100 disabled youth. For her mentorship efforts, she was recently inducted into the Susan M. Daniels National Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame. Meena encourages everyone, regardless of ability, to learn more about disabled individuals’ lived experiences and examine their prejudices.
Most importantly, Meena cautions against accepting the limitations set by others. “When I was little, I used to dream of giving speeches in front of huge audiences,” Meena recalls. “I nevernjnjn thought it was possible for someone like me. But now, years later, I’ve given multiple speeches in front of large audiences.” Today, Meena embraces her disability as a superpower. Individuals with disabilities have unique gifts deserving of recognition and respect—until we, as a society, can all embrace the perspectives and talents of every person, says Meena, we’re doing ourselves a disservice.
“In terms of action, you can start with the smallest of things for example, when you post a social media photo, make sure to add an image description so blind and low-vision users can utilize their screen-reader to understand what’s in a picture,” recommends Meena. “When you create videos, make sure to have captions.” Meena also shared advice for disabled youth struggling to accept themselves. “Never think less of yourself,” says Meena. “Know your rights. Educate yourself on the disability disclosure and accommodation processes. And remember, you don’t have to inspire others to matter.” Finding the right mentor can be incredibly impactful, notes Meena: “Seeing individuals facing similar challenges to you succeed provides an immense confidence boost.” Joining a supportive community (like a students with njnjnjnnn
Meena Das | page 19
Bringing STEM to the Next Gen:
Krystal Horton on Making Science Fun Again BY: MEGHANA KRISHNA
Studies show students’ interest in STEM subjects begins to decline at the start of adolescence. Though this trend has been attributed to a variety of factors, a lack of engaging educational content is, particularly for girls, a key contributor. Nineteen-year-old STEM activist Krystal Horton, however, wants to change the narrative around science. Krystal’s father introduced her to physics when she was young in an exciting, age-appropriate manner that built the foundation for her love of science. Being a physics and chemistry teacher, Krystal’s father would often concoct science demonstrations at home to help him prepare for classes. Krystal and her older brother were eager spectators. “Some of my favorite demonstrations involved dropping Mentos in Diet Coke and making Alka-Seltzer bottle rockets,” Krystal recalls. Though Krystal didn’t understand the physics behind the experiments as a child, she credits her father with inspiring her fascination for all forms of science. When Krystal was eleven years old, her uncle gifted her a Raspberry Pi microcontroller. He gave her a brief rundown on how to set it up and send basic commands through a Vim text editor. With the help of YouTube tutorials and textbooks, Krystal began teaching herself how to program robots. Learning robotics was challenging—although Krystal learned a lot through the resources she found, she realized robotics content generally wasn’t very child-friendly. page 20 | Krystal Horton
For example, I shared that I failed two midterms the other week. I want people to know that it’s okay - it’s not the end of the world, and failure is going to happen.
To mitigate the issue, Krystal started her own blog called Raspberry Pi Kid. “I thought I could put things in kid language so that other kids would be inspired and learn from what I’ve done,” said Krystal in a 2013 Circuit Cellar interview. Krystal’s blog entries covered everything from the basics of unpacking and starting up a Raspberry Pi to more complicated topics surrounding programming. The blog took off almost instantly, garnering over 52,000 views in under a year and capturing the attention of Raspberry Pi founder Eben Upton. Raspberry Pi Kid ignited Krystal’s passion for STEM advocacy on behalf of children. Today, Krystal has a lot on her plate: she’s an aerospace engineering student trying to balance a heavy course load with a co-op. Still, she’s committed to promoting STEM toward youth on her social media pages and personal blog. On her Instagram page (@_krystalhorton_), Krystal films reels of engaging and easily replicable experiments that break down complex physics principles. One of the biggest challenges in planning her videos, says Krystal, is working around the short attention spans of kids scrolling through social media.
“I try to keep my physics reels very conceptual to help students remain interested in the video. If I were to implement large amounts of math or lots of physics jargon, I wouldn't want to watch the video, and I wouldn't expect many others to want to watch too!” Krystal shares. Krystal also uses social media to connect with students by sharing advice and opening up about her insecurities and struggles. “I always want to be transparent with my followers,” Krystal says. “For example, I shared that I failed two midterms the other week. I want people to know that it’s okay—it’s not the end of the world, and failure is going to happen.” Krystal also touches on topics like imposter syndrome and self-doubt: “It’s incredibly difficult to move past self-doubt, especially when you see your peers or people on social media doing incredible things. You need to learn what your strengths and weaknesses are and accept both. For example, I’m not a good test taker. But, I’m great at hands-on work, so that’s one of the places I draw my confidence from.” Krystal hopes to eventually help develop STEM curricula for elementary and middle school-aged children. She considers herself lucky to have been exposed to the wonders of science from a young age and believes every child deserves the same exposure. Krystal wants to integrate science and technology into every subject, including those in liberal arts. “In everyday life, the two are not as mutually exclusive as they often seem to be in the classroom,” she notes. Whether it be through an English course in which students read “The Martian” and discuss its scientific inaccuracies or a revised U.S. history curriculum that examines the space race, Krystal believes bridging the gap between STEM and the liberal arts is crucial. A future in which students of all ages remain inspired and intrigued by STEM is achievable, says Krystal, and absolutely critical to work toward. Krystal Horton | page 21
HARD HATS &
Heels
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WHO SAID YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE? BY: ISABEL POWELL
Diana Iracheta is a mango lover, passionate blogger, introverted public speaker, Mexican-American immigrant, avid mountain biker, and “Hidden Figures” aficionado. She is also a mechanical engineering graduate, the youngest and first-ever female manufacturing engineer at Methode Electronics in Chicago, and the founder of “Latina Engineer,” a social media page dedicated to building a strong, supportive network of women in STEM and providing essential resources and opportunities for students and professionals alike. Like most people, Diana occasionally experienced doubts about whether she was fit to be an engineer. Despite always enjoying math in high school, she struggled with physics. She started each semester overwhelmed by the difficulty of her classes, unsure if she could handle them. Despite these challenges, Diana persevered and earned her greatest accomplishment, her degree, which she attributes primarily to the support of her mentors. Diana started her degree at a community college, where she received a STEM scholarship and was partnered with a physics professor who was also an immigrant woman. When Diana felt the pressures of becoming an engineer, she was always able to turn to her mentor: “From my first day at college, I saw a female immigrant of color in a STEM career, balancing a professional and personal life, making me think that I could do it as well. That was super motivating and powerful to have on day one.” Page 22 | Diana Iracheta
When a real-life role model wasn’t quite enough, Diana would also turn to the movie “Hidden Figures” for inspiration. Empowered by Katherine Johnson and her profound strength in overcoming gender and racial bias in STEM fields, Diana was constantly reminded that her problems were surmountable and her goals were within reach. If Katherine was able to overcome these same obstacles, why couldn’t she?
Once Diana graduated from university and began her career at Methode Electronics, she looked to provide this same positive force of reassurance and encouragement to other young girls. Diana started a social media campaign and website called “Latina Engineer” that exemplifies this power of community and mentorship by “crushing STEM stereotypes one pink post at a time.” Diana has recently completed paperwork to merge Latina Engineer with a nonprofit, through which she plans to provide the same STEM scholarships and mentorship programs that helped her to other young women. In October of 2020, Diana launched an International Latina Engineer Week Conference that showcases and celebrates Latinas in STEM fields. The conference hosts dozens of panelists from all engineering fields, grants scholarships, and provides internship opportunities for hundreds of girls. Diana plans to continue “growing and hosting [the conference] every year until [she] can’t.” Overall, Diana wants to be a powerful example of a successful, bilingual, Latin-American woman in STEM so future generations of students don’t have to question who can be an engineer and can develop the confidence to pursue whichever degree they choose. Through her organization and mentorship program, Diana energizes women in STEM through thoughtful counseling and positive encouragement. She regularly schedules one-on-one calls with prospective students or recent graduates to assuage their concerns and provide them with curated advice and resources. Most importantly, she reminds them that their success is within reach. As Diana explains, too often, educational institutions forget to inspire their students and provide them with the reinforcement and tools they need. Sometimes, all struggling students or aspiring scientists need is someone to remind them that they can do it. Diana plans to personally spread this simple yet powerful message through Latina Engineer. To her, the possibilities for the future are endless. Diana aspires to develop Latina Engineer’s social media presence, mentorship programs, scholarships, and conferences to inspire tens of thousands of women, all while balancing a family and career—and she’s only just getting started.
So, what is Diana’s advice for past, current, and future women in STEM? “Surround yourself with people who support those goals because that’s going to be crucial. At the end of the day, do what you like, what inspires you, and what you enjoy doing as a career. Focus on the things that excite you and the things that you want to do. As long as you do that, you’ll be able to get anywhere.”
METHODE ELECTRONICS Diana’s day job involves designing customized products, such as busbars, cables, and other power distribution items for commercial and military equipment. In her words, she works with “heavy-duty” materials and designs creative technical solutions to manufacturing problems. Clearly enamored with every aspect of her role, Diana describes her job simply and elegantly: she not only gets to come up with the science behind the design but also helps bring it to life.
Diana Iracheta | Page 23
Advice from Artist and Astronaut Dr. Sian Proctor BY: ZHAO GU GAMMAGE
Dr. Sian Proctor found her passion for STEM and television growing up watching science documentaries and often wondered about becoming the person on the TV herself. She was fascinated by a myriad of topics, some inspired by her father, a technician for a NASA contractor during the Apollo missions, and others inspired by genuine curiosity. As a teenager, she had decided she wanted to pursue all of her passions, most notably film, aviation, and aerospace. Her parents supported her in pursuing those disciplines. Her father had a collection of astronaut memorabilia, like an autograph of Neil Armstrong, and embraced her love of space exploration. Neither parent had college degrees, so they stressed the importance of education to her. With her parents’ encouragement, Dr. Proctor then decided to go to college for environmental science, hoping to eventually earn her doctorate degree.
Struggling with the Imposter Within When Dr. Proctor first entered Edinboro University as an undergraduate, she stood out in her classes. As she went through graduate school, she continued to be the only one, or one of the few, Black women in her lectures. She did not have any Black female professors either, which forced her to trailblaze her own path through graduate school. She recounts, “Not having any role models meant I had to figure out most of grad school on my own.” Despite the imposter within, Dr. Proctor persevered, drawing support and reassurance from her parents and her own intrinsic motivation. “I think about my father a lot, about pushing forward and to not count yourself out.” Dr. Proctor wanted to get a doctorate degree to complete her education, yes, but she also wanted to do it in order to break the stereotypes associated with Black women. While working towards her Ph.D, she simultaneously became a professor at South Mountain Community College in 1999, where she taught geology and planetary science. “Doctorate degrees and titles change perception. These are things that aren’t apparent that establish credibility.” page 24 | Dr. Sian Proctor
“Doctorate degrees and titles change perception. These are things that aren’t apparent that establish credibility.”
ional sense” but has since learned that she is an artist, just in an unconventional way.
Channeling Experience into Art
Dr. Proctor argues that there are types of creativity besides artistic, like cognitive creativity, for example, which is a form of creativity that involves problem solving skills needed in the STEM field. Having devoted her professional career to technical creativity, over quarantine, Dr. Proctor has had the time to explore her artistic creativity. Through exploring her artistic creativity, Dr. Proctor has recently discovered Afrofuturism space art, which highlights Black women and the future of Black people. Her art challenges stereotypes and offers a new narrative about Black women walking on the moon. She depicts Black women, specifically, as the first women to land on the moon, and often keeps them at the center of every scene. In doing this, she contradicts the idea that only white men are astronauts. “We often don’t see the art in our own science, the art in our own creation.”
Her time at the NASA space center allowed her to network with other NASA engineers and astronauts. A few years later she was selected to participate in a Mars Simulation funded by NASA. As an analog astronaut, Dr. Proctor participated in a four-month Mars simulation in order for NASA researchers to understand food strategies for long duration space flight. During the simulation, she has learned many skills, like the practice of eating sustainably. In 2019, she published the cookbook “Meals for Mars: An Analog Astronaut Living and Cooking in a Simulated Mars Mission” where she shared her insights about cooking with freeze-dried ingredients.
Now, Dr. Proctor serves as an important role model for young girls. Her tenacity and grit have proven how women of color can and will pursue their dreams. Now, organizations (like Reinvented Magazine) are giving girls the opportunity to break from the stereotypes and become much more than just engineers. As someone who faced adversity in STEM, Dr. Proctor has forged her own journey, as a NASA Astronaut finalist, an analog astronaut, a community college professor, and an artist. “The opportunities for minority women are opening up. We can start making a difference in the world that shines through.”
In 2009, Dr. Proctor applied to the NASA Astronaut Program without any expectations. “NASA chooses people with Ivy League degrees, not a community college professor like me,” Dr. Proctor thought. But she ended up being in the top 1% of applicants, having gotten to the Yes/No phone call stage. This application process also included going to the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, and meeting other finalists. Although she was not chosen, she relished in the experience and her accomplishment in making it that far. Instead of allowing self doubt to overwhelm her, she learned to take pride in her achievements.
Since becoming an analog astronaut, she has developed her mantra, Space2inspire. People assume she is referring to outer space, given that she is an analog astronaut, but she is really referring to personal and creative, artistic space. Her experience as a STEM communicator has led her to explore ways to combine STEM and art. Oftentimes, people associate art with drawing, painting, and performing, and therefore consider it separate from STEM, but Dr. Proctor argues that both are interconnected, in a regard. She explains how “I never thought of myself as an artist in the tradit-
The opportunities for minority women are opening up. We can start making a difference in the world that shines through.
Dr. Sian Proctor | page 25
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Estefannie Explains It All
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Estefannie puts her backgroun d as a software engineer to goo d use on her YouTube channe Estefannie Explains It All. Vie l, wers can watch her demonstrat e the magic of all things comput science as she harnesses the pow er er of 3D printing, code, and Ras pberry Pis to make a Daft Pun helmet complete with flashing k LEDs or guides her viewers thro ugh the creation of their own Instagram filters. You’ll root for her as she solders, codes, and sands (then sands and sands sands some more!) against the and clock to enter Maker Faires or shares her experiences as a software engineer, guest speake r, or science communicator at universities and tech compan globally. ies Despite the scope of her work, Estefannie maintains a lighthea rted attitude and makes her fair share of wisecracks — for every GoPro reprogrammed to take pho tos based on location, she’ll design her own pair of Jurassic Park goggles or a remote control led, smart gingerbread house. Estefannie Explains It All is sur e to help everyone, regardless of their engineering expertise, gain a newfound respect for the to craftsmanship and thought beh ind circuit boards and coding .
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Kids Invent Stuff
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A mechanical unicorn that poops jelly beans or a fluffy dog-shaped car impossible stuff of childh may seem like the ood dreams. And they are — at least, until Ruth Am co-hosts of YouTube cha os and Shawn Brown, nnel Kids Invent Stuff, bring these fantasy con cepts to life. The channel hosts month ly invention challenges where children aged 4-1 outside the box and pro 1 are invited to think pose an invention to be bu ilt and featured in a vid a floating magic carpet eo. With inventions like and spray painted graffit i shoes on the kids’ impre inventions, Kids Invent ssive list of successful Stuff proves no project is too ambitious and no with the right amount of dre am is truly unattainabl passion and imaginatio e n. Amos’ videos are a deligh t, exploring the building and testing of the wacki with her trademark cha est inventions. Always rm, spunk, and upbeat playfulness, her videos reminder that STEM isn ser ve as a much-needed ’t just about the technica lities of placing nuts an embodies the sheer joy d bo lts. Her work that can be found in cre ating something for the imagination. sake of celebrating
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No matter your age, Kid s Invent Stuff is a haven for the quirky side of inn for finding inspiration ovation and a prime spo for an adventure off the t beaten path.
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Sally Le Page
dy! Fly sex! Wait… fly sex? Songs about starfish! Science stand-up come a fly sex and more as part of her mission to bring Yep! Sally Le Page’s YouTube channel explores and vior beha al Le Page received her PhD in anim greater emphasis on biology into pop culture. d and shares her journey through her published Oxfor evolutionary biology from the University of us onships — analyzing over 86,000 flies, the arduo research about violence in Drosophila flies’ relati writing process, and why it’s all worth it.
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helps capture 859 swans (for science) at the Or, check out the gorgeous footage where she stickleback fish (also for science). Le Page’s Abbotsbury Swannery or zealously chases down for ubers and scientists to dig for fossils, forage channel includes “Nature Dates” with other YouT more es creat the world together. She also berries, and explore the complex dynamics of ce of Live series, where she discusses the significan tion informative videos like those in her Evolu level content. evolution, from its basic principles to university t our s are a must-watch for providing clarity abou With these offerings and more, Le Page’s video the way. place in the world, with some good laughs along
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Ariel Waldman
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Ariel Waldman’s channel exa mines all aspects of outer spa ce, from supernovas (or as Wa puts it, the “flowers of the cos ldman mos”) to the implications of a tiny black hole recently found (read: 10,000 light years away) close to Earth. An art school graduate turned space nerd, Waldman works to build interdisciplinary cooper in astronomy with her work. Her ation unique background proves use ful as her videos are able to capture the all-encompassing vastness and beauty that makes astronomy all the more fascina ting. Waldman has also documented her investigations into ice mic robes in Antarctica, sharing a wealth of insight about what it’s like to study life in a region con sidered barren (while including some beautiful footage of the icy landscapes). Whether she’s discussing the cosmos or the poles, Waldman’s calm, laid-back demeanor ma “geeking out” over space while kes finding beauty in unexpected places feel especially worthwhile .
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T S E
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e n c e c o m m u n i h c g a s t i u o n t o h r o n g
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BY: LAVANYA SHARMA
M A : Sc i
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aven Baxter, also known as Raven the Science
Maven, is an internationally acclaimed science communicator and molecular biologist. She is a Ph.D. student studying Science Education at the University at Buffalo and is the Founder and Executive Director of Science Maven Inc., an organization created to empower and inspire underrepresented students in STEM. She’s also the founder of Smarty Pants Clothing, which promotes “science with sparkle” and generates funds for a STEM college scholarship. As an entertaining content creator and musician, Raven is known for her unique style of combining science, music, and cultural awareness. She creates STEM-themed music that teaches and empowers both students and professionals in STEM and beyond. Raven speaks internationally to students, educators, and leaders about the importance of STEM diversity and innovation in science education. She is working to progress the overall culture of science education by creating spaces that are inclusive, academic, and real.
Raven's Experience with ADHD Around the age of six, Raven was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Since many ADHD medications were very new to the market at the time, Raven’s parents chose to keep her unmedicated. As a result, growing up, Raven spent a lot of time trying to understand herself and compensate for her ADHD in different ways. Through this experience, Raven learned the importance of talking about mental health. Asking for help may be considered taboo to some, but to Raven, it’s empowering: “I know what I can currently offer and what I lack, and that comes from a place of selfacceptance.” In academia, there's pressure to know everything and be perfect, but Raven realized that it is important to ask for help when needed. Although being accurate is important, accepting the existence of a learning curve for scientists should also be encouraged. Page 32 | Raven the Science Maven
Raven's Journey at University
In academia, there's pressure to know everything and be perfect, but Raven realized that it is important to ask for help when needed.
During her undergraduate degree, Raven transferred from community college to the State University of New York at Buffalo and had to pick a new major. Although she was an Environmental Science major at her previous college, the closest major that her current university offered was Biology. As a Biology major, one of her class requirements was to take Genetics; almost immediately, Raven became fascinated with the language our bodies speak: the genetic code every living organism follows. She retained that fascination throughout college and received both her bachelor's and Master's of Science degrees in molecular biology. After getting her Master's, Raven worked as a corporate molecular researcher, specifically focusing on cancer research. However, she still felt unfulfilled. She hoped to engage with her community and was unable to do that in a lab; thus, she began considering entering the teaching profession. Hoping to receive the credentials required to teach at a college level, she applied for various Ph.D. programs, including those in biology and science education. Because her interest lay in teaching rather than academia, a majority of biology Ph.D. programs were not willing to accept her —they preferred candidates who would go on to do research or work in industry after graduating. Furthermore, Raven found that many top-ranked schools didn’t even offer a science education program, which frustrated her: What was the point of research if scientists couldn’t share the information they had discovered with the public? Ultimately, Raven chose to enroll in the Science Education Ph.D. program at the University of Buffalo.
Obstacles in Academia While getting her Ph.D., a significant obstacle that Raven had to overcome was understanding the power of her own voice. She found that even at a doctoral level, the culture wasn’t necessarily one that lent to students being confident in themselves and their own narratives. Luckily, Raven had a lot of industry experience and knew her voice mattered -- she would openly stand up and advocate for herself. A large aspect of this was learning how to say no to things that would violate her student policy. Through her self-advocacy, her fellow classmates were inspired to advocate for themselves as well. Raven the Science Maven | Page 33
What better way to do that than getting quoted by Megan Thee Stallion on Twitter after writing a song on antibody-odys?!
n a g e M n o i l l a t S e e Th
scan to listen!
OMG Page 34 | Raven the Science Maven
However, Raven’s promotion of self-empowerment and passion for STEM didn’t just stop there. She combined her love for the two and began writing original rap songs to teach her viewers about science topics in a digestible way.
Science Communication Through Music
NASA!
To Raven, science communication is important because it allows individuals to tell their personal stories as scientists and inventors. She says that “ultimately, the goal is to both teach more people and listen to each other's stories along the way” and recognizes the significance of promoting understanding first and foremost.
#queen
Raven quickly became famous on the internet for her songs centered around STEM subjects. She even wrote and produced her own extended play record, The Protocol: Raven the Science Maven EP, featuring rap and house beats paired with lyrics about science and engineering concepts! She had always loved music with a message, and she loved talking about science. For her, merging the two was a no-brainer. It was especially important to her because she believed that people deserved more diversity in methods of learning science. What better way to do that than getting quoted by Megan Thee Stallion on Twitter after writing a song on antibody-odys?!
#STEAM
Raven the Science Maven | Page 35
We miss so many opportunities because we tell ourselves 'no'.
If you find that you have to shrink yourself to exist in space, you have to find a place where you can fit and have a chance to grow.
Page 36 | Raven the Science Maven
Advice for Aspiring Women in STEM Currently, Raven has been commissioned by NASA to write two original rap songs about the recent landing of the Perseverance rover: “I love the fact that NASA names their rovers after such positive things, and my songwriting process consists of reflecting on the meaning behind the words that the rovers have been named after.” She is also amazed by the magnitude of what we, as a species on Earth, have been able to accomplish so far in the field of space exploration. "We miss so many opportunities because we tell ourselves 'no'." While starting out in her journey as a scientist, Raven didn't feel like STEM culture had a place for her, so she had to learn how to create lanes and opportunities for herself. While doing so, she learned that she could be unapologetically herself within the STEM community and still be accepted for her stories and experiences. She advises girls aspiring to become powerful women in STEM, “If you find that you have to shrink yourself to exist in space, you have to find a place where you can fit and have a chance to grow."
Smarty pants clothing Raven’s ideology behind founding Smarty Pants was that she wanted to break society’s expectations of what a scientist looks like and showcase real women in STEM wearing periodic-table-print leggings and lab goggles with bright pink rhinestones.
Scan me to shop Raven's clothing:
Raven the Science Maven | Page 37
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Burnout
BY: AYSIA TORRES
Trigger Warning: This article discusses mental health. We’re a year in and the pandemic is still wreaking havoc on mental health. We’ve needed to adjust to this new normal with back-to-back Zoom meetings, virtual school, masked grocery runs, and social isolation. Compounded with our everyday stressors, this tumultuous storm of pandemic stress has swept many toward the end of their emotional tethers. A societal obsession with productivity pushes us to hustle and ignore our mental health. Being the youngest of five children, I overachieved to stand out. School became my identity, and with each assignment I pressed past my exhaustion, sacrificing my wellbeing for the perception of success. In creating healthy coping mechanisms that work for you, it’s important to recognize the signs, symptoms, and stages of burnout.
Burnout is the state of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion caused by the gradual buildup of consistent, unresolved stress.
The Honeymoon Phase
Onset Stress
The first stage of burnout is known as the honeymoon phase, because just as with new relationships, when we start a new venture, many of us have high levels of satisfaction, energy, and commitment. Stress is inevitable in life, but when properly controlled through healthy, adaptive coping mechanisms, the honeymoon phase doesn’t have to end. Positively coping with that stress can take many forms, including creative activities, reading, going for long walks, exercising, and meditation. This past year, I started knitting to cope with my own stress. I haven’t always been the best at applying coping skills, and because I struggle with time management, the workload of completing a Master’s degree became almost oppressive as I quickly moved through the burnout continuum from this phase to the next.
Without utilizing adaptive coping tools to support our wellbeing, satisfaction and optimism will wane, taking us into the next stage of burnout: onset stress. Days become more difficult as anxiety builds and we become less productive. As cortisol, the stress hormone, floods our brains more frequently, it takes its toll on both our minds and our bodies. In this stage, if maladaptive coping strategies develop, they can become crutches.
I’m experiencing this stage, what should I do? To stay in the honeymoon phase, create positive coping mechanisms: reading, exercise, meditation, creative activities (drawing, music, knitting, etc). page 40 | Five Stages of Burnout
I’m experiencing this stage, what should I do? Instead of relying on escapism, like Netflix binges, for temporary stress relief, identify and manage your stressors by creating boundaries, dropping unnecessary tasks, and seeking support. If tasks seem insurmountable, take a step back and exercise to release endorphins, hormones produced by the adrenal glands to relieve stress.
Chronic Stress
Burnout
Stage three is an intensification of stage two symptoms, as stress from one area of your life spills over into another. No longer affected by just the occasional bad day, prolonged stress lasting months saps your physical and emotional energy. As your productivity declines more, you’re left with feelings of anger, apathy, helplessness, and cynicism. Stress goes from affecting some of your days to affecting most of them, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Stress is a risk factor for many diseases, weakening your immune system and leaving you more vulnerable to cold and flu-like illnesses, including COVID-19.
The fourth stage is burnout. Every day is a bad day at this phase, as your lows overtake your highs. The unmanaged prolonged stress from the previous stages leaves you feeling dried up and exhausted. When you try to rest, your mind races and your emotions start to hit extremes, leaving feelings of emptiness and hopelessness. I’ve hit this stage more than once, most recently after graduating in 2018. Summers were always my reprieve from the stresses of academia, where I’d find time to nap and ignore responsibilities, letting my anxiety fade for a few months before it returned with a vengeance. Yet when I finished my bachelors degree, I was filled with dread. I’d kept my foot on the gas pedal for so long just to get to the finish line and suddenly I didn’t know what came next. With that fear, I shut down, both physically and emotionally. Instead of enjoying the beginning of my new life, I withdrew, letting stress and self-doubt overcome me until I felt like a shell of myself.
My chronic stress has led to days-long fibromyalgia flareups that left me exhausted and in pain. Sometimes it manifests as severe migraines, joint pain, muscle spasms, and nausea. Stress from school, family matters, and my physical illnesses morphed into depression and anger at myself and my body. Far too often, I ignored my physical and emotional symptoms, allowing myself to slip further down this continuum. I’m experiencing this stage, what should I do? It’s important to prioritize your rest and healing, avoid self-isolation, and be kind to yourself. Open up and ask for help from those closest to you.
I’m experiencing this stage, what should I do? Be sure to seek outside help from a professional, especially if you find yourself seeking unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Habitual Burnout The last stage is known as habitual burnout, or enmeshment, as your symptoms have become deeply embedded in your life. Once you hit this stage, you go from occasionally experiencing the symptoms of burnout to experiencing considerable mental, emotional, and physical problems like uncontrollable panic and anxiety attacks or complete physical shut downs. The best way to deal with burnout is to recognize and catch the symptoms early, so you can create positive coping strategies that keep you in the honeymoon phase. If you find yourself beyond the first stage, knowing where on the continuum you lie can help you determine what type of help you need for your mental wellbeing. Five Stages of Burnout | page 41
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Different Methods of Science Communication with h s A r e Summ BY: MADELINE DAY
From the landing of the Perseverance rover on Mars to the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, information about scientific advancements in the 21st century is accessible with the swipe of a fingertip. The increased availability of information is possible in part due to science communicators—the ones writing the articles, explaining the concepts, and translating academic jargon into language accessible to the general public. Combining science and communication is essential for the advancement of innovation because it increases the public’s trust and understanding of science. For Summer Ash, senior STEAM Education Manager for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, science communication is also an opportunity to advocate for inclusivity and make change within the science field.
Early Encounters with Science
Second Time’s a Charm
Top Gun and Space Camp, classic movies about adventure and innovation, cemented Summer’s interest in astronomy and space. As a child, Summer recalls that part of her bedtime routine involved looking up towards the moon every night. However, it was the release of the movies Top Gun and Space Camp that made Summer certain that astronomy was the field for her. Summer remembers encountering astrophysics for the first time while watching Top Gun, which included the “character Charlie, who had a Ph.D. in astrophysics.” Sci-fi movies, though dramatized, infuse themes of science into popular culture, just as science communication seeks to inform the public. Inspired by the night sky and figures such as Charlie, Summer would earn her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at Stanford University and conduct astrophysics research at the University of Cambridge before entering the field of science communication.
Summer began her journey into science communication through two meaningful experiences. First, from an “opportunity that came up in graduate school,” where Summer and her fellow peers were assigned to give astrophysics talks to visiting high school physics students. Summer took on the challenge and discovered that she had a skill for “distilling and explaining” complex scientific concepts to those who were initially unfamiliar with her field of interest. Putting together slide presentations and using visuals to interact with students was enjoyable for Summer and contributed meaning to her work. Her second opportunity built upon her ability to communicate ideas and allowed her to reach a broader range of the public. While listening to an NPR podcast about the Voyager spacecraft as a graduate student, Summer noticed an inconsistency: the host began the podcast by stating that the solar system was dented, but concluded with a statement about how the universe was dented. “Those are very different concepts," Summer remarkedrem
page 44 | Summer Ash
remarked, recalling how she wrote in to correct the podcast, which not only gave her an on-air correction but also an offer to guest-blog about space. “Once a month, or every couple of weeks,” Summer would write an article on topics ranging from black holes to telescopes. Looking back, Summer appreciates the gradual start she had with science communication before she branched into different mediums and became familiar with industry practices such as pitching ideas to publications.
Variety is the Spice of Life Having appeared on NBC News and NPR Podcasts, and written articles for publications ranging from The Atlantic to the Smithsonian, Summer has a wide range of science communication experiences under her belt. When asked about her favorite medium of communication, though, Summer actually replied that she “loves all of them.” “It’s the variety” of different mediums that makes science communication such a flexible and dynamic field. Each form, whether it be public speaking, social media, or podcasts, presents “different challenges,” she says. Summer gives the example of short, 30-second videos, where the primary challenge is to “carefully phrase questions and answers,” while restricted to three sentences of explanation. With limited timeframes, the most important aspect of communication is to relay one central concept to the audience. For example, when addressing whether “black holes are deadly,” Summer focused on the idea that because “their reach
of galaxy formation, Summer gave the example of tossing pizza. As a sphere of dough spins, it flattens out in a manner similar to how components of space “come together as spheres and then flatten.” The concept she described? Angular momentum. Through relating astrophysics concepts to everyday life, Summer is able to explain ideas that otherwise may intimidate people without a background in physics.
reach is finite,” black holes will only be deadly given enough time (millions to billions of years). By creating a direct answer to a broad and potentially confusing question, Summer is able to communicate her main point. In contrast, Summer notes that articles, which are often upwards of 1,500 words, present a different set of challenges. While they provide more room for detail, the communicator has to balance the use of scientific terms with language accessible to a general reader. On the other hand, public talks, usually between half an hour to an hour, grant the communicator more flexibility. Astronomy on Tap, which consists of casual talks at bars, is one of Summer’s favorite science communication events. Because “astronomy is so visual,” Summer likes to use images from the Hubble telescope to engage the audience. “It’s like a tour” through space that involves both science and human connection, she remarks.
Communicating Complex Ideas One challenge common to all forms of science communication is communicating complex ideas in a clear manner. Summer finds that the best way to explain concepts is to “try and relate it to something physical” that people have experience with. When explaining the process co blindspots” page 46 | Summer Ash
Terms such as angular momentum or radio telescope are what Summer considers to be “professional blindspots,” words that are commonly used and accepted in academia but may confuse the public. As the STEAM Education Manager for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in New Mexico, Summer educates the public about the Observatory’s Very Large Array, combatting “professional blindspots” in her daily work. For example, those who hear the term “radio telescope,” often assume the telescope has functions relating to audio transmissions, like sending or receiving signals from space. In reality, Summer explains that radio telescopes work in the same way that optical telescopes do, collecting and amplifying light. The only difference is that rather than using visible light, radio telescopes use radio waves which are at the low end of the electromagnetic spectrum. No matter what audience Summer is communicating to, she always remembers to stop and think, “Could I do this better? What are the misconceptions?” She believes that asking such crucial questions is vital to creating a more honest and transparent relationship between science and society. bbbbb
The Power of Science Communication: “I got really lucky,” Summer remarks. From having strong female professors as an undergraduate to having a supportive advisor in graduate school to being a part of empowering online communities, Summer feels grateful about having “amazing female mentors or bosses at different points in [her] career.” She acknowledges that problems in the STEM field relating to inclusivity, gender, and sexuality acceptance can only be resolved if people “speak out” and start conversations. Combined together, outreach and education have the potential to make change and address diversity in the workplace, which further underscores why science communication is so important. For those without a background in science communication, how can they make science communication a part of their daily lives? “Just consume it,” Summer states. “Form your own opinions, and gain an understanding of what styles work for you.” Explore the numerous online science communication platforms, ranging from YouTube to publications such as Scientific American. And for those in the science field, Summer urges that if “there’s an opportunity to try it, then try it,” because even just one additional voice in science can add to the force of change.
Summer Ash | page 47
Sushi, Stitching, and Scicomm
BY: CAELEY LOONEY GRAPHICS BY: JOYCE ZHAO AND ALICE LIU
Science is often thought of as a hard to understand realm that only really intelligent people can be a part of. Don’t get me wrong, rocket science isn’t exactly commensurate with learning how to ride a bike or making a sandwich, but the idea that science isn’t for everyone is rooted in false stereotypes. You don’t need to have a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering to get excited about Perseverance landing on Mars or even to understand why space exploration is so important. What you do need, however, are some incredibly talented science communicators, or scicommers, who make it easy to learn new things. While most of you reading this article might disagree, many people think of science and engineering as pretty boring. Science communication often gets that same bad rap. But now, with the help of social media and new technology, scicommers are taking their communication skills to the next level via TikTok videos, Instagram reels, Netflix series, and so much more. Creativity has become a core component of science communication, and this article will spotlight four people who are redefining this field and bringing their STEM knowledge to life.
1. The Sushi Scientist, Dr. Janelle E. Letzen IG: @the_sushi_scientist Twitter: @JanelleLetzen Website: thesushiscientist.com Dr. Janelle E. Letzen, a postdoctoral research fellow at Johns Hopkins University, studies how brain function is associated with mood and treatment outcomes in people who have chronic pain. She also happens to really love sushi, so much so that she became a self-taught sushi artist. By combining her love for sushi with her research, she has created one of the most interesting science communication methods Reinvented Magazine has seen to date. Using sushi, she models various medical themed topics such as chronic pain, tactile sensations, and vaccine mechanisms. Make sure to check out her social media to stay up to date on her latest sushi creations!
PC: @the_sushi_scientist on IG
Sushi, Stitching, and Scicomm | page 49
IG: @stitching_hew Twitter: @ScienceHew Website: www.lthscience.com
PC: Lauren T. Hew
2. The Stitching Scientist, Lauren T. Hew
Lauren T. Hew is a fourth-year neuroscience Ph.D. student at the University of Texas at Austin, where she works on investigating the electrophysiological properties of inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampus. While her research might seem pretty complex, don’t worry. She has her own creative way of celebrating the diversity and beauty of brain cells, or neurons, and a bunch of other science disciplines: stitching. While her latest stitching project was a unique take on the ABC’s of science, some of her most commonly depicted topics include DNA and the various kinds of neurons you might find in different animals and brain areas. She even offers her followers free embroidery patterns, so you can make your own science stitching creations!
IG: @thewoollyscientist Aoife, also known as the Woolly Scientist, has a background in neuroscience and specifically loves learning about how neurons communicate with each other. During her studies, she did three lab placements and was on her way to starting her Ph.D. when mental illness struck. But she didn’t let it get the best of her; instead, she took up a new hobby: crocheting. Crocheting quickly became her escape from the days when her anxiety and depression made her world feel very dark, and when going for her Ph.D. again made her nervous, she turned to science communication. Now, she works full-time as an Explainer at Science Museum (@sciencemuseum on Instagram) and holds a secret identity as the brilliant mind behind the Woolly Scientist account! Her work so far has featured anatomical hearts, the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter, and, one of her favorites, the story of paleontologist Mary Anning.
3. The Woolly Scientist, Aoife
PC: @thewoolyscientist on IG
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4. #WomeninSTEMWednesday IG: @abookishscientist | @ohsoscience Jen, also known as @abookishscientist, has created quite the inspiring collection of #WomeninSTEMWednesday posts. In collaboration with Daisy, the genius behind Oh So Science, this unstoppable pair of science communicators use graphic design to draw some much deserved attention to female changemakers in STEM fields. Every Wednesday, followers can expect a new post on Jen’s Instagram account featuring a new (or historical) woman in STEM along with a brief bio explaining why everyone should know who she is. While Reinvented’s favorite content on these accounts is their #WomeninSTEMWednesday collection, both of these creators use their pages to keep their followers informed in many other innovative ways.
If you don’t think that science communication can be fun, definitely check out these accounts. Be sure to follow them to stay up to date on their latest designs, and while you’re at it, check out a few more of Reinvented Magazine’s favorite creative science communicators below:
PC: @abookishscientist on IG
Amy Rae Hill: IG: @amyraehill | Twitter: @amyraehill Lauren Killam: IG: @spacecodehacker Science Scribbles: IG: @science.scribbles Microscope Me Up: IG: @microscope_meu
Sushi, Stitching, and Scicomm | page 51
STEAM DREAMERS Fueling Your Next Steps in STEAM
Reinvented's very own video series featuring real women role models for the next generation of STEAM innovators! Reinvented Magazine YouTube Channel New Uploads TWICE a week! Quick glimpse into the lives of female STEAM professionals
Monthly Interactive Panel
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Last Friday of each month! Livestream Ask questions directly to women who will share their skills and experience in the field
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION 14 |
BY: KATHY CECERI Most of the time, we wear masks to help us stay safe. But sometimes, it’s fun to add a little life to your facewear. This mask uses an Adafruit Circuit Playground Express board to flash a shiny smile whenever you talk using its built-in sound sensor and easy-to-learn Microsoft MakeCode programming!
MATERIALS Make the Mask Step One: Sew the Top and Sides Circuit Playground Express
USB Cable - USB A to Micro-B
Fold down ¾ inch from the top of the piece of fabric and press with an iron or your fingers. Fold up ½ inch from the bottom the same way. To make a casing or tunnel that can hold a piece of wire to bend over your nose, stitch ¼ inch from the top fold with a machine or by hand.
Circuit Playground Express Base Kit
3x AAA Battery Holder with On/Off Switch and 2-Pin JST
Two (2) pieces of tshirt yarn or other cord, about 28 inches long
Turn when you reach the end, stitch down ¼ inch, then go back to the first side -- stopping 2 inches before the end.
JST-PH Extension Cable - 500 mm 8” x 16” piece of tightly woven cotton fabric (“quilting fabric”), preferably in a dark color
Fold the piece of fabric in half, wrong side out,
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and sew the raw sides together ½ inch from the edge.
Step Two: Sew Side Casing to Hold the Cords Turn the mask right side out. You can press the seam flat if you wish. Take one of the t-shirt yarn cords and insert it into the mask. If you’re machine sewing, pin the cord along one side of the mask.
Stitch a casing for the cord, about ⅝ inch from the edge, being careful not to catch the t-shirt yarn in your stitches. Stitch the bottom of the mask closed -- stopping a little more than an inch from the side to leave an opening for the battery back wire.
Add Nose Wire and Finish the Cords If you want to add a wire to make the mask fit better over your nose, cut a piece of wire about 4 inches long. With pliers, bend the tips over to hide the sharp ends. Insert the wire into the opening you left in the top seam of the mask and center it. Wear the mask with the wire side facing out.
To finish the ends of the cords, you can simply knot them. To wear the mask, tie the top ends together behind your head and the bottom ends together behind your neck. You can also tie the ends of one side together to make ear loops
mask is ready! Insert the other cord along the other side of the mask. Stitch the casing to hold it closed the same way as you did the first.
DIY Light Up Mask | page 55
Program the CPX with MakeCode! To make the mask light up when you talk, you’ll be programming the Circuit Playground Express using Microsoft MakeCode. It’s really easy to learn and fun to play around with! First, you’ll figure out how to program the ring of lights on the CPX to look like a mouth opening, closing, and smiling. Then you’ll add code to trigger the lights using the sound sensor/ microphone built into the board. Scan the QR code to view the coding instructions. These will show two ways to trigger the lights’ response to your voice. Once uses a pre-built code block called ‘on loud.’ The completed code is linked in the full project tutorial online. If you need to fine-tune your code to make your talking mask work better, go on to the steps on the webpage that show you how to adjust the sound sensor to respond to the volume that you set using the ‘sound level’ block.
ADD THE ELECTRONICS Once your mask is done and the Circuit Playground Express is programmed, you can add all the electronics to the mask! The CPX board slips right into the pouch filter. You can carry the AAA battery pack in a pocket or use the belt clip to attach it to a piece of clothing. Make sure it won’t snag on anything as you walk around. You may want to thread the extension wire down into your collar and under your shirt. page 56 | DIY Light Up Mask
!
Don't use a LiPo or any battery that attaches directly to the CPX for this project. For safety, use an extension wire and keep the battery away from your face. If you feel the CPX board start to heat up, turn off the battery and remove the mask immediately.
Attach the JST extension wire to the battery pack. If it’s not long enough to reach the mask to wherever you are going to carry the battery, attach a second extension wire to the first.
Slide the end of the extension wire through the opening you left in the bottom seam. Thread it into the pouch and connect it to the CPX board.
To test it out, position the CPX in the middle of the mask, with the wire pointed towards the side it's threaded through. In other words, the board will be sideways, with the lights positioned at the top and bottom.
Try on the mask and adjust the board, so it sits over your mouth. Then turn on the batteries and say something to see how it works!
Note: The CPX board stays in place pretty well, but if you want to attach it to the mask and still remove it easily, use peel-and-stick Velcro dots on the back of the board and inside the mask of the pouch.
Full Tutorial Scan the QR code to view the full tutorial online at adafruit.com! In the full tutorial, you’ll find additional tips and tricks on how to take your masks to the next level!
You can also watch a video from Maker Camp featuring this project by scanning this QR code!
About the Author Kathy Ceceri teaches online, at-home robotics, and Maker workshops using everyday crafts supplies and household materials. She is also an experienced homeschooling coach and author of more than a dozen books of hands-on learning activities. Kathy has created kids’ STEAM activities for the Girl Scouts of the USA, Adafruit Industries, Wired.com, and Make magazine. Check out Kathy Ceceri’s STEAM books and workshops for young people and educators at kathyceceri.com and follow her on Twitter: @KathyCeceri
DIY Light Up Mask | page 57
OPPORTUNITY Techbridge Girls What: The Techbridge Girls@Home series is designed to empower girls to lead fearlessly through their new virtual learning program that will reach girls at home. Check out their free, virtual lessons via the link below.
The Connectory What: The Connectory, operated and managed by the National Girls Collaborative, is the place to go when you're looking for local and virtual STEAM education opportunities (workshops, conferences, and more). Their opportunities list gets updated regularly and is a great place to find new ways to get started in STEAM.
Grace Hopper Celebration When: September 26 - 29, 2021 Where: Virtual—Broadcast from Chicago, IL What: Created in 1994 and inspired by the legacy of Admiral Grace Murray Hopper, this AnitaB.org flagship event brings the research and career interests of women in computing to the forefront
SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference When: October 28 - 30, 2021 Where: Kansas City, MO What: The largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event in the country, SACNAS conference is a gathering which serves to equip, empower, and energize participants for their academic and professional paths in STEM.
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BOARD Major League Hacking Coding Challenges What: Major League Hacking offers a list of virtual fun, virtual technical puzzles that will put your coding skills to the test and help you develop new ones. Try looking here next time you have to practice for a coding interview!
Wonder Women Tech What: While their annual conference isn’t until October, they’ve recently rolled out a brand new podcast called the Wonder Women Tech Show that’s definitely worth a listen! While exploring their page, you can also apply to speak at their next event in Long Beach, CA!
Reinvented Virtual Events Byte Sized: Byte Sized is a new series presented by Reinvented Magazine that aims to help high-school and college aged students achieve their career goals through 15 minute videos. STEAM Dreamers: STEAM Dreamers brings real women in STEAM role models right to your screen each month via an interactive virtual panel. Invent with Reinvented: Invent with Reinvented is a bi-weekly virtual workshop series that connects students with women in STEM professions for hands-on learning.
Opportunity Board | page 59
< Ask Gloria > > Gloria Kimbwala is the CEO and founder of Suhle, a startup that tokenizes international experimental learning systems in decentralized education. Previously to venturing out on her own, she was Square's University Tech Evangelist where she focused on helping connect people to the tools, programs, and support they need to enter the technology industry.
Has the workplace improved for women in STEM in the last few years? I think that the workplace has improved over the years. There are more organizations and resources available to help women in STEM, and employers are becoming more aware of the biases that women face. That being said, there is still a ways to go. I am encouraged by the many organizations that are dedicated to help girls and women in STEM to succeed in their studies and careers. I look forward to seeing more progress being made around the second shift, glass ceilings, and accompliceship of women in the workplace.
How do you find the right career for you starting out with internships, college freshman classes, clubs, etc.? I made a lot of mistakes trying to find the “Right Career”. I personally think it's easier to stick with what you like and continue to get a degree in something that you enjoy than it is to get a degree in something and find out later that you hate it. It’s also very easy to get overwhelmed with the choices. College is about finding what is right for you. Do you do better with morning classes or evening classes, do you want to study abroad or stay close to home, do you want to join a club or not? At the end of the day, this time is for figuring out what works best for you. You might switch majors or switch careers and that is perfectly okay.
How do you adapt to a new culture that you may be unfamiliar with? This happens to me a lot, especially as I travel. I first try to get insight into the local culture to make sure that I do not unintentionally offend someone. I try to get as much insight from someone that understands the culture as I can get. Next I try to adapt to the culture as much as possible. If I am corrected, I do the correction and I try to follow as many culture rules as possible. If I can’t follow the rules, I try to explain why. Lastly, I realize that I am an outsider to the culture and I might just stick out. That’s totally okay with me and at the end of the day I focus more on what I’m getting from the new culture—I applaud myself for the strides I’m taking and forgive myself for the mistakes I make.
What inspirational message would you give young girls to inspire them to pursue STEAM? If I had to lead young girls with an inspirational message, it would be: “Women have always been in STEAM —their stories have just been silenced. You belong here and your perspective will lead to great discoveries. Follow your dreams and don’t let anyone stand in your way.” page 60 | Ask Gloria
How do you create a supportive group of friends in a competitive major? In life the only competition to be concerned about is with yourself. Everyone starts at different starting points and has different goals so it's better to be concerned with your personal progress. As for friends, it's important to find friends that want the best for you and encourage you as you strive towards your goals. Sometimes the thing people are competing over might not be the best measure of success. For example, GPA doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to be successful in the workplace. I find friendships that are built on honesty, fun, and encouragement to be the best in the long term, especially for STEM majors.
What is the best study advice you've been given? The best study advice I have ever had was to study a little at a time rather than cramming all at once. When I am learning a new topic, I try to learn it by consuming information around that topic everyday. Sometimes this means reading an article or watching a YouTube video. Another great tip is to learn in a group: find a study group or a partner to help you as you study. Sometimes all you need to understand a topic is to hear it in a new way. Lastly, use your lab hours and your instructors’ office hours, especially if you are struggling with a topic. And if your instructor is not engaging you in the subject, find someone on YouTube that does.
How do you maintain work/life balance in an on-call environment? Having clear boundaries is one of the most helpful tools in trying to maintain work/life balance. I have some dates that I will not be on-call for, like my sons’ birthdays or anniversaries—and if I absolutely must work on those days I try to schedule the celebrations for the days before or after I work. I have also been known to take a half-day off after I have been on-call in order to relieve or catch up with my homelife. One of the best time management tools that I have learned is to have a no-meeting day which allows me to catch up on work or life.
What inspires women to choose a career in STEM? What drives or motivates you? I was inspired to choose a career in STEM because I wanted to be excited to go to work everyday and I wanted to work in a field that challenges and excites me. It was also a nice perk to know that I could work hard and provide for myself and my family. But at the end of the day I wanted to do something that changes the world for the better. I think many women choose STEM careers for their own different motivations. Sometimes it’s pay, sometimes it’s to solve a problem, and other times it’s to make a difference.
What are some things I can do in the summer before starting my undergrad in CS? This is the last summer you will have that is carefree and the last summer that all your friends will be on the same schedule as you are. My suggestion to you would be to take the summer and enjoy the free time. You could work on personal projects, get a summer job, catch-up with friends, or learn a new skill. After this your summers will consist of internships, classes, work, and other expectations. Enjoy the carefreeness of summer—a full life of responsibilities is right around the corner.
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Want to ask Gloria a question? > Scan here to submit your question today! Ask Gloria | page 61
Thank You Partners
To our partners who helped to make this magazine possible through their generosity and dedication to encouraging more women in STEM.
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page 62 | Thank You Partners
One-for-One Program Participants
These participating organizations and institutions will receive free copies of Reinvented Magazine to encourage more girls to pursue and love STEM.
One-for-One Program Participants | page 63
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Issue 8 Summer 2021