Posts

A list of the non-expert science communication efforts I have participated in.

Science Communication Outreach:

American Society for Microbiology Blog (Microbial Sciences):

Senior Contributor, 2015 - Present. Site profile Write original content for the blog each month. Collaborated to define the focus and generate governance documents.

MiSciWriters:

Founding Editor-in-Chief, 2015 - 2016. Recruited and organized a collaborative leadership team and faculty mentor to found the student-run blog (www.MiSciWriters.com) to practice science communication, explore writing careers, and raise awareness of science communication by researchers.

Assorted Outlets:

Associate Editor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology Newsletter, 2018 - Present. Create, organize, and copy-edit original content for department newsletters.

Media Coordinator, Organization for Microbiology and Immunology Students, 2015 -2018. Create original content for department newsletters, take and collate event photographs. Two articles published in other venues-Microbe Magazine and the Michigan Health Lab blog.

Altering the Academic Ecosystem: Graduate Education Reports Propose Critical Reforms
To better understand the consensus of graduate education reforms and move forward in redefining the academic ecosystem, this blog will summarize findings of the two reports, note their strengths, and identify next steps to adapt the future of graduate education in microbiology.
Jan 1, 0001 0 min read Blog, Portfolio
Examining Flint: New research highlights lack of legionella public policy
Why did cases of Legionnaires’ disease spike when the water source was changed for Flint, Michigan? We look at the scientific investigations into the cause, and how these data may influence a case around water safety policies.
Jan 1, 0001 10 min read Blog, Portfolio
Examining Flint: New research highlights lack of legionella public policy
From Poisoning to Pharmacy: A Tale of Two Ergots
Ergotism is a form of poisoning from ingesting grains infected by Claviceps purpurea. Learn how these infected grains have both healed and killed throughout history.
Jan 1, 0001 0 min read Blog, Portfolio
From Poisoning to Pharmacy: A Tale of Two Ergots
How to Train Your T Cell(s): The Hidden World
The prior decades of immunological research developed an array of tools and methods to uncover how our immune system protects against invading microbes. Now, the new wave of immunologists, including Dr. Belkaid, use those tools to uncover how our immune system cooperates with members of our microbiome.
Jan 1, 0001 0 min read Blog, Portfolio
How to Train Your T Cell(s): The Hidden World
If You Give a Baby a Bath, and More Microbial Myths
A followup to the “Microbial Myths” Youtube video that examines what the literature has to say about microwaving sponges, bathing newborns, and using Bunsen burners as a part of aseptic techniques at the bench.
Jan 1, 0001 9 min read Blog, Portfolio
If You Give a Baby a Bath, and More Microbial Myths
Invasive Fungal Infections: A Creeping Public Health Threat
Invasive fungal infections are collectively responsible for killing up to 1.5 million people each year, making this infection category one of the most deadly among communicable diseases, along with lower respiratory infections, tuberculosis and diarrheal diseases.
Jan 1, 0001 0 min read Blog, Portfolio
Invasive Fungal Infections: A Creeping Public Health Threat
Old Wives’ Tales and Garlic as an Antibiotic: Are Microbial Myths Fact or Fiction?
The history of “old wives” and how they supported their communities against disease and infection plus the history and science of garlic as an anti-microbial.
Jan 1, 0001 0 min read Blog, Portfolio
Old Wives’ Tales and Garlic as an Antibiotic: Are Microbial Myths Fact or Fiction?
Probing the Depths of Life
Microbes at the bottom of the sea don’t have sugar or sunlight. Instead, they harvest their energy from the unique chemistry of hydrothermal vents.
Jan 1, 0001 0 min read Blog, Portfolio
Probing the Depths of Life
Siderophores: A treatment target?
Iron is essential for many bacterial pathogens to cause disease so they often use siderophores to gather it. Researchers are attempting to exploit the siderophore as a treatment option by developing sideromycins, inhibitors, and even vaccines.
Jan 1, 0001 5 min read Blog, Portfolio
Siderophores: A treatment target?
Siderophores: Bacterial Swiss Army knives
Bacteria can use siderophores to increase their survival, to signal with other cells, and strike against other species.
Jan 1, 0001 5 min read Blog, Portfolio
Siderophores: Bacterial Swiss Army knives