Behind the Science: an Interview with the Executive Director of Science at Cal

Q: What do you do at The Lawrence?

A: I run Science at Cal, a program that brings the excitement and relevance of UC Berkeley research to communities of all ages and backgrounds for science engagement and learning. Accessibility, inclusiveness, creativity, and innovation are hallmarks of Science at Cal programming, which reach tens of thousands of people annually. Science at Cal also works directly with scientists across campus to build sustainable and impactful science outreach collaborations with community and campus partners.

Q: How long have you worked at The Lawrence?

A: I started as a student worker back in 2005 then transitioned into a full-time educator in 2006 before leaving for graduate school. In my current role, I’ve been here for 5.5 years—I was hired exactly three weeks before the world shut down for COVID. So yes, I got the full crash course in remote science-ing real fast.

Q: What is your favorite exhibit at The Lawrence and why?

A: This might be a predictable answer, but Forces that Shape the Bay. It is the Beyoncé of exhibits. It’s tectonics and erosion paired with the best view in the world. Plus, I worked at the Lawrence Hall of Science when the exhibit was unveiled, shiny and new. I have fond memories of doing live demos for visitors and news cameras during opening events.

Q: Describe your path to science/education

A: I’ve always been a huge math geek but didn’t like science until high school physics. It was then when I made the connection that physics was simply super fun math problems. My physics teacher let me go at my own pace, so I finished physics in less than one semester and spent the rest of the year building an interferometer (i.e. a literal laser ruler) that accurately measured the expansion coefficient of metals. My fate was sealed! I started my undergrad majoring in physics and landed an awesome summer research fellowship at the National Center for Atmospheric Science, which opened my eyes to the world of Atmospheric Physics. The Atmospheric Sciences allowed me to combine my love for physics with my passion for environmental stewardship, especially with regards to topics like climate change and air pollution. I received a PhD in Earth & Planetary Sciences but always knew my heart was working at the intersection of science and society. Since obtaining my PhD, I’ve become an expert in science communication and public engagement, working directly with scientists at all stages of their careers.

Q: What was your first aha moment at The Lawrence?

A: I first stepped into The Lawrence to attend their “Communicating Physics” course offered to undergraduates at Berkeley. That’s when I met John Erickson: legend, educator, wizard of science storytelling. The way he engaged with the college students, his peers, and K-12 visitors and their parents was unlike anything I had ever experienced. He was so good at explaining difficult concepts while connecting with people at the same time. I was hooked. I started working as a student educator the very next week!

Q: What is one unexpected place/thing/topic that you’ve connected to science?

A: I don’t know if I’d call this unexpected, but people don’t ever expect to be hanging out with a bonafide cloud doctor. People don’t even know cloud physics is a field of science! I love dropping cloud facts or pointing out cool cloud formations. Like now. Cloud fact: You know when you look up and shapes in clouds (an airplane or bunny rabbit maybe)? That’s called nephelococcygia: the act of seeking and finding shapes in clouds. Take that to trivia night!

Q: What age group do you love to teach or work with, and why?

A: Adult audiences! My bread and butter is connecting scientists with either science-curious crowds or science-skeptical crowds. Essentially, I’m a science party planner for grown-ups. I’ve hosted over 100 lectures, science shows, and hands-on activities in museums, bars, libraries, restaurants/cafes, coffee shops, parks, gardens including the White House, the Smithsonian, and National Geographic. Making science accessible and exciting to children is difficult in its own right, but adults bring their own baggage: misinformation, the media, politics, and questionable YouTube rabbit holes. Cracking through that? That’s my job, that’s my jam!