The importance of diversity in science is a theme universally acknowledged in our #ECRWednesday series. The future of new discoveries relies on the collaboration of researchers from a variety of different backgrounds. The presence and proportion of the queer/LGBTQ+ community in science might be less visible than that of other groups, such as those based on age or ethnicity. In our next webinar, we will celebrate the positive effects of their representation in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and medicine (STEM). Our panelists will talk about their work in addressing barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals within the science and technology workforce and share their own career experiences. Join this webinar to learn how personal identities help shape new discoveries.
Moderator: Vinodh, MPI Biophysical Chemistry, eLife Early-Career Advisory Group (ECAG)
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Find out more about our presenters:
Alexis Johnson PhD, Pineapple Laboratories, Germany
Alexis Johnson is an artist and entrepreneur trained in materials engineering and molecular bioengineering. She obtained a PhD Cum Laude in Natural Sciences from University Heidelberg and is the founder of Pineapple Laboratories. Her work involves using open hardware and open software to address issues on transgender rights, futurism, education and ecosystems. Born in Venezuela, Alexis identifies as trans* femme non-binary.
Jack Andraka, National Geographic Emerging Explorer, US
Jack Andraka is a National Geographic Emerging Explorer who combines engineering, data science, anthropology, epidemiology, and econometrics to create interdisciplinary global health interventions in collaboration with local stakeholders. His latest work includes crowdsourcing environmental monitoring in Tanzania with a postage stamp sized biosensor that detects 28 different water contaminants that costs less than a penny and takes 3 minutes to run. Now at Stanford University, Jack’s results have earned him international recognition, including the Jefferson Award, the Smithsonian American Ingenuity Youth Award, a Truman Scholarship, White House Champion of Change for Open Science, OUT 100, Time 30 under 30, and the Google Thinking Big Award.
Dr. Lauren Esposito, California Academy of Sciences, US
Dr. Lauren Esposito is the Assistant Curator and Schlinger Chair of Arachnology at the California Academy of Sciences. She is the co-founder/director of a science, education, and conservation non-profit called Islands & Seas, and the co-creator of 500 Queer Scientists, a visibility campaign for LGBTQ+ people working in STEM careers. Lauren’s current research investigates the patterns and processes of evolution in spiders, scorpions, and their venoms. Originally from the US-Mexico borderlands, she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at El Paso, and went on to obtain a MS and PhD from the American Museum of Natural History in collaboration with the City University of New York. A passionate educator, Lauren has organised education programs on the importance of conserving biodiversity in local communities throughout the Americas, has worked in digital science curriculum development, and has taught courses on a range of topics for elementary through graduate students.
Dr. Giles Oldroyd, Research Group Leader, Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University (SLCU) and Director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Project ENSA (Engineering Nitrogen Symbiosis for Africa)
Giles leads a team investigating the mechanisms by which plants are capable of forming beneficial interactions with nitrogen fixing bacteria that provide a natural source of nitrogen for plant growth and with mycorrhizal fungi that facilitate nutrient capture from the soil. A long term aim of his research is to reduce agricultural reliance on nitrogen fertilisers. He is also an editor at The Plant Cell and faculty member of the Faculty of 1000, Plant Biology.
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Interested in our full selection of #ECRWednesday webinars, on topics such as preprints, finding funding and more? Take a look at the collection of past reports and recordings.
