Our Science Communicators

Alexandra Weigand is a third year PhD student in the San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. She is also a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow working with Dr. Mark Bondi. Her current research focuses on identifying early brain changes in Alzheimer’s disease and reducing Alzheimer’s risk. Outside of the lab, she works to promote positive mental health among graduate students and to improve science communication with the nonscientific community.

Angie Lo is an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, currently majoring in Physiology and English. When not writing or studying, she can be found drawing cartoons, reading poetry, or cracking her tenth corny science pun of the day. 

Dr. Cathy Seiler the Head of Biomarker Operations at H3 Biomedicine. Her career has focused on managing biological samples across industries to support research and drug development.  She received her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology at Boston University and her PhD at the Watson School of Biological Sciences at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, studying cancer. In her spare time, Cathy is involved at the leadership level with the international biobanking society, ISBER, and plays handbells in the community handbell choir the Merrimack Valley Ringers. 

Claudia Suzanne Willis is a Junior Research Specialist at a research center for smell and taste science. She is a chemist by training, and an avid reader and baker in her free time. She lives in Philadelphia, PA, with her roommate, cat, and houseplants. Follow Claudia on LinkedIn.

Emily is a professional science journalist and municipal water resources educator. Her goal is to make science accessible and interesting for everyone. She has worked as an outdoor environmental educator, science teacher, and professional communicator and trainer. You can follow her on Twitter @riseandsci.

Dr. Emily Willoughby is a researcher, author, paleontological illustrator, and nature photographer with a passion for anything and everything with feathers. Her work—ranging from paleoart to science communication on evolution—has been featured in journals, books, and museums around the world. Her artwork, photography, and social media links can be found on emilywilloughby.com. She earned her doctorate degree in cognitive psychology.

Jessica Breavington is a student at Durham University studying Natural Sciences in biology, geography, and earth science. As an extensive traveler, she has observed first-hand the human impacts on the environment and the effect of climate change on the natural world.

Jocelyn Solis-Moreira is a science journalist and writer who currently works in academic publishing. She holds a master’s degree in neuroscience and enjoys reporting on the latest research discoveries and writing about them in a digestible and enjoyable format.

Mackenzie Myers Fowler is a science writer, avid knitter, and former field station ragamuffin. She holds an MFA in nonfiction writing but would be a soil scientist if she could do it all over again. She lives in Michigan with her husband, her cat and a plethora of houseplants.

Max contributes wildlife and other photography to Science Connected. He grew up in the northern Chicago suburbs and is currently studying aerospace engineering at Iowa State University. In addition to being an award-winning photographer, Max enjoys flying radio-controlled planes and engineering his own RC creations. You can view his extensive photography portfolio on Flickr.

Megan Ray Nichols is a STEM writer who covers industrial and scientific topics. She has four years experience covering these industries writing for sites like Thomas, IoT Times, IndustryWeek and Discover Magazine.

Natalie is a freelance copy editor with a curiosity for how things work and a careful eye for presenting ideas clearly. Her work centers on promoting education, and in her spare time she likes to cook, travel, and volunteer.

Risha Banerjee is an undergraduate student at UBC Vancouver, studying biochemistry. She enjoys writing and reading about all things science, and can often be found staring at walls, journal in hand. In her (limited) spare time, she likes watching videos of dogs chasing their tails, or stealing her roommates’ food. 

Shelby Nilsen writes research-backed health and science content for lay audiences. Her work focuses on climate change, public health, and the intersection of science with daily life. She is a full-time traveler, pathology enthusiast, and lover of bad puns.

Steven Spence contributes photography and general science articles to Science Connected. His extensive body of work in nature photography is both beautiful and informative. He enjoys photography, nature, and science, and is an avid fan of Calvin and Hobbes. Steven researches his subjects, showcases his concerns about the environment, and advocates for more biodiversity and fewer pesticides in agriculture.

Tasnim Jackson received her Bachelor’s degree in biology with minors in secondary education and psychology from the City College of New York. She has always had a passion for science and education and has taken on science writing as a way to stay engaged in both.