Testimonials

“The Science Influencer’s program was a very enriching experience. Learning from real professionals and scientists and how to effectively communicate science help enhance my skills as a communication major. It also directly helped with my internship as my target audience was for high school students and community members. I would recommend this program to my undergraduate peers so that they can too understand the importance of science communication. I would like to thank my internship supervisors: Dr. Kelly Albus, Dr. Thi Nguyen, Dr. Taylor Harris, Pamela Golcher and Ben Hendrickson. I would also like to thank Dr. Holli Leggette, Dr. Gary Wingenbach and Dr. Barbara Gastel and the USDA Science Influencers Program for allowing me this opportunity. ” – Latifah Adesina

“Science Influencers helped me understand that meaningful influence in science starts with making information accessible and engaging for any audience. The program strengthened my public speaking, science writing, and communication skills, improving how I approach academic and professional challenges. Thank you to Dr. Leggette, Dr. Wingenbach, and Dr. Gastel for your guidance, and to Mr. Stirling and Abril for supporting my ILE experience. I’m especially grateful to Dr. Cai for giving me an incredible opportunity to research and grow under her mentorship.” – Subi Sankar

“I want to start off by thanking Dr. Barbara Gastel. She stepped up as my mentor, and I appreciate her fascinating insights from decades of experience. Every week over the Summer, I truly appreciated having the unique opportunity to step out of my work and talk to her, as well as to hear about her travels. Her insights as a copywriter and reviewer have been invaluable on my own perspective in everything from class presentations, to keeping documentation for projects, and writing graduate applications. The Science Influencers program as a whole has provided me the opportunity to pass on these skills to young professionals across the Texas A&M system and the REEU program across the country. These opportunities are what bring students in front of their peers and learning not only to practice their science but to understand it by bringing it to others.” – Ian Wilhite

“The Science Influencers program pushed me out of my comfort zone and fundamentally changed how I approach scientific work. I began the cohort focused on the technical aspects of research, but I quickly realized that science communication is about connection, culture, and empathy. Creating a citizen science application allowed me to apply these lessons in real-time, moving from simply collecting samples to designing a platform that invites the public to participate in environmental stewardship. The mentorship and curriculum provided me with the professional confidence to navigate ‘post-normal’ scientific challenges. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to grow from a student researcher into a reflective communicator ready to make a difference in the Rio Grande Valley.”  – Hector Ibarra

“It has been an honor and a privilege to be a member of the 2025 Science Influencers Cohort. This experience broadened my understanding of scientific communication and how to convey an important message to an audience. The Science Influencers program allowed me to practice translating scientific findings into public understanding through publishing graphics and various social media outreach projects. I was able to choose a summer research internship that would fit into my academic and professional niche to allow me to prepare for my future career. I applied for a summer internship that would increase my skills academically in data collection and professionally as a scuba diver. I was able to learn vital implications of my research, including habitat use and migration patterns. I gained a deeper understanding of marine ecosystem dynamics and species interdependence, and also learned the ecological importance of indicator species such as hawksbill sea turtles and whitetip reef sharks. Overall, I gained the ability to strengthen my leadership and organizational abilities during collaborative research activities. As I strive for a career in underwater data collection and conservation research, I look back on these experiences with gratitude as each day brought me closer to my passion and my dream job. These experiences would not have been possible without the leadership and guidance of Drs. Wingenbach, Leggette, and Gastel. Their contributions to the Science Influencers program allowed my depth of understanding to increase and passion for science communication to grow.” – Kira McArthur

“When I first entered the program, I was unsure of what to expect, but I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. The interdisciplinary classroom component of the program was truly enlightening, as I was exposed to a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. Here, I not only learned how to communicate, but also how to listen. Having never worked in research before, my internship was full of novel experiences. I learned how to work with a team focused on a long-term goal. Moreover, I enjoyed my face-to-face interactions with participants and grew both personally and professionally. By the conclusion of the program, I became well-versed in thinking critically, disseminating my science, and presenting with confidence. Applying to be a Science Influencer was one of the best collegiate decisions I have ever made!” – Olivia Antonelli

“Participating in the Science Influencers program was a transformative experience that strengthened both my communication skills and my confidence as a scientist. Through the program’s science communication course, I learned how to translate complex concepts into engaging, accessible stories. I then applied those skills during my summer research internship by creating short form videos and social media posts that highlighted my life as a chemist, from deep dives into my research topics to day in the life content and travel moments across Europe. The experience culminated in presenting my work at the program’s research symposium, where I shared what I learned with peers and mentors. Overall, the program gave me a unique opportunity to learn about and practice communicating science to both scientific and general audiences.” – Vishnu Vasudev

“The Science Influencers program has been an incredible experience that shaped both my confidence and refined my skillset. I entered hoping to grow as a communicator, but I gained far more: a supportive cohort, mentors who encouraged me to stretch my abilities, and practical skills that helped me tell meaningful stories about science and agriculture. This program showed me the power of communication to create understanding and inspire change. I’m grateful for everything I learned and for the people who invested in me along the way.” – Zoee Nolen

“If you’re looking for a well-rounded, informative, collaborative, and diverse science communications experience, then the Science Influencers program is perfect for you. It gave me, a first-time lab researcher, communication skills to succeed in a faced paced research lab. My favorite part, though, was meeting people from all different backgrounds and areas of the world. I know it’s cliché, but the experience truly gave back what I put into it. Everyone is kind, caring, and devoted to the success of science dissemination, and I would recommend it for anyone. ” – Davis Johnson

“The stereotype that scientists struggle to communicate their ideas clearly is one I’ve personally encountered as a biomedical engineering student. I often found it challenging to explain my work in ways that others could easily understand. The Science Influencers program transformed this for me, equipping me with the skills to become a confident and effective science communicator—an invaluable asset for my professional development—and providing opportunities to put those skills into practice. Through the program’s support, I completed a summer research internship at the University of Oviedo, focusing on medical device development. With funding from Science Influencers, I gained hands-on experience in my field and developed the ability to share my work effectively through platforms like social media and technical reports. This experience changed my life and gave me a deeper appreciation for the impact of biomedical engineering. None of this would have been possible without the Science Influencers program. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities it provided and the lasting impact it has had on my growth as both a communicator and an engineer.” – Ava Takenaka

“I want to thank Dr. Leggette, Dr. Wingenbach, and Dr. Gastel for a truly wonderful experience at the Science Influencer program. Even though Marisol and I were a bit far from TAMU, you folks always made us feel connected, and for that I am extremely grateful. Before I entered this program, I couldn’t even imagine myself in a laboratory setting, much less designing a research project on my own. To my surprise, the learning curve was rewarding and exhilarating. Every mistake was a learning experience, and every experience propelled my growth. I couldn’t have done it without the support and skills I learned from my faculty and peers. I hope my experience inspires more people from Laredo to pursue careers in STEM and perform valuable research. There’s a lot of talent and ambition in TAMIU, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the following cohorts.” – Alexandra Ash

“The Science Influencers Program has been one of the best experiences of my life. It enabled me to pursue my dream of researching cave microbiology. I excelled in the lab environment, and the required AGCJ 404 course gave me the education I needed to communicate what I learned. The program managers Dr. Leggette, Dr. Wingenbach, and Dr. Gastel were extremely helpful and truly care about and support the students in the program. The freedom to choose your mentor and research location in this program is so unique and beneficial. It allowed me and others in my cohort to help with the specific research we were interested in. I was extremely passionate about the project I worked on. The things I learned in this experience have prepared me for a successful future.”  – Caleb Crubaugh

“Joining the Science Influencers program was a transformative experience that allowed me to align myself with my interests. Science communication and environmental research has become my passion. The program provided me with valuable resources and support to break down complex scientific concepts into relatable and engaging content for diverse audiences. The science communication class, the retreat, and the summer internship allowed me to develop skills to convey my message efficiently to diverse audiences through real-world experiences. The writing assignments and internships have empowered me to become a science influencer, sparking curiosity and helping to foster a love for science. After the year-long program, I fully understand the immense power of science communication and the dire need for it to illicit interest in science. Fixing the leaky pipeline in science communication is instrumental to driving societal change and bridging the gap between research and the public. This program is perfect for passionate students who want to make science accessible and impactful.” – Marisol Vazquez

During the Program

“I wanted to thank you all so much for organizing and directing this program. … Everyone I’ve talked to at my internship thinks this is the most amazing academic program they’ve ever heard of. They also think Texas A&M is an amazing school to have a program like this. It really is special, and it’s positively changed the course of my life so much. Thank you all so much! I’m so excited for my future, and I have you all to thank for it.” – Caleb Crubaugh 

“I’ve witnessed Marisol has become an exemplary intern at RGISC. She has consistently demonstrated attentiveness, a strong work ethic, and a keen eye for detail. She actively engages in her tasks, asking thoughtful questions, and shows initiative in her projects. Thank you again for providing Marisol the opportunity to intern with us at RGISC and for allowing me to be her mentor. Her contributions have significantly advanced our work, and it has been my pleasure to support her professional development.” – Martin Castro, Marisol’s mentor 

“This program is better than I hoped for. I am relieved I joined because I was hesitant at first. My concerns before joining were that we’d have to follow very strict posting procedures that would come out as unnatural for my style, but this wasn’t the case as the curriculum for the program had the competency to encourage a wide range of styles and objectives within science communication. I respect their ambition to sample students from a wide range of often unrelated fields, and I’m more than satisfied with the very generous and timely financial compensation in the program. Overall, a very informative, ambitious experience that improved me as a scientist, communicator, and student.” – Jared Cooke

“My experience as a Science Influencer is one that has shaped me as both a researcher and an individual. I had the pleasure of attending MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) this past summer- something that would not have been possible without the Science Influencers Program (SIP). My research began with cell culturing techniques and growing as a researcher. My training progressed throughout the summer and led to a final project defined as a collaborative study between MIT and Tufts university. To understand the adhesion of Malaria infected red blood cells to human brain cells, I optimized a protocol for the experiments. My research will be used in the preparation of cells for these experiments and matched the expected results from literature. Outside the lab, I was able to meet other researchers and network with some of the brightest minds. I explored surrounding cities like New York, Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Providence, RI. I had an incredible, immersive experience that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.” – Camryn Couvillion

“The Science Influencer program has taught me ample skills that have no end. Drs. Leggette, Wingenbach, and Gastel have educated and mentored me into the student I have become. From introducing me to the true meaning of communication and what it means to be an effective science communicator, I have taken information and transformed it as an intern for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. In that, I have broadened my reach and goals in terms of careers and the impact I want to imprint on the world. With the help of the Science Influencer program, I have become a more confident student and actively want to become a science communicator.” – Fatyma Lawal

“During my time in the program, I’ve gotten the opportunity to peel back the curtains into the scientific communications realm. Understanding the nuances of communication not only with my colleagues but with the public has opened my eyes to the true impact of open-access education. While conducting fieldwork with Bat Conservation International, there was a family that stopped to question what we were doing. After explaining the process of mist-netting and the data we were collecting, the kids wanted to see the bats we were collecting data from. From a distance, we showed the children the techniques we used to evaluate wing damage and let them take photos of the bats. The children were not the only people excited, on the other side of the bridge, we had parents telling stories of their bat experiences throughout their time living in the area. In real-time, I saw two vastly different generations both elated at the chance to see these nocturnal navigators. This moment stuck because it is the personification of what this program was for me, it was a chance to spread that feeling of awe that the natural world has given me since childhood. As scientists, it’s our duty to the public to provide security and comfort in our communication. Giving the public the capability to have trust in the scientific method is a difficult endeavor, but an endeavor bestowed upon us by those before us. This program has taught me this lesson and I will continue to instill this lesson not only in myself but in those who will eventually succeed me.” – Jeremiah Wright

“My experience as a Science Influencer has given me such a great start as a researcher and grown my confidence in my abilities as a scientist, communicator, and presenter. After experiencing a rough start my first semester in the program, it was with the support and understanding of my program directors that I was able to have a wonderful summer internship experience. Through completing a research project throughout my time in the program I gained amazing experience in creating and conducting research and so much detailed insight into the field I hope to go into. The best part about the Science Influencers program is that you get to choose where you want to do your internship and they provide the funding for it. This was pivotal for me, as my internship was with a non-profit organization that would not have had the funds to have me as an intern otherwise. In addition you get to meet like minded individuals in other scientific fields and have the direct support of the program directors. I would highly recommend that other science-based majors apply for this program, particularly those with a passion for research or an idea for a project they want to make happen.” – Hope Bigbee

“Through my experience with the Science Influencers program internship, I feel that my confidence and independence as a scientist and a communicator have markedly improved. Not only did I have the opportunity to spend the summer in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii, I was able to carry out projects in chemical ecology, social media communications, and direct outreach. Gaining experience in these three areas has assisted me greatly throughout my first few months of graduate school, and has given me the confidence to pursue entirely new scientific fields. On top of being very fun, my internship was a fantastic opportunity to explore science in a different light, and meet some incredible people along the way.”  – Steven Graham

“The Science Influencer program provided the structure for me to grow as a scientist and as a person. I appreciate the change in my life that was generated by the work of the program, particularly through my work with my laboratory and my mentor. Without the education I gained from my lab, I would not have the direction for my scientific career that I do now. I can attribute the Science Influencers Program for providing the pathway for that connection to be made. The work with my mentor, and the opportunities that came from it, has helped me refine my skills in writing, discussion, and community-building.” – Lucie Hartman

“This opportunity has allowed me to blend both my creative and scientific aspects of myself in a fun and interactive way. Through this program, I have been able to expand my communication styles beyond journals and articles and now can better communicate my science with the public in fun ways. Fortunately, I am now open to a new and emerging career field that has been resparked through the need of science communications as we continue to advance in our research.” – Josh Moses

“The Science Influencers program has been an asset to my education as it has provided me the funding and support to explore my interests. I have made great connections through the course. I also learned more about myself and the opportunities I have within fields of science communication, as a scientist and as an influencer. I hope to implement the skills I have gained from this course in my career as they’re incredibly beneficial.” – Aanjaneya Chaturvedi