Testimonials
Science Influencers helps the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture achieve its goal of supporting research, education, and extension activities for undergraduates across the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. Students who complete the Science Influencers program believe they are more confident in their science communications skills than they were before they completed the program.
Lucie Hartman
2022 Science Influencer2024 Cohort Testimonials
“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
2023 Cohort Testimonials
“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
2022 Cohort Testimonials
“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