As a rare diversion from ‘energy’ focus, here is a story that should bring a smile to anyone concerned about science, science education (STEM), empowering women in science, entomology, how social-networking is changing the world, and, well, good human-interest stories. In other words, well, likely most of us.
Short and sweet:
- an 8-year old girl and PhD student just published together.
- The 8-year old was impassioned by bugs — studying insects — but faced peer teasing/attacks for that passion.
- Her mother reached out: is there entymologist willing to speak with my daughter.
- That appeal went (sort of) viral and many scientists reached out to engage with her — enthusiastic about the chance to foster youth interest in and engagement with science.
- That engagement reinvigorated the girl’s passion for studying bugs.
- Gave power to the hashtag #Bugs4Girls.
- And, an 8-year old girl and PhD student just published together about the power of social media and youth science engagement.
I’m really proud of this piece, and am thrilled to share the publishing experience with Sophia, who I met & collected bugs with this summer pic.twitter.com/s7SiT7giIl
— Morgan Jackson (@BioInFocus) September 6, 2017
Thread for above tweet starts:
Special Editor @DrMaggieHardy invited me to contribute an article to this special issue devoted to #SciComm, & I'm excited for you to see it https://t.co/sPBqgFkU6J
— Morgan Jackson, PhD (@BioInFocus) September 6, 2017