Shout Out! to #VanguardSTEM

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

I started doing science outreach in order to serve the public, with particular attention paid to general audiences that were rarely served by the science. My passion and service work in science communication began the same way. Lately, I've been speaking more to other scientists, academics - those in training such as graduate students and peers. But more and more I've been doing what I call science inreach service. This involves speaking to other academics, with particular attention to gatekeepers such as administrators and those who serve on steering/planning committees for universities, agencies, and professional societies.

This science inreach service work often includes queries about whom should be engaged and how in order to create a more inclusive and diverse professorate and STEM workforce.

My answer: Seek out and Listen to the people from these under-represented groups who are presently in the science and academic trenches working to make STEM accessible, diverse and more inclusive.

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In fact, start here: #VanguardSTEM. Created by Dr. Jedidah Isler, Astrophysicist and 2015 TED Fellow, the monthly webispode program features a roundtable of women in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics discussing issues from the importance of role models, building support networks, career-life balance, making moves, science and social justice, as well as relevant current news such as the Flint Water Crisis.

A storify recap of the inaugural #VanguardSTEM is here. 

Right now, check out the latest episodes of #VanguardSTEM

#VanguardSTEM - Women's History Month with the Board! (March 1, 2016)

#VanguardSTEM The BOD: Part 2 (March 1, 2016, S2E2.2)I

Subscribe to the YouTube channel and watch ALL of the episodes. Next episode is Tuesday, April 5, 2015. Follow @VanguardSTEMand @JedidahIslerPhD on Twitter.