Invited Experts
Keynote Speaker - From Practice to Research: Creative Approaches to Effective Science Communication
Dr Alexander Hall (he/him)
Assistant Prof in Science Communication, McMaster University
Dr Hall (@Green_Gambit) is an Assistant Professor in Science Communication at McMaster University and lead investigator of the newly formed Science in Society Lab. Dr Hall is a historian of science whose work combines mixed-methods research and science communication practice to better understand the development of popular science media and the public understanding of science in society. His interests include the history of science on television, climate change communication, and the use of alternative narratives and formats in science communication (e.g. comedy).
Alex also acted as a Create-a-thon Expert for ComSciConCAN 2023.
Panelists - Ethical Considerations for Science Communication
Sarah Laframboise (she/her)
Support Our Science, University of Ottawa
Sarah (@SLaframboise14) is a PhD Student studying Biochemistry at the University of Ottawa. Her research
investigates the use of yeast as a model organism to answer important questions about human disease and cancers. Outside of the lab, Sarah has been active in the science communication and science policy fields as an avid writer and graphic designer. For the last 5 years, she has been a volunteer and staff at the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) on their Editorial Committee, and has published, produced, and designed the last 3 editions of the CSPC Magazine. Sarah is also the founder and past president of the Ottawa Science Policy Network, a student-run club at the University of Ottawa, as well as a member of Canada’s Chief Science Advisor’s Youth Council. Sarah was recently named the Executive Director of Support Our Science, a grassroots organization advocating for increased funding for graduate students and postdocs in Canada through a series of petitions, nationwide walkouts, rallies, and more! Over the last year, Sarah has been active on the radio, media, and podcasts discussing the state of graduate student finances in Canada, as well as meeting with Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Standing Committee on Science and Research to advocate for these issues.
Dr. Sara Mazrouei (she/her)
Toronto Metropolitan University
Dr. Sara Mazrouei (@SciCommSara) is a planetary scientist, an educational developer, and a science communicator with a passion for sharing the wonders of the universe with the public. Her PhD research focused on the recent bombardment history of the Moon and links to future sample-return missions. Her work has been featured in many media such as the New York Times and National Geographic. Sara is also passionate about increasing the status of women in STEM and equity, diversity, and meaningful inclusion. She is currently an
Educational Developer at Toronto Metropolitan University's Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching.
Dr. Anh-Khoi Trinh (he/him)
Youth Council of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada, NSERC
Dr. Anh-Khoi Trinh (@AnhKhoiTrinh) completed his PhD in theoretical physics at McGill University and is a Youth Council member of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada, a board member of the Science & Policy Exchange, and a Mitacs Canadian Science Policy Fellow hosted at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Throughout his graduate studies, Anh-Khoi contributed to the advancement of a more equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible science & research environment by encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in science, improving physics curricula, and advocating for better policies for young researchers. His work
has fueled his passion for supporting the next generation of researchers and strengthening the foundations of Canada's research, science and innovation sectors.
Panelists - Communicating Science Through Education & Outreach
Dr. Shawn Hercules (he/they)
Science is a Drag!
Dr. Shawn Hercules (@ShawnHercules) is a highly motivated and innovative researcher with a strong background in public health and molecular cancer biology. With a Ph.D. from McMaster University focused on investigating the
epidemiological and genomics profiles of Nigerian, Barbadian, and Jamaican women with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. Shawn is an interdisciplinary scientist passionate about advancing health equity and promoting diversity in science. Currently, Shawn is conducting cutting-edge research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PMCC) where they are identifying early molecular changes in precancerous breast tissues of high-risk populations to enable early detection and molecular prevention of breast cancer. With a track record of successful collaborations with pathologists, surgical oncologists, and bioinformaticians, Dr. Hercules is committed to translating his research findings into real-world solutions. Moreover, they have a passion for including under-studied populations in multi-OMIC research and engaging in health disparities work. In addition to his research, Shawn is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity in STEM through various outreach initiatives such as Science is a Drag. Shawn was born and raised in Barbados, and now lives and performs in Toronto as Rawbyn Diamonds.
Anthony Morgan (he/him)
CBC
Anthony Morgan (@AnthonyMxSE) is the new co-host of The Nature of Things on CBC Television. He's also an
award-winning science communicator, PhD researcher, startup founder, and game designer who has hosted dozens of TV programs. He's obsessed with changing how people see, think, and discuss science in their everyday lives. He's spent close to 20 years finding ways to do just that. He's worked at the Ontario Science Centre, with Asap SCIENCE, written for newspapers, hosted CBC Radio, collaborated with municipal governments, and serves on the steering committee of the misinformation-tackling Science Up First. This work and more have earned him multiple distinctions and award nominations, including a Falling Walls nomination for a breakthrough science engagement initiative and being named one of CBC's top 20 millennial change-makers.
Dr. Emma Davy (she/her)
University of British Columbia
Emma's (@edavy87) background is a synthetic inorganic/organic chemist, having done a BSc and PhD at the
University of Victoria and a Post-doctoral Fellowship at the University of Ottawa. Since then, she has engaged in a variety of chemical education pursuits including sessional instruction (University of Victoria, Thompson Rivers University), a faculty role at an innovative undergraduate-only institution (Quest University Canada), and now as an embedded Science Education Specialist in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia. In her free time, she enjoys all things outdoors, from paddling lakes to hiking and running trails, to rock climbing, and is an avid knitter and piano player.
Workshop Leads
Measuring up: The Art of Evaluation
Carrie Boyce (she/her)
RCIScience
Carrie Boyce (@boycesterous_rex) is the Executive Director of the Royal Canadian Institute for Science (RCIScience), Canada’s oldest scientific society and a charity that has been connecting people in Canada with science since 1849. With over a decade’s experience working in science communication and public engagement, it’s fair to say Carrie’s become a Jack of all trades, master of some...
Originally from Northern Ireland, Carrie moved to Cambridge, England to pursue a degree in Biological Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, before working for the University and organisations like the Royal Society of Chemistry and Cancer Research UK. Eager for life’s next adventure, she moved to Canada in 2017 and has been happily working with RCIScience (and drinking maple syrup) ever since. In 2022, she received the Special Award for Inclusive Science Engagement at the international Falling Walls Breakthrough of the Year competition for her work co-producing Science is a Drag, an initiative that aims to shine a light on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in STEM.
Carrie also acted as a Create-a-thon Expert for ComSciConCAN 2023.
Indigenous Connection: Understanding Natural Laws
Grandfather Wanbdi Wakita (he/him)
University of Manitoba
Wanbdi Wakita has spent a lifetime making prayers for people. As a residential school survivor, peacekeeper with the Canadian Armed Forces, Chief of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, and Sundance Chief, Wanbdi has walked numerous paths. In2016, he received the Order of Manitoba for his lifelong work to support those in need and champion a message of healing and unity between all nations. Wanbdi is a gifted counsellor and storyteller with a rare breadth of traditional, cultural, and sacred knowledge. After thirty-three years working in corrections, he transitioned into the role of Grandfather in Residence for the University of Manitoba Access Program.
Science Improv
Dr. Joanne O’Meara (she/her)
Royal City Science, University of Guelph
Dr. O’Meara (@NeutronJo) has been teaching university-level physics for over 20 years and doing public outreach for even longer. Her passion for teaching and learning has been recognized with many awards, including the Canadian Association of Physicists Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2011) and a 3M National Teaching Fellowship award (2019). Joanne is also the co-founder of Royal City Science, a non-profit organization established in 2020 with the ultimate goal of building a new science centre for southwestern Ontario.
Joanne also acted as a Create-a-thon Expert for ComSciConCAN 2023.
Data Visualization
Natasha Vitkin (she/her)
Designs that Cell
Natasha Vitkin (@natashavitkin) is a science communicator with over five years of research and evaluation experience in health projects. She is the Knowledge Translation Lead at Designs that Cell, a scientific illustration company specializing in creating accurate, engaging, and accessible graphics for scientists, clinicians, and trainees. Natasha’s research and illustrations have been published in numerous journals, including Frontiers of Immunology and Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis. She is passionate about creating data visualizations and knowledge products that can be used to mobilize action and positive change. Natasha has a
MSc in cancer immunology from Queen’s University and completed her MPH at Simon Fraser University.
Natasha also acted as a Create-a-thon Expert for ComSciConCAN 2023.
Create-A-Thon Experts
Kara Aaserud (she/her)
McMaster University
Kara Aaserud is a National Magazine Award-winning writer, editor, and communications specialist with 20 years' experience in digital strategy, SEO, journalism, and public relations. Her written work has appeared in many Canadian consumer, university, trade, and online publications on topics such as infectious disease research, optimal aging, exercise and nutrition, business strategy, technology, and finance. She holds degrees in English from the University of Alberta and Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University. Currently, she is the manager of strategic communications for University Advancement at McMaster University.
Mark Belan (he/him)
artsci studios
Mark is a scientific graphics journalist and visual communicator, working at the intersection of art and science to translate scientific concepts into impactful visuals. With two Master of Science degrees (one in Geochemistry/Astrobiology, another in Biomedical Communications), his work and past experience as a researcher has led him to champion the values of visual storytelling when communicating complex and sophisticated ideas, especially in science. Mark is based in Toronto, Canada, and yearns to make science more accessible to everyone with all forms of visual media. Learn more about Mark at www.artscistudios.com.
Katie Moisse (she/her)
McMaster University
Katie Moisse is a science journalist and an Assistant Professor at McMaster University teaching science communication. She was the digital Health Editor for ABC News and has bylines in Scientific American and The Atlantic.
Jayne Morrish (she/her)
Brock University
Jayne Morrish is the Knowledge Mobilization Officer at Brock University’s Office of Research Services. In her role, Jayne leads knowledge mobilization, partnership work, capacity building, and community engagement initiatives at the Lifespan Institute—focused on supporting research impact across the institution. Jayne has completed a SSHRC funded Master’s Degree in Lifespan Development from Brock University, a Bachelors of Health from York University, the Knowledge Translation Professional Certificate from the University of Toronto, the Mobilize YU
Certificate from York University, and the Leadership Niagara Certificate. Jayne has received various awards for her work, including a Certificate of Academic Excellence from the Canadian Psychological Association, a 40 Under Forty Award, and a Brock University President’s Distinguished Staff Service Award.
Abeer Siddiqui (she/her)
McMaster University
Abeer Siddiqui is the Science Librarian at McMaster University and Adjunct Lecturer in the School of Interdisciplinary Science. She provides course-embedded science literacy instruction across the Faculty of Science and teaches a 4th-year science communication seminar titled Science & Storytelling. Her instructional practice enables students to take risks and embrace failure, while her research focuses on community-engaged teaching and dialogue-based science communication.
Organising Committee
Julie McNutt (she/her)
co-President, ComSciCon Canada NPO
Julie McNutt is a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry at The University of British Columbia. She studies how drugs are able to slow the progression of breast cancer cells using tools in chemistry. Julie is passionate about science communication and has been involved with ComSciConCAN since 2020. Additionally, she is interested in educational leadership and research. Julie is a graduate facilitator of the Instructional Skills Workshop and Certificate in Advanced Teaching & Learning at UBC. She is graduate peer reviewer of teaching and presentations and this past year she was an instructor for Scientific Thinking & Literacy as part of the first-year program Science One. In her free time, Julie enjoys spin classes and running!
Katie Pullella (she/her)
Katie is a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto in the Department of Nutritional Sciences. Her research focuses on understanding how exposure to environmental toxins, such as arsenic, impacts cancer risk in Canada. Katie's passion for #scicomm stems from working in a science museum, where she spent her time sharing her love of science with audiences of all ages! When she's not working on her research, Katie loves to hike, read and play tennis!
Ben Davis-Purcell (he/him)
Ben holds a PhD in particle physics from Carleton University (Sept. 2022). His PhD research focused on measuring properties of subatomic particles created by the Large Hadron Collider, the particle accelerator housed at CERN, which is the massive physics laboratory near Geneva, Switzerland. Ben loves communicating science to show that science is for everyone, including through podcasts, public presentations, and teaching. More recently, Ben began applying his science communication skills to science policy, landing a job at NSERC as a policy analyst through the Mitacs Canadian Science Policy Fellowship. He is also the Director of Data Analytics and Impact Evaluation for the Journal of Science Policy and Governance. In his spare time, he plays as many sports as possible, including hockey, squash, and ultimate frisbee.
Shealin Murray (she/her)
Shealin is a neuroscience PhD student at Brock University where she researches the development of social behaviour during adolescence. Shealin has held a variety of positions in science communication and student government initiatives, currently serving as an organizer for ComSciConCAN and as a Board member for the Brock Graduate Student Association. In her free time she can be often be found outside hiking and camping while exploring a new park.
Tara McDonnell (she/her)
co-President, ComSciCon Canada NPO
Tara M. is an Australian scientist and science communicator, currently completing her PhD in the Department of Cell & Systems Biology. She completed her BSc in Chemistry and Molecular Biology, and BSc (Honours) in Chemistry, at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. Tara has completed a wide range of research projects across five different labs, from looking at metal nanoparticle crystallisation mechanisms to deciphering how retinal progenitors decide their fate. In addition to research, Tara has a passion for science communication and outreach, and recently helped co-found ComSciCon Canada as a Non-Profit!
Toby Le (he/him)
Vice President, ComSciCon Canada NPO
Toby Le is Vietnamese Canadian and was born in Toronto, Canada. Toby's journey in science communication started during his undergraduate years when he participated in an internship in Tanzania, collaborating with local women to raise awareness about the science of fermented foods. Since then, Toby has actively collaborated with populations in East Africa, to promote equitable access to science and build trust between the general public and scientists.
Francesco Zangari (he/him)
Francesco is Ph.D. researcher at the University of Toronto within the Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute. He studies the intersection between RNA/Protein biology by building new tools to survey their interactions. These mapping efforts will serve as an atlas that can be referred to in diseased states when often these interactions are altered. When not doing experiments, he has spent time making science accessible through writing covering an array of topics like the microbiome, COVID-19 and Canada’s biotechnology sector for outlets like the National Association of Science Writers, Signals Blog and Massive Science. Through writing, Francesco has also become involved with science outreach groups, and currently works with both Scihigh and ComSciConCAN focusing on fostering scientific literacy throughout the education system. While he spends a lot of time in the scientific realm, Francesco gets away from it occasionally and likes to spend time watching sporting events, watching investigative documentaries or walking around Toronto. If you’d like to connect with me, DM me on Twitter @franthewriter1 or leave a message on my site.
Cissy Suen (she/her/elle)
Treasurer, ComSciCon Canada NPO
Cissy is a joint PhD student with the Quantum Matter Institute at the University of British Columbia and the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research. She researches strongly correlated materials using different spectroscopic techniques, in particular angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Cissy's experiments take her all over the world, including a year long doctoral fellowship at the Advanced Light Source in Berkeley, California! Cissy is also incredibly passionate about science policy; she is interested in exploring how we can better communicate quantum advances to the broader public and bridging the frontiers of quantum research with policy.
Quinn Pauli (she/her)
Quinn is a neuroscientist, science writer, artist and teacher. She is in her third year of her PhD at the University of Toronto, studying how old memories can be shaped by modifying connections between neurons in the brain. She is interested in why certain memories like emotional memories are resistant to change, and how this might relate to memory-related disorders. Outside of research, Quinn loves to swim, embroider, and hang out with her (toothless) cat Jasmine.
Jolie Miller (they/she)
Jolie is from Bethesda, MD, and became involved in science due to their participation in the competitive club Science Olympiad. She received her B.Sc. degree in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University in May 2021. During their undergraduate career, Jolie helped organize the first three Science Olympiad competitions at CMU, hoping to inspire the next generation of scientists. In fall 2021, Jolie joined the Peng lab as a PhD student, where she is working on determining the molecular initiating events of organophosphate ester toxicity, which are commonly used in plastics and flame retardants. Outside of the lab, Jolie enjoys reading queer fiction novels, baking, and playing with their two cats.
Elyse Letts (she/her)
Elyse has a background in kinesiology and is currently a PhD student in Medical Sciences at McMaster University. Her current research focuses on improving how we measure activity in toddlers and also looks at the impact of physical activity on toddler health outcomes. She is passionate about effectively sharing science ideas to a broad audience. She is involved in other science communication endeavours such as mentoring high school and undergraduate students with STEM Fellowship and sharing research with the larger community at Soapbox Science Hamilton. Outside of science communication and research, she loves to read and travel!
Madhura Lotlikar (she/her)
I am a Ph.D. student in the program of Neuroscience at McGill University. I hook people to EEG electrodes and put them inside MRI scanners to see how their brain changes after exercise and sleep loss. Before working in human research, I was a molecular biologist researching on Alzheimer's disease. I would hold a pipette and pet my lab mice at the University of Southern California and then at Harvard Medical School. Now, I miss wearing a lab coat and dexterous hand movements unique to a molecular biologist. My interest in Sci Comm strengthened when I worked as a production director and a writer for the Science Rehashed podcast. After attending ComSciConCAN, I continue to indulge in various forms of science communication and organizing outreach events in Montreal. I believe that science deserves to be in a casual conversation at breakfast between families and should pervade cafes and bars in the form of an open dialogue between scientists. Outside the lab, I put on a photographer's hat, ramble through cafes and read books. Please suggest me a good book!
Tara Kuhn (she/her)
Tara K. is a PhD candidate from the University of Waterloo, where she studies the relationship between physical activity, sleep, and dementia. She is focused on making accessible lifestyle and physical activity interventions to improve sleep in persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Tara is a passionate about science communication and ensuring that research findings are accessible to those who need it most. Tara attended ComSciConCAN in 2022 and has previous experience working as a Science Communication Officer with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
Sydney Valentino (she/her)
Director, ComSciCon Canada NPO
Sydney is an exercise physiologist and science communicator. She is focused on how people feel during exercise and how this can translate to evidence-based exercise prescription in individuals with altered heart rate responses (i.e., spinal cord injury and coronary artery disease). She is currently in her fourth year of her doctoral degree at McMaster University, under the supervision of Dr. Maureen MacDonald, and Educational Assistant with Professor Krista Madsen, and fitness instructor. Sydney has 8 years of sport and exercise performance experience and has developed teaching skills in community and university-level teaching settings. Earlier in her academic career, Sydney was elected on the McMaster Graduate Association and was a founding member of an interdisciplinary research trainee network on human aging.