This series features thought leaders in science communication, bringing you fresh insights from top voices.
Lindsey: Would you briefly tell me about your background and what kinds of things you do in your roles right now?
Raven: I am a molecular biologist, independent science communicator, and business owner of “The Science Maven.” Through my company I consult with federal, state, local, private, and nonprofit organizations on science communication. I also run a digital platform named after myself, Dr. Raven the Science Maven, where I communicate science and share my journey as a science communicator. As a scholar in science communications, I research science communication frameworks that push the field forward in an ethical and sustainable manner while still making plenty of room for fun and engaging and enticing work.
Lindsey: Trust is very important in all the work that you do. You interact with so many different types of people: scientists, educators, journalists, physicians, and people of all ages. How are you able to build trust with all of these people?
Raven: We all have a basic human need; a sense of belonging amongst other humans. I think that trust is a huge part of that need. There is a level of vulnerability that you have to enable within yourself to give people access to your ability to trust. I’m very focused on making space for that and I do so in a way that has an end goal of drawing people into the scientific community as a safe place for exploration, for asking questions, being vulnerable, and in turn, building trust.
Lindsey: Your educational efforts are crucial for getting everyone access to STEM information. What inspired you to create Science Haven and what do you hope to accomplish with this nonprofit?
Raven: I created Science Haven for people in the community to engage with science. Stellar Dreams is a flagship program where we distribute telescopes to individuals (children, adults), community groups, institutions, hospitals, and correctional facilities. We also connect people to their local astronomy clubs, university astronomy departments, and museums to build a network of scientific engagement and community. We would eventually like to partner with a university to offer course credit. If you want to support Science Haven, we are looking for partners and sponsors for World Space Week in October. Connect with us if you’re interested.
Lindsey: Out of all your outstanding science communication work, which one(s) do you think are more impactful for informing policymaking?
Raven: No singular platform is better than the others; I’ve seen people influence policy on every platform. Emily Calandrelli who goes by “The Space Gal” does space sciences communication on all her platforms and she used her social media platform to improve travel policies for parents who are breastfeeding. I have used my platform to raise awareness about housing discrimination while others advocate for scientific funding. Advocating for change is a community effort and you don’t have to do it alone.
Lindsey: What are some of the biggest challenges around the use of evidence for thoughtful decision making, and how do you think scientists and science communicators should address these challenges?
Raven: People lack patience and compassion. They initiate a conversation thinking that the goal is persuasion when the goal is to build trust and community. Science communicators are not here to persuade people to believe what they believe; this does not encourage people to join the scientific community. Communication styles used in the past such as public service announcements will not work today. We have to show people that the scientific process is a journey of discovery and constantly changing. Science communicators also need patience. No topic is hard to communicate; you just need to be creative in how you do it.
Lindsey: Imagine the near future, ~five years from now, how do you envision science and society working together (your ideal situation)?
Raven: I envision people being as enthused about science like they are about cheering for their favorite sports team. My dream is that science becomes an integrated part of society that we are really proud of and that it’s tied deep into our identities.
Lindsey: What role do you think that science communication will play in this ideal situation?
Raven: My specialty is science communication through digital media, specifically social media. Right now there is a blurred line between being a science communicator and an influencer. I’m working with the Association of Science Communicators as the Director of Development and Partnerships to make a new ethical framework for science communication. We need a distinction between an ethical science communicator on social media and an influencer who is more incentivized by personal gain such as selling a product or course. In addition to making this distinction, we have to equip people in STEM with the tools they need to share their science ethically. People who graduate with STEM degrees should also be required to take a certain number of course credits in communicating science, in public engagement, and in ethics.
Lindsey: Is there something in any of your current roles that surprised you (good or bad)?
Raven: I’m so delighted to do everything so it always feels like a delightful surprise. One of the things that surprises me is how advanced and smart kids are today. Even if I give them something extremely challenging, they always find a way to figure it out and that impresses me.
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