Podcast Summary
Innovating during challenging times: Two organizations, Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance and Skype A Scientist, adapt and innovate during hardships, making a positive impact in their fields and communities.
During challenging times, organizations and individuals continue to innovate and adapt to make a positive impact. Two such examples are the Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance and Skype A Scientist. The Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance, an NPR sponsor, is working to break down barriers to treatment, survival, and recovery for people with schizophrenia. They believe that recovery is possible, and more information can be found on their website. Another NPR sponsor, Certified Financial Planner Professionals, are dedicated to acting in their clients' best interests. Meanwhile, Skype A Scientist, a nonprofit that connects scientists with classrooms and other groups, has seen a surge in audience engagement during the pandemic. With schools closing and more people staying home, they've gone from having 20 people attend a livestream to over 500. The paleontologist leading today's session expressed her excitement to connect with others after a week of isolation and shared that she's received a range of questions, from the silly to the insightful. Despite the challenges, these organizations and individuals continue to make a difference in their respective fields and communities.
Bridging the gap between scientists and the public: A group facilitates virtual scientist visits for teachers and students, enabling direct interaction and challenging stereotypes.
During the pandemic, a group is working to bridge the gap between scientists and the public by making it easier for teachers and students to connect with scientists through technology. Maddie Sofia, a scientist herself, recognized the disconnect between the two groups and created a streamlined way for scientists to engage with non-scientists. This initiative, which allows teachers to request scientists for virtual lessons on various topics, provides an opportunity for students to meet and learn from scientists directly. The process is simple: teachers can scroll through the available scientists, choose one based on their topic of interest, and fill out a form to request a virtual visit. This innovative approach not only brings scientific knowledge to students who are learning from home but also challenges stereotypes about scientists. So, whether you're a teacher looking to teach your students about squids or just interested in learning from a biologist, this platform offers a unique opportunity to connect with scientists and broaden your horizons.
Challenging stereotypes and showcasing diverse scientists: Representation of diverse scientists is crucial for inspiring young students to pursue careers in STEM. Programs like Skype a Scientist prioritize matching classrooms with scientists from underrepresented groups and showcase diverse scientists to challenge stereotypes and make science accessible and relatable.
Representation matters in inspiring the next generation of scientists. When the founders of Skype a Scientist started the program, they aimed to challenge stereotypes and show the diversity of scientists. They wanted to convey that scientists come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, not just the socially awkward, white, male stereotype often portrayed in media. The program also prioritizes matching classrooms with scientists from underrepresented groups to help students see themselves in the scientific community. Research shows that this representation is crucial for inspiring young students to pursue careers in STEM. In the clip, microbiologist Ruth Eisenberg shares her experience growing up in a small town and encourages young students with an interest in science to keep their passion alive and seek out opportunities to get involved. By showcasing diverse scientists and providing opportunities for students to engage with them, Skype a Scientist is working to make science accessible and relatable to as many students as possible.
AMA science sessions inspire the next generation: These sessions showcase inclusivity in science, provide unique insights for professionals, and inspire curiosity in participants, benefiting both parties and the scientific community.
The "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) science sessions are highly valued by scientists because they wish they had such opportunities when they were growing up. Many scientists never saw people like them in science when they were young, making these sessions an essential tool to showcase the inclusivity of the field. Scientists also appreciate the unique questions they receive from participants, often leading to new perspectives and insights, even for seasoned professionals. This two-way exchange not only benefits the participants but also enriches the scientific community. Additionally, the feedback received from teachers and kids highlights the importance of these sessions in inspiring the next generation of scientists. Overall, the AMA science sessions foster a sense of belonging and encourage curiosity, making a significant impact on both the participants and the scientific community.
Conversations with individuals who think differently lead to innovations: Engaging in discussions with diverse perspectives can inspire groundbreaking ideas and fuel scientific passion and motivation
Engaging in conversations with individuals who think differently can lead to groundbreaking ideas and innovations, especially in the field of science. Sarah McAnulty, the executive director of Skype A Scientist, emphasizes the importance of these interactions, noting that scientists can benefit from the enthusiasm and curiosity of younger generations. These conversations serve as a reminder of the excitement and importance of scientific research, rekindling the passion and motivation of scientists. Furthermore, people's growing interest in authentic experiences and direct access to information contributes to the success of programs like Skype A Scientist, where they can connect with scientists and learn about their work firsthand.
Exploring the complexities of treating psychosis and the issue of lost patients: The podcast 'Lost Patients' discusses the challenges of the current system for treating psychosis, focusing on the issue of patients getting lost in the system, cycling between the streets, jail, and hospitals.
The podcast "Lost Patients" explores the intricacies of the current system for treating psychosis, highlighting the issue of losing patients in the endless loop between the streets, jail, and hospitals. For more information about the podcast, including live sessions and sign-up details, visit skypeascientist.com. This episode was produced by Rebecca Ramirez and edited by Viet Le, with fact checking and production help from Emily Vaughn. Additionally, this podcast is sponsored by Easycater, which aims to simplify corporate catering needs, and Mint Mobile, offering premium wireless plans starting at $15 a month. For more information about these sponsors, visit easycater.com and mintmobile.com/switch, respectively.
