This week on #MeetAScientist, get to know Veronica Padula, a PhD candidate at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a science education and communication specialist. She shares the importance of her research studying the effect of marine debris on seabirds and why outreach and mentorship is so important for her.

This week on #MeetAScientist, get to know Dr. Alicia Pérez-Porro, a marine biologist and explorer. Alicia is a member of the 500 Women Scientists NYC pod, and led the effort to put together a recent op-ed for Scientific American on solutions to stop the leaky pipeline. We're thrilled to count her voice among our membership and excited to share her story with you all!

One year ago, 500 women scientists (and many more) signed a pledge to declare our support science and all minorities, immigrants, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA. That pledge grew into  a mission to make science open, inclusive, and accessible. As an organization, 500 Women Scientists is committed to providing opportunities for leadership and an inclusive space for all voices and points of view. So as we celebrate our 1 year anniversary, we invite you to meet some of our organization's leadership team and learn what inspired them to join the cause. We always welcome new ideas, voices, and energy, so please get in touch if you feel similarly inspired to step up and help lead our growing organization.

This week on #meetascientist, get to know Dr. Jessica Prenni, Associate Professor and Director of Proteomics & Metabolomics Facility at Colorado State University. A few weeks ago, Jessica co-authored a study on gender diversity based on an analysis of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry's annual meeting, so we thought it'd be a great opportunity to share her findings and her story!

This week on #MeetAscientist get to know Dr. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, a Professor at University of California Merced leading a soil biogeochemistry research group. She shares the arc of her career — from Eritrea to California, from political ecology to biogeochemistry — and her advice to young investigators. We know you'll find her insights as enlightening as we do! 

This week on #meetascientist, get to know urban ecologist and environmental justice advocate Tiffany Carey. As a young scientist and community organizer, Tiffany has a fresh perspective on how scientists can work with communities to empower and educate. She currently does just that as a Science Outreach Coordinator at University of Michigan. We know you'll find her story and her insights to be inspiring.

Scientist, conservationist, and artist Kika Tuff shares her work at the intersection of science, art, and outreach. She's managed to escape being pigeonholed, seamlessly bridging the worlds of science and art. She now runs a science communication agency called Impact Media Lab after finishing graduate school.

This week on #meetascientist, Dr. Melissa Creary shares her journey moving from biomedical research to public health and policy. A professor at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health, Melissa is also a member of the 500 Women Scientists Advisory Board.

This week on #MeetAScientist, we're thrilled to have Philadelphia pod member Dr. JoEllen McBride. An astrophysicist by training, Jo is committed to bringing science to everyone as a professional science communicator.

This week on #MeetAScientist, we're excited to introduce Laura Osburn. As a social scientist, Laura uses her expertise to find strategies to build smarter buildings, advocate for science through storytelling, and help lead 500 Women Scientists Seattle's Strike Team.

This week on #meetascientist, Dr. Erica Frank shares her passion for advocacy and her efforts to jumpstart NextGenU.org, the world's first free university.

This week on #meetascientist, we get to know Emily Lescak, a member of the 500 Women Scientists leadership and coordinator for our Alaska pod. True to the 500WS mission, Emily has centered outreach and mentorship over the course of her career development. We're thrilled to share her research, outreach activities, and insights into the (surmountable) challenges facing women in STEM.

500 Women Scientists has over 100 pods around the world, thanks in large part to Dr. Angie Pendergrass, our amazing Pod Coordinator and member of the leadership team. This week, get to know Angie on #meetascientist. She shares her passions for science and coalition building, as well as her love of adventure and the environment.

This week on #meetascientist, we get to know Philo Mbong. A virologist by training, Philo left Academia to bring science into the world of public policy. She shares how she found her way into science with her interest in reproductive health and how she manages to ground herself through all her science policy and advocacy activities (spoiler: she's a master of yoga).