A neuroscientist turned science communication expert, Dr. Mónica Feliú-Mójer understands all to well that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to public engagement with science. A Puerto Rican native, she is a prominent advocate for culturally relevant approach to science communication to increase access to the scientific endeavor and ensure that science serves society at large. She has put her communication philosophy and expertise to use serving as the Director of Communications & Science Outreach for Ciencia Puerto Rico and the Associate Director of Diversity & Communication Training for iBiology. We had the incredible privilege of catching up with Mónica at the AAAS Annual Meeting in Austin where we got the chance to pick her brain about how she found science in Puerto Rico, how she has given back to her community through her bilingual science communication and mentorship endeavors, and why she believes science belongs to everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
Here are some of the links and references mentioned during the show:
- You can learn more about Ciencia Puerto Rico on their official webpage and donate to support their work transforming STEM education in Puerto Rico
- Mónica wrote about Ciencia Puerto Rico’s education initiative for SciAm Blogs — Rebuilding Science Education in Puerto Rico“
- You can learn more about 500 Women Scientists’ partnership with Ciencia Puerto Rico and their Science Salons for Puerto Rico campaign here
- This interview was recorded at the AAAS Annual Meeting in Austin, where Mónica gave a number of talks highlighting the importance of cultural relevance to promote inclusion and accessibility in science communication. You can watch her speak on the Communicating Science Seminar video online here
- Mónica is also a beautiful writer, so definitely do read her moving piece I Won’t Leave Puerto Rico in the Dark for BRIGHT Magazine
This episode was recorded on February 17, 2018 at the Austin Convention Center during the 2018 AAAS Annual Meeting. Special thanks to Visager for music.