Meet Your Tour Guide: Allie

My name is Allie. I want to help bridge the gap between science and people. Scientists are often on the front lines of communicating current research to public audiences. With their knowledge and credibility they are able to dispel false information and misconceptions - which often finds its way into  public discussion. Effective science communication provides the public with a better understanding about topics ranging from health to environment.  As a result, society benefits as a whole.

Unfortunately, scientists often lack the training to effectively communicate science to non-scientists. Researchers used to rely on conferences and papers to communicate their science, but now the conversation has moved outside of these two forms of communication. Now it is important for scientists to know how to create meaningful online conversations and connections with scientists and the wider public in a way that wasn’t possible before.

My goal is to inform, educate  and raise awareness about science through social media. I want to present myself as a science communicator on the social sphere. I want to be able to stop fake news about scientific discoveries and the spreading of false information about science topics(ex:antibiotics).Recent studies have shown that the public sees scientists as competent - but not trustworthy. I hope to break this stereotype. Thanks to my childhood hero - Bill Nye - I believe that I can do it.

Currently, I am a Project Assistant at iDigBio. I coordinate iDigBio events along with assisting their education and outreach activities, website development, and social media. Prior to joining the team, I spent two years at UF ICBR managing their event planning and creating content for their social media platforms. I plan to stay with the iDigBio program until funding runs out. This will be in a few years.

When I am not working I pass my time by binge watching Korean dramas, practicing yoga and writing..