Beyond the Bench SciComm @ UCR

How can scientists play a critical role in public policy, and how can grad students get involved? Morgan Dundon and Stephanie Piper from UC Riverside's Center for Science to Policy discuss their experience in public policy as graduate students, the professional development opportunities they host on campus, and what they have learned from legislators!

Learn more about UC Riverside's Center for Science to Policy here.

Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How can we enable a global response to disease by creating low-cost vaccines using plant viruses? Dr. Larry Grill, the Dean of Research and a Research Professor at the Keck Graduate Institute, discusses his research in vaccine development and disease diagnostics in developing countries, how his experience founding Large Scale Biological Corporation led to the development of vaccine production technology, and his undergraduate teaching philosophy!

Watch Larry's TEDx talk on enabling a world response to disease here.

Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How do transposable elements contribute to gene and genome evolution, and what are the benefits of a hands-on laboratory education for undergraduates? Dr. Sue Wessler, a Professor of Genetics at the University of California Riverside and Home Secretary of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), discusses her career researching fragments of DNA that can insert into new chromosomal locations, how she has helped to make the NAS more inclusive, and the Dynamic Genome course-based undergraduate research experience that she developed and implemented at two universities!

Learn more about the Wessler Lab at wesslerlab.ucr.edu.

Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How can we use quantitative modeling to solve plant disease issues around the world, particularly huanglongbing? Dr. Neil McRoberts, a Professor of Plant Pathology at UC Davis, discusses the intersectionality of his epidemiology research, how he got interested in the field of plant pathology at an early age while growing up in a small Scottish town, and how there's room for everyone in science, even those who despise labwork!

Follow Neil on Twitter @UnderGardener1.

Learn more about the tools used in the battle against huanglongbing, and view research snapshots by Neil and other Citrus Series guests by visiting the Science for Citrus Health website and following along on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @sci4citrus.

Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

Why is plant virology important for biosecurity, and how can we form international professional connections at conferences and via Twitter? Dr. Adrian Fox, a Senior Plant Virologist at Fera Science Ltd., discusses his research and plant diagnostic work, what it's like to be an industry scientist, how he communicates science via his dog's Twitter account, and his myriad of activities outside of science, including playing the trombone and baking.

Follow Adrian on Twitter @Blisteredcanker and his dog @PlantpathDog.

Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What particular challenges do first-generation college students face, and how can science education impact their experience? Alex Cortez, the Academic Coordinator and Instructor of the Dynamic Genome Program at UC Riverside, discusses his educational journey, the importance of undergraduate research experiences, and advice for other first-generation college students.

Follow Alex on Instagram @ill_profe.

Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.