You learned the basics; now it’s time to level up. Blasting off from our last panel, we bring you a whole new crew of #scicom professionals to inspire you on how to translate your material into the digital realm. Our speakers will discuss the trials and tribulations of launching their podcasts and video series, the inspiration behind their respective episodes, and ultimately share tricks of the trade. Whether your a baby podcaster or a veteran you will find something in this event for yourself – be it a new garage band hack or that coveted next guest for your latest episode. So… tell us, are you ready player 2?

Schedule

1:00 – 2:00 pm PDT – Q & A session with panels

2:00 – 2:20 pm PDT – Breakout Session 1

2:20 – 2:30 pm PDT – Bio Break

2:30 – 3:00 pm PDT – Panel set demo

Speaker Biographies

Panellists

Kevin Mercurio, MSc (Podcast: Metaphorigins)

Kevin has a Masters of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa. His project was part of the university’s novel NSERC-CREATE TechnoMiSE program aiming to train researchers in microbiome technologies. He also completed his Honours Bachelors of Science at the University of Ottawa. Kevin has worked in a variety of academic, government and industry positions throughout his career, from a junior researcher at the University of Alberta and the non-profit FPInnovations, to a Life Sciences Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada, to his current position as a Laboratory Technician at uOttawa. He is also a coordinator for the Science to Business Network (S2BN) Mentorship Program, and created the pilot program connecting Ottawa STEM-based trainees with professionals in their fields of interest.

Outside of the lab, Kevin enjoys writing. His most recent short fiction Blue Elephant was published in the Health Science Inquiry Journal about micro-stresses in the digital age. He is also the creator and host behind Metaphorigins, a communications podcast which dives into the origins of figurative language and the science behind general communication. He hopes by discussing communication, listeners in science and elsewhere can effectively discuss solutions to complex issues we all face everyday. His mantra is: Stay skeptical, but curious.

Nicole Doucette, (Podcast: Discovery to Recovery)

Nicole is a mining engineer turned scientific content creator – with expertise in writing and podcasting. She was a co-host on the Discovery to Recovery geology podcast, and is currently working as a software technical writer.

Jesse Lupini (Avo Media Co-founder)

Jesse is a filmmaker and science communicator with a background in design, programming, and post-production. One of the co-founders of Vancouver’s Avo Media, he’s also directed several award-winning science fiction short films, including Crazy8s short Iteration 1. Jesse uses his eye for design, nose for narrative, ear for audio, and love of learning to help communicate science in engaging and exciting ways.

Lucas Kavanagh (Avo Media Co-founder)

Lucas is a science writer and media producer with a background in earth science and oceanography. He is the co-founder of Avo Media, a Vancouver-based production company specializing in science communication. He has also written for SciShow, coordinated national programs for Actua, and led outreach campaigns for major scientific expeditions.

Moderators

Pooja Bhatti

Pooja Bhatti has helped celebrate and spread science communication in Vancouver since 2016, through her work as the Vancouver Social Media Maverick of Science Slam Canada. She has completed a BSc in Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia, as well as a Human Resource Management Diploma from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. She hopes to utilize her two backgrounds in assisting future scientists in landing their dream jobs.

Miranda Stahn

Miranda Stahn, has been a passionate science communicator since her early 20’s when she worked as a Science Demonstrator performing live shows for the Telus World of Science Edmonton. She has since completed both a BSc in Cell Biology and an MSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta, but has continued to bolster her communication training by attending the Banff Centre for The Arts Science Communication Program (Beakerhead 2019), amongst other workshops. Miranda is presently affiliated with many local and national science communication and advocacy organizations including: Science Slam Canada, WISEST, SOAR Networking and SWCC.