The Story Collider, Association of Science Communicators, and Make You Think Inc. are teaming up to bring a science storytelling show to Portland, OR on September 17!
From heart-breaking to hilarious, join us for stories from people from all walks of life about how science has affected their lives. Whether you wear a lab coat or haven’t seen a test tube since grade school, science is shaping all our lives.
Show starts 7:00 p.m.
STORIES BY:
Robin Aguilar is a bioinformatics engineer and data scientist with expertise in developing genomic diagnostic technologies using DNA sequencing and fluorescence microscopy. They are also an internationally recognized scientific communicator, illustrator, and writer. Their current creative projects include leading creative writing and art workshops for queer and trans scholars and engaging in data science for social good. When they are not working on creative projects or discussing science, you can find them perusing Seattle art markets, curating their primary-colored mixology kit, and enthusiastically recommending manga to friends.
Since receiving her MS in chemistry, Amanda Pluntze has conducted research on satellites, batteries, and spent the past 10 years as a research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. She especially enjoys the challenge of problem solving, and claims that creative out-of-the-box solutions are her specialty. A firm believer in the intersection of art and science, she has pursued many opportunities to combine the visual and analytical worlds. She also serves as contest director for a local invention based problem-solving competition and volunteers for the Association of Science Communicators. Outside of her professional roles, Amanda is a cat lover, amateur salsa dancer, and board game enthusiast. Game night should be every night!
Mark Pitzer, Ph.D. is a Neuroscientist at the University of Portland. For the last 25 years he has worked to better understand and treat diseases of the brain, including Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. Currently, his lab studies how developmental influences in the womb can alter the number of dopaminergic neurons involved in reward, movement and social behavior. Mark is also an award-winning teacher who uses the findings from the fields of learning and neuroscience to invoke enduring enthusiasm, curiosity, and deep learning in his college students.
Marley Parker has been working as a professional science communicator for over a decade.At the beginning of 2018, Marley left a full-time position at a tier one research university to start her own business as a freelance photographer, videographer, and science writer. Over the past seven years, Marley has found a special niche: documenting deep sea research. She has joined 25 expedition teams on eight different vessels, highlighting projects sponsored by NOAA, NASA, the National Science Foundation, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Ocean Exploration Trust, and many others. When she is not documenting ocean science in remote parts of the world, Marley loves sharing the lessons she has learned from pursuing an unconventional career path.
Justin Bohling: For as long as I can remember, science and the pursuit of knowledge have been defining features of my life. In particular I am fascinated by the diversity of life, both living and extinct, and the natural world. Growing up in upstate New York, I was drawn to the outdoors and its multitude of creatures. My interest in biodiversity and science pushed me into a career in conservation. Much of my focus has been on animals, ranging from wolves to salmon. In my career I have worn many hats that have brought me into the field, into the lab, across the country, and even across oceans. I have been in the Pacific Northwest for almost a decade now, continuing my personal and professional growth. As much as I enjoy learning about science and nature, I get more of a thrill teaching others, especially my three children. My fascination of nature and hunger for knowledge are woven into my story and provide the lens through which I view the world.
Jackie Wirz is a biochemist by training, a nonprofit executive by profession, and a passionate community advocate. Her research career spanned 15 years covering topics as varied as DNA repair to the structural properties of skin. She spent 10 years as a faculty member and dean at Oregon Health & Science University, with an emphasis on data science, workforce development, and healthcare education. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Oregon Residency Collaborative Alliance, a learning network promoting primary care and family medicine. Using her collaborative and strategic skills, Jackie helps connect people and ideas to create meaningful change. She is a classically trained pianist, an avid reader, and an exceptionally bad runner. She believes that coffee is happiness and would love to meet you for a cup anytime.