Join us for an evening of true personal stories about science that explore how circumstances shape our future. Hosted by Saad Sarwana and Raj Sivaraman.
Stories by
Diva Danielle Danielle is a former broadcast journalist with over 20 years of experience in television, radio and print media. Danielle is passionate about her community, the art of conversation through storytelling and engaging others through humor. Danielle enjoys performing as a stand-up comedian and working her business Diva Strong Media LLC as an entrepreneur. Danielle enjoys volunteering in the community working with nonprofit organizations. Danielle’s community involvement, positive, infectious personality, has earned her some special awards and recognition for her ability to inspire others going through difficult life challenges.
Dr. Joe Roselle is an educator, climate activist, and Chief Operating Officer of Urban Farming Education (UFE), where he leads initiatives to bridge the gap between information and action through climate-smart education. With a doctorate in education, Dr. Roselle is passionate about hands-on, problem-based learning that empowers individuals to become environmental stewards. His leadership at UFE focuses on developing regenerative agriculture programs, strengthening community collaborations, and fostering educational partnerships that align with global sustainability goals.
Dr. Roselle has played a role in expanding UFE’s impact, integrating STEAM education with urban farming to provide students with essential skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Under his guidance, UFE collaborates with universities, policymakers, and corporate partners to implement sustainable land management practices that improve food security and environmental resilience.
An advocate for holistic land stewardship, Dr. Roselle champions composting, soil health, and waste-to-resource initiatives, helping communities transition toward sustainable systems. His vision is to inspire a new generation of changemakers who recognize the value of environmental responsibility and collective action in addressing global climate challenges.
Dr. Saira Hamid is a Presidential Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University. She earned her PhD in geological and planetary sciences in the fall of 2024. As a planetary scientist, she investigates phenomena such as volcanism, climate, and the biosphere to better understand the evolution of Earth and other worlds. Above all, she loves to learn—constantly seeking that exhilarating moment when something suddenly makes sense.
Russell Kinner PE Is a retired Industrial Controls Engineer, Russ designed equipment to produce consumer goods and pharmaceutical drugs. Originally from Ohio, he moved to the Valley of the Sun a little over 20 years ago. Married in 1974, Russ has 3 kids and 8 grandchildren who all know that he's a "nerd".
Mary Jo Pollack lives life out loud, not only as an award-winning storyteller but also as a general life philosophy. She has appeared at Odyssey Storytelling, Female Storytelling (FST!), Tellers of Tales Tucson, Phoenix Moth, which she won twice, and numerous virtual shows, including the 2022 Toronto Storytelling Festival. Mary Jo loves the 99-second storytelling format.