Zakiya
Zakiya
Scientist. Educator. Creator.
 
 

Science Communication

Welcome to my science communication hub!

I’m a passionate science communicator with expertise in audio, video, writing, and more. In addition to my own projects, I empower fellow scientists to communicate their research effectively in today's digital era. My goal is to make science accessible and engaging for everyone.

In my career, I’ve developed a broad range of tools and skills in my sci comm toolkit.

  • Storytelling

  • Podcasting

  • Workshops and Talks

  • Biotechnology & Life Sciences Experiments

  • Course-Based Research & Curriculum Design

  • Short-form Video

  • Filmmaking

 

Are you ready to bring a fresh perspective to your science communication skills? Are you looking for opportunities to transform the way your students and faculty convey complex scientific ideas?

 

 
 

Growing as a Science Communicator

My personal journey in science communication dates back to graduate school, where I shared my research with graduate students from other fields. I participated in a science outreach program to expose elementary and middle school students to science. If you’ve ever wondered if you 'know your stuff,' try teaching it to a 6th grader. It was a humbling and rewarding experience! I also took courses in college teaching to prepare for a career in education. Those experiences equipped me with tools and strategies that I continue to use today.

 

Continuous Learning in SCI COMM

My early experiences in science communication—and my first sci-comm training sessions—focused on exposing young children to careers in STEM. I worked with middle schoolers in Durham County, NC, primarily in groups of 4-6 students. Through these sessions, I quickly learned the importance of adapting different formats and styles to suit changing audiences. These skills became invaluable as I pursued further science communication opportunities to educate college students and the general public.

STORYTELLING TECHNIQUES

Finding ways to weave scientific concepts into compelling narratives can be challenging, but it's worth the effort. Stories help us organize, retain, and recall information. Use storytelling to engage your audience, providing both educational and entertaining learning experiences. Simple techniques like using analogies can transform complex ideas into relatable, memorable stories.

Collaboration & Networking

Collaborate with other science communicators, researchers, and creatives to broaden your perspective and reach. Networking with your peers—known as horizontal networking—can be incredibly valuable, especially when facing challenges with advisors or administrators who may not fully understand your sci-comm goals. Create and leverage a supportive community for exchanging ideas, sharing resources, and amplifying your impact.

Issa Rae talks about networking across.

 
 
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Signature Projects

Over the years, I’ve worked on several projects that reflect my commitment to high-quality science communication.

I'm proud to have contributed to several Webby-nominated projects, including Dope Labs Podcast, Breakthrough, and Thrive Global’s “The Science Behind.” My roles have ranged from creator to producer to editor and host.

 

Breakthrough Podcast - Webby Nominated

I am the host of Breakthrough, a podcast collaboration between Boston Children’s Hospital and T Brand Studio. The first season was nominated for a Webby Award, and it was #1 in Life Sciences on Apple Podcasts in June & August 2022. The second season of Breakthrough launched in February 2024.


 

Short-Form Video - Webby Nominated

This is a branded video with Thrive Global and Bose on “The Science Behind Looking Up.” As scicomm talent, responsibilities can include collaborating on & reviewing the script, correcting for accuracy and tone, and more. On Facebook alone, this video has >1.4 million views and >2.8k comments. I love the animation & production by the team at Mighty Oak, and this earned a Webby Award nomination.


 

Short Film - Jackson Wild Media Lab

A Trapper’s Turn was a collaborative project with other 2023 Jackson Wild Media Lab fellows. This was a short turnaround project, with only a few days from meeting the client to ideation & capture, then screening the final cut at Jackson Wild Film Festival.


 

Planetarium Film - NASA

In collaboration with the Hayden Planetarium team at the Museum of Science Boston, I’m working on a new Dope Labs film that will debut in 2025.


 

Short films

These stills and the clip are from a short film that explores the diverse landscapes and communities of the Southeastern United States, focusing on how climate change and an aging population are reshaping the way of life for people in this region.


 
 
 

What’s in My Pack

When I give talks or workshops, students often ask me about my gear. What kind of mic do you use? What is the best software for editing? What type of camera do you have?

When the budget is tight, I think you can get by with recording audio on your phone, but I do appreciate when audio and video are high quality. I’m sharing a couple of items from my different gear packs, and you can download the Podcasting Guide or book me for a workshop if you want more details or 1 on 1 instruction.

This list of equipment may contain affiliate links. This never changes the price for you, but it does send a little support my way!



 
 

Other TEch

A hard drive to store all of the amazing footage you record

 
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 Science Communication Resources

At a recent live taping of Dope Labs Podcast, someone asked me what resources I used when starting out as a science communicator. Honestly, I was knee-deep in science communication through informal education and outreach programs before I even discovered the hashtag #scicomm.

Throughout my career as a professor, administrator, and now a full-time science communicator, I've come across countless incredible creators, communities, and resources. While some are science-focused and others are not, they all offer valuable lessons. If you find these resources helpful, I'd love to hear from you!

Creators & Communicators

Books & Articles

 
 
  • Strategic Science Communication by Besley & Dudo - Dr. Isabell May recommended this book right before John Besley (one of the authors) walked up to her table at AAASMtg2024. Then a couple weeks later, Dr. Reyhaneh Maktoufi was sharing some insights from it too. If that’s not enough to convince you, I don’t know what else to say!

 
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