It’s Science Week, so we wanted to take this opportunity to help you make your Twitter feed a more scientific environment.
With talent gaps needing to be filled in the STEM sector all the time, it’s never a bad idea to shine a light on the phenomenal men and women within the wonderful world of science.
For budding scientists, it’s all about visibility. There’s a reason that ‘if you can’t see it, you can’t be it’ are such important words, especially when it comes to women in STEM.
With this in mind, and knowing that there are more than 330m monthly users on Twitter, we thought this would be the perfect time to share 10 great role models you can follow on the platform if you’re hoping to pursue a career in science.
Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield)
As the first Canadian astronaut to walk in space, Chris Hadfield became well known for giving the world an insight into life aboard the International Space Station during his last mission.
He posted pictures of Earth on social media and played a number of songs on the guitar, the most iconic of which was David Bowie’s Space Oddity.
Practice makes perfect. pic.twitter.com/xPRXC3hObp
— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) November 10, 2017
Hadfield’s Twitter feed continues to be filled with space content to satisfy any scientific brain, including more stunning Earth pictures and interesting facts.
Keri Kukral (@kerikukral)
Keri Kukral is the founder of Raw Science TV. She spoke at Inspirefest 2017 about the importance of multidimensionality, and how it can expand our minds and open us up to new industries.
Having started out a dancer before earning a degree in biomedical engineering, Kukral is the perfect example of how art and science can blend together beautifully.
#evolution #bacteria #Darwin https://t.co/6adUzPztFo
— Keri Kukral (@kerikukral) October 23, 2017
Kukral’s tweets and retweets comprise fascinating features, takeaways from interesting panels and inspiring messages for women in STEM.
Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson)
Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, author and science communicator.
He has won numerous accolades, including the Public Welfare Medal, awarded to him by the US National Academy of Sciences in 2015.
I still think there should be a dinosaur named the Thesaurus. And I imagine Thesaurus Rex would be badass with wordplay.
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) October 19, 2017
Aside from his passion for science in general, his Twitter feed also has plenty of science humour and political opinions, particularly when it comes to climate change.
Aoibhinn Ní Shúillebháin (@aoibhinn_ni_s)
An Irish staple in the science community, Aoibhinn Ní Shúillebháin is a long-time advocate for STEM, maths and women in the science industry.
An associate professor in maths education at University College Dublin, Ní Shúillebháin works towards making STEM degrees, and maths education in particular, more accessible.
Such a delight to listen to Prof. Dervla Donnelly, @ucdscience graduate, give the Mary Mulvihill lecture @WITSIreland this evening. pic.twitter.com/MPjKMyHt7O
— Aoibhinn (@aoibhinn_ni_s) November 7, 2017
Her Twitter feed is full of inspiration and scientific takeaways for both the budding young scientist and those who want to further their STEM career.
Carl Zimmer (@carlzimmer)
Carl Zimmer is a popular science author and columnist who specialises in biology, evolution and parasites.
Zimmer is the only science writer to have a species of tapeworm named after him.
EPA is taking more advice from industry — and ignoring its own scientists https://t.co/RTSGMIEeME
— Carl Zimmer (@carlzimmer) November 11, 2017
Zimmer has written a dozen books about science, with another one on the way. His Twitter feed is a mix of science and politics, with a particular focus on where the two overlap: climate change.
Dr Niamh Shaw (@niamhiepoos)
Dr Niamh Shaw is the perfect example to show others that you should believe in your dreams, no matter how far away they seem.
As an engineer, scientist and performer, Shaw has overhauled her life to chase her dream of going into space. With one flight on the ‘vomit comet’ already under her belt, it’s only a matter of time.
Happy Science week everyone!!Looking forward to seeing you this week either at schools w @lottie_dolls & @blackrockcastle, at @TheArkDublin talking #Space or at @NGIreland & @Highlanes w @ieBritish to discuss #ArtInMind. Celebrate all things #curious this #Scienceweek #StopAndAsk pic.twitter.com/d3Nc3Yzd1W
— Dr. Niamh Shaw (@niamhiepoos) November 12, 2017
Follow Shaw’s adventures on Twitter as she pursues her dream journey to space, while having plenty of scientific fun here on Earth in the meantime.
Prof Brian MacCraith (@muirtheimhne)
It will come as no surprise that Prof Brian MacCraith has been mentioned in a few of our STEM lists before, and there’s a good reason for that.
Aside from being a passionate educator as president of Dublin City University, MacCraith is an extremely strong advocate for the importance of STEM.
Delighted to see @DublinCityUni assisting @SPSSutton student Omar Salem in a highly innovative @SciFest4STEM project! https://t.co/09vUvCBJLE
— Brian MacC (@muirtheimhne) October 29, 2017
Plenty of people from various disciplines should follow MacCraith’s insights on Twitter, and his support of the STEM industry is good for the scientific soul.
Jennifer Ouellette (@JenLucPiquant)
Jennifer Ouellette is a science writer based in Los Angeles. Her writing is aimed at mainstream audiences unfamiliar with complex scientific issues.
Ouellette is the former director of the Science and Entertainment Exchange and she also served as journalist in residence at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics.
Tiny Bugs Are Having Sex on Your Face Right Now. (Thanks for the nightmares) https://t.co/a0LOtHKMci
— Jennifer Ouellette (@JenLucPiquant) November 11, 2017
Follow Ouellette on Twitter for more fascinating science features, interesting insights into the ongoing political climate change battle and much more.
Shane Bergin (@shanedbergin)
Shane Bergin is a physicist and assistant professor in science education at University College Dublin.
He is also the founder of City of Physics and presenter of Bright Sparks on RTÉ Radio.
Did that liquid nitrogen ‘bomb’ ever explode? I’ll be joining @daraobriain (Nov 12th) as part of @ScienceWeek https://t.co/qrlt3UUcBD pic.twitter.com/J48gmzaW40
— Shane Bergin (@shanedbergin) October 30, 2017
Bergin’s Twitter feed shows his passion for all things scientific and, if you follow him, you’ll be met with fascinating insights, discoveries and features from the science industry. You’ll also find his own personal takes and opinions, particularly when it comes to STEM education.
Dr Crystal Dilworth (@PolycrystalhD)
Dr Crystal Dilworth has a bachelor of science in biochemistry from University of California San Diego, and a PhD in molecular neuroscience at Caltech.
She is also a strong science communicator, having worked as a TV correspondent for the Al Jazeera media network for almost five years.
Tonight at the L’Oreal For Women In Science awards. Wonderful to be celebrating the accomplishments of so many amazing #WomenInScience! ??? pic.twitter.com/GQMYe3BGKc
— Crystal Dilworth PhD (@PolycrystalhD) November 10, 2017
Follow Dilworth on Twitter for a mixture of serious science and lighthearted fun from her own life. You won’t be sorry.
