The University of Rhode Island’s Metcalf Institute, Michigan State University’s Knight Center for Environmental Journalism, and the URI Science and Story Lab launched the SciComm Identities Project (SCIP) to prepare the next generation of science communicators from underrepresented ethnic and racial backgrounds. The ambitious five-year project, supported by a $2.8 million collaborative National Science Foundation grant, will address a significant gap in science communication research and training by centering the motivations, experiences, and priorities of racial and ethnic minority scientists. The SCIP team is developing and testing a novel science communication training curriculum through this one-year fellowship program, which includes the creation of a forthcoming podcast related to the Fellows’ research and experiences.

Out of a competitive applicant pool, fourteen Fellows were selected to participate in the third and final cohort of this innovative science communication fellowship for pre-tenure faculty of color. The 2025 SCIP Fellowship will focus on the intersection of climate change and food-related issues, including food insecurity, agriculture, and aquaculture. While Fellows bring a diverse range of cultural and disciplinary backgrounds, they all share a strong history of personal commitment to science communication and inclusive community engagement.

The Igwe Lab is opening at Virginia Tech in August 2024! We’re excited to be part of the amazing Department of Biological Sciences and delve into the ecology of Eastern U.S. serpentine soils and other cool topics.

Thank you to all who helped realize this accomplishment which includes, but is not limited to:
– Family and friends (past and present)
– Dr. Mary McKenna
– Dr. Carole Hom and Dr. Rick Grosberg
– Dr. Rachel Vannette
– Dr. Michelle Afkhami
– Dr. Catherine Hulshof for forwarding me the job application

I would also like to thank Shawn Christensen for drawing the Plantago erecta that is in the lab logo.