Making Your Science Matter: Effective Communication for K-12 Engagement
February 25, 2026 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM ET
115 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10006
The strategic applications of scientific knowledge are indispensable for the discovery and development of meaningful solutions to society’s challenges. Given the current funding environment around STEM and waning public trust in science, scientists have an increasingly critical role to play in transforming how the next generation understands, engages with, and trusts science.
This interactive workshop will provide the fundamentals for exposing scientists to youth-centered science communication. Through discourse and a hands-on activity, participants will explore practical ways scientists can activate their research and engage with K-12 students inside and outside of the classroom. By the end of the program, participants will gain a better understanding of how to communicate scientific concepts and their research to K-12 audiences through developing activities that are meaningful and approachable, ultimately helping foster public engagement with science and with scientists.
This training will be held in-person at the Academy’s space on 115 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10006. Space is limited. Attendees are encouraged to register early.
Speakers
Adrienne Umali
Associate Director, Education,
The New York Academy of Sciences
Adrienne Umali is Associate Director of Education at The New York Academy of Sciences, where she leads K–12 enrichment programs designed to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of science through mentorship and hands-on learning. She is passionate about making STEM accessible and engaging for all students, and brings experience as both a neurobiology researcher and a middle/high school science teacher in the Bronx. Adrienne holds a BS in Psychology from Brown University, a Master’s in Biomedical Science from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and a Master’s in Education from CUNY Lehman College.
Danielle Mink-Bellizzi
Program Manager, Education,
The New York Academy of Sciences
Danielle Mink-Bellizzi is a Program Manager on the Education team at The New York Academy of Sciences, where she leads STEM mentorship programs that connect scientists with K–12 students through hands-on, inquiry-driven learning. Driven by a commitment to expanding access to meaningful STEM experiences, she oversees the Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program and Family Science Nights, fostering inclusive partnerships across NYC. Before joining the Academy, Danielle spent over a decade in informal education across museums and schools, developing art and science programming. She also brings experience in geospatial technologies and remote sensing, having led teacher workshops and served as a STEM specialist with the KIPP Charter network. She holds a BA with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BS in Coastal Environmental Studies from Stony Brook University.
Zamara Choudhary
Program Manager, Education,
The New York Academy of Sciences
Zamara Choudhary oversees a portfolio of professional learning programming at The New York Academy of Sciences designed to accelerate career advancement for scientists, students, STEM professionals, educators, and adult learners. She leads the Leon Levy Scholarship in Neuroscience’s Mentorship Program, the Academy’s Internship Program, and alumni engagement for the Stevens Initiative. Passionate about democratizing knowledge across disciplines and continents, Zamara spent a decade in cultural institutions building expertise in international program design and management, teaching, fundraising, research, and public engagement. She holds a Master’s in Arts Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in History, English, and Arabic Studies from the CUNY Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College.
Pricing
Member: Free
Nonmember: $35