Are you interested in building a career in STEM? Join The New York Academy of Sciences for an exciting monthly online event series designed to explore the vast opportunities within STEM fields. This series offers unique access to experts across industries.
Each session features guest speakers from distinguished organizations, including Noven Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, and more. Gain invaluable insights into their career journeys, the roles they hold today, and the innovative work they do.
Engage in live Q&A sessions to ask questions that will help shape your own career path. Whether actively pursuing a STEM career or simply exploring possibilities, this event series provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.
This series is open to all, regardless of age or background, and is the perfect opportunity to network and learn. Don’t miss your chance to connect with leading STEM professionals and take the next step in your career journey!
Dr. Fortis Santiago holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras and a PhD in Neuroscience from Brandeis University. Upon graduating with her PhD, she joined the National Science Foundation (NSF) as an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow. In 2014, she joined the New York Academy of Sciences, where she created the first leadership program for STEM graduate students: the Science Alliance Leadership Training. And in 2017, she joined Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) to lead the postdoctoral office. More recently, in 2025 she expanded her portfolio to oversee MSK’s scientific Pipeline Training Programs. She is also a doctoral scholar of the Leadership Alliance, and a former fellow of the 92Y Women inPower fellowship.
Rebecca Zolotor, PharmD, currently serves as dean and vice president for the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global. Her passion for public health can be traced back to her time at the Junior Academy more than 30 years ago.
Published April 16, 2025
By Brooke Elliott Education Communications Intern
Rebecca Zolotor gives a presentation as a member of the Junior Academy in 1992.
Dr. Rebecca Zolotor’s passion for science was ignited in ninth grade when she read The Double Helix by James D. Watson, his account of the discovery of DNA’s structure. This piqued an interest that led her to join The New York Academy of Science’s Junior Academy. There she was partnered with David Crandell, PhD, a researcher within the cardiovascular division of Lederle Labs.
Under the guidance of Dr. Crandall she quickly discovered a deep interest in research. At just 18 years old, she was included as a co-author on publications from her time working at Lederle Labs. Dr. Crandall also connected Rebecca to his mentor, the late Mario DiGirolamo, MD, a professor and researcher in the medical school, who was conducting research at Emory University. That connection was instrumental in her decision to attend Emory, where she continued to assist with research. “Their support allowed me to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn through observation and hands-on experience, shaping my growth and confidence in those formative years,” she said in reflection.
Applying Individual Skills to Team Success
Dr. Zolotor then worked under Keith Smith, EdD, for 15 years, who showed her how to combine diverse individual strengths to build a strong, cohesive team. He emphasized the importance of having a clear mission, where everyone understands how their contributions help drive the team’s success. “His guidance had a lasting impact on my professional growth and leadership approach,” she said.
The passion for science of the mentors and participants of the Junior Academy left a lasting impression on Dr. Zolotor. “I remember attending sessions at the beautiful building on 2 East 63rd Street (the home of the Academy from 1949 to 2006), surrounded by others who were just as eager to learn and make a difference,” said Dr. Zolotor, adding that it was “incredibly inspiring to be in that environment.”
Working Across the Globe
Dr. Zolotor’s time at the Junior Academy sparked a domino effect in her career. Her early experience with cardiovascular research opened her eyes to the critical role nutrition plays in overall health and quality of life, which inspired her to pursue an MS in nutritional science. This led to a post-graduate opportunity at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), where she co-led initiatives, including nutrition talks, supermarket tours, and cooking nights. From there, new opportunities led her to New Zealand, then Mexico, where she taught science courses at a university.
Rebecca Zolotor (seated, center) poses with her lab mates and Dr. David Crandell in the Lederle Lab in 1991.
Dr. Zolotor’s earliest research stayed with her throughout these experiences. When she returned to the U.S., she worked at the Miami Veterans Administration Hospital, managing a clinical trial focused on diabetes while earning her doctorate in pharmacy. As a pharmacist, she advanced her career in leadership roles in pharmacy management, where she gained valuable skills in team building, operations, and strategic leadership. Still, she was seeking a role where she could make a broader impact, prompting her return to academia.
A Passion for Education and Online Learning
As dean and vice president of the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global, Purdue University’s online university for working adults, she helps students develop the knowledge and skills needed to make meaningful contributions to diverse communities.
Her commitment to scale and using technology to reach more learners aligns with her current role at Purdue Global. Their work, especially with veterans and military leaders resonated with her work on clinical trials at the VA hospital.
Career Advice from Dr. Zolotor
“Whether pursuing research, teaching, or administration, the most impactful careers are shaped by a willingness to explore new ideas, adapt to change, and learn from every experience, even ones that do not turn out as you might have desired,” said Dr. Zolotor. “Ground yourself in empathy, good communication skills, and a clear sense of purpose.”
Some of Dr. Zolotor’s career-defining moments came from people who believed in her while challenging her, which she says helped her grow. Though her initial career goals of being a researcher for a pharmaceutical company did not go as expected, she feels grateful for the many opportunities that have come her way. She advises others to remain open to possibilities even if they do not directly align with their original plan. “There was no online education when I started out, so I never could have imagined my current career. But my path has led me to incredibly meaningful work,” she said.
Outside of STEM, Dr. Zolotor enjoys staying active, whether it be working out or spending time outdoors. A native of Brooklyn, NY, she also loves cooking and baking bread and has recently begun creating a cookbook with her children’s favorite recipes, exploring food plating and food photography.
Dr. Zolotor’s experience exemplifies the value of the Junior Academy. The connections and experiences made through the Junior Academy continue today.
The Junior Academy is now accepting applications for Fall 2025.Apply today!
May 14, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET | In-Person Event
115 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10006
Are you looking to expand your network and forge meaningful connections with other STEM professionals? Join The New York Academy of Sciences for a dynamic evening at our upcoming Spring Speed Networking Event! Meet multiple professionals across STEM fields through a structured networking activity, followed by open mingling with complimentary refreshments. Whether you are a seasoned professional, student, a startup founder, or just looking to meet new people, this event offers a perfect opportunity to connect with a variety of like-minded STEM professionals in a structured, time-efficient format. Space is limited. Register today and take the opportunity to expand your network!
Please ensure you have access to a smart device (e.g., phone, tablet, or laptop) with internet connectivity during the event to participate in live interactive polls and Q&A sessions.
Constantina Theofanopoulou, PhD, a leading researcher in neurobiology is an accomplished flamenco dancer. She’s also a mentor for The New York Academy of Sciences.
Constantina Theofanopoulou, PhD, is an accomplished neurobiologist who served as a mentor for The New York Academy of Sciences Afterschool STEM Program from 2019 to 2022. She taught biological concepts to elementary and middle school students in underserved communities across New York City, serving as a role model to young people interested in the sciences.
“The skills I gained–communication, adaptability, and inspiring curiosity–continue to shape my approach to mentoring and leading research teams today,” she said.
Her favorite part of working with young students? Their unfiltered curiosity. As they grow older, Prof. Theofanopoulou finds that adults often hesitate to ask questions out of fear of seeming naive. Children don’t have these reservations, and their relentless curiosity is both uplifting and a reminder of how essential it is to maintain an inquisitive spirit in science.
Witnessing “eureka” moments, whether it was understanding a challenging concept or successfully completing an experiment, is what made the Academy program so rewarding.
Greece, Genomics, and Greatness
Prof. Theofanopoulou grew up in Greece, and her early educational life was marked by incredible teachers across all disciplines. “I was equally thrilled to win the Kid Fairytale Prize at age seven and to represent my school in highly competitive national mathematics contests like the ‘Thales’ competition,” she said, adding that the prize was awarded by the major Greek publisher Minoas.
Captivated by the ‘mystery’ of language, she pursued linguistics for her undergraduate studies, feeling that this field stood somewhere in between the sciences and humanities. “I do believe that scientists clearly benefit from skills traditionally associated with the ‘humanities’, such as crafting clear scientific writing or developing persuasive grant proposals. Interdisciplinary abilities are essential in science and scientific leadership,” said Prof. Theofanopoulou.
After earning her PhD in Neuroscience of Langue from the University of Barcelona, she completed research stays at Duke University and Rockefeller University which earned her a “Universal PhD” title. She then pursued postdoctoral research at The Rockefeller University, with a focus on the neurobiology of speech and the genomics of social communication. She joined the faculty of CUNY Hunter College from 2022 to 2023 and now holds a position as a research assistant professor at The Rockefeller University.
Connecting Neurobiology and Dance
In addition to being an influential scientist, Prof. Theofanopoulou is also an accomplished flamenco dancer. In 2012, she was awarded first prize by the Spanish Dance Society and has been dancing since she was five years old.
It wasn’t until recently that Prof. Theofanopoulou realized she could combine her love of dance with her passion for science, using her insights into the neurobiology of dance to benefit her research in the neurobiology of speech. Because humans and select bird species (including parrots) are the only beings with advanced vocal learning abilities and clear rhythmic entrainment (dance), she hypothesized that there might be a shared neural pathway and evolutionary mechanisms underlying these two behaviors. She began exploring the two fields in tandem, integrating her choreography skills into experimental designs.
“My goal is not to inspire others to follow my exact path but rather to encourage them to identify what truly excites them and pursue it with passion and dedication,” she said.
Commitment to Diversity in Science
For Prof. Theofanopoulou, supporting underrepresented communities in science is an obvious and necessary cause. “It is profoundly unjust to exclude individuals from pursuing their passions based on identity. Scientifically, a narrow pipeline of voices can never produce the best ideas,” she said. As a woman in a male-dominated scientific field and an international scholar navigating multiple cultural and linguistic contexts, she has experienced many of the challenges that underrepresented groups face.
It’s clear that improving representation requires both a top-down and bottom-up approach, according to Prof. Theofanopoulou. Systemic support structures, such as targeted initiatives and mentorship programs like the Academy’s Afterschool STEM Program, foster inclusive lab cultures through everyday actions. It’s through this mentorship that Prof. Theofanopoulou works to improve the community for the generations of young scientists she inspires.
Prof. Theofanopoulou will give a short lecture and showcase her flamenco dance skills during the “Rhythms of Exchange: the Latin American Influences on Flamenco Arts” event on April 15 at The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, 10065, New York, NY. This free event begins at 5 p.m. and is open to the public. RSVP today if you want to attend!
April 15, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM ET | Hybrid Event
115 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10006
Science nonprofits stand at the forefront of shaping scientific advancement through impact investing, philanthropy, education, and advocacy, and an exciting array of career opportunities for scientists exist within these organizations. This workshop, presented by Brooke Grindlinger, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of The New York Academy of Sciences, is intended to help early-career scientists (grad students, postdocs, faculty) transition to and learn about nonprofit roles.
Through interactive sessions and case studies, participants will:
Gain knowledge about the kinds of science nonprofits and the types of roles available within these organizations
Delve into skills valued by nonprofits
Identify relevant skills already existing within their repertoire and determine strategies to fill skill gaps
Explore compensation trends within science nonprofits
Gain the tools needed to plan pathways for a lab-to-nonprofit transition and investigate long-term career paths within nonprofits
Attendees are strongly encouraged to join in-person at the Academy’s space on 115 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10006 to take full advantage of the event. The program will also be offered live online.
Please note the event will begin promptly at 6:00PM.
Speaker
Dr. Brooke Grindlinger
Microbiologist Dr. Brooke Grindlinger serves as the Chief Scientific Officer at The New York Academy of Sciences. Committed to leveraging science for positive impact, she strategically guides the scientific facets of the Academy’s diverse program portfolio, spanning life, chemical, and physical sciences, as well as social sciences, nutrition, artificial intelligence, computer science, and sustainability. A sought-after expert speaker, Dr. Grindlinger has graced prestigious platforms such as the United Nations, South by Southwest, and the US National Institutes of Health. With a knack for addressing pivotal topics at the nexus of science and society, she contributes insights to podcasts and webinars and has written for esteemed publications including The Washington Post, International Business Times, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Formerly the Science Editor for The Journal of Clinical Investigation, Dr. Grindlinger’s impactful Academy leadership garnered her recognition as a “Most Notable in Nonprofits and Philanthropy” by Crain’s New York Business Magazine.
May 7, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET | Virtual Course
Did you know that almost half of all adults living in the United States will experience a mental health challenge at some point in their lifetime? This makes it more important than ever for individuals to receive training to help build skills that will help them identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health issues in adults.
In recognition of this challenge and of National Mental Health Awareness Month, The New York Academy of Sciences will be hosting Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), an interactive training program designed to help individuals identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health issues and substance use disorders in adults. Similar to First Aid and CPR training, MHFA is a key set of skills that can allow STEM students, educators, and professionals to assist their students, peers, and colleagues who may be experiencing an acute mental health issue.
This interactive training will be held online, and it is customized for people in STEM fields. Learn how to:
Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges
Interact with a person in crisis and connect them with help
Prioritize self-care and manage your mental health
MHFA is an internationally recognized program that originated in Australia and is currently taught in more than 25 countries worldwide. The program follows evidence-based fidelity standards. Each participant will receive an online certificate upon completion of the course that is valid for three years and can be added to their LinkedIn profile.
Please note that two hours of preparatory work are required. Participants will receive a link to this material after registering for the course.
Space is limited. Register to secure your spot today!
Instructor
Monica M. Simpson Public Relations Specialist, Labette Center for Mental Health Services, Inc.
4 one-hour Online Sessions February 28, March 5, March 12, March 19
9am – 10am EST
Post-Course Recognition
A certificate of completion from the New York Academy of Sciences
A personalized endorsement on LinkedIn for science communication skill written by your instructor
Course Objectives
This course and community are custom-built for scientists to help you:
Get funding for your research or investment in your startup
Effectively present your work to your key stakeholders in ways that demonstrate its impact and value
Land your dream job
This course will teach you a proven system that course graduates have used to achieve these actual results:
Successful grants unlocking research funding from state and federal agencies
“Game-changing” presentation skills for demonstrating impact to key leaders
Aced job interviews leading to industry positions straight from Ph.D. programs
What Participants Get
In this highly interactive online course, you’ll get:
4 live, one-hour webinars
One-on-one feedback and responses to your questions
A video you’ll record yourself – and get to keep – that incorporates two rounds of personalized feedback you’ll receive on your application of the course’s proven methodology to your own specific research or priority issue
Recordings of all group sessions to watch at your convenience
Responsive email support to address any questions or issues arising between session
Mentoring and networking opportunities with easy-to-approach fellow group members
Fireside chats with experts in professional development, communication and more
Ask-Me-Anything with special guests
You’ll also get:
A certificate of completion from the New York Academy of Sciences
A personalized endorsement on LinkedIn for science communication skill written by your instructor
Note: Participants must satisfactorily complete the required course assignments to be eligible for a certificate of completion and a personalized LinkedIn endorsement from the instructor.
BONUS:
The first 10 people who register for the course also will receive a 30-minute consulting call with the instructor FOR FREE - in addition to the 4 group sessions.
During the call, you can focus on topics such as how to:
Improve the lay abstract for a grant you’re writing
Prepare for your upcoming job interview
Refine a presentation you will be giving to colleagues
Instructor
Mark Bayer is President of Bayer Strategic Consulting and specializes in helping scientists sharpen communication and leadership skills so they can get funding, accelerate career advancement, and build key professional relationships.
A former Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Mark developed the Savvy Scientist System TM to enable scientists to achieve their goals in corporate, policy, and non-profit environments.
Mark is an international keynote speaker and online course instructor. His work has appeared in Science Magazine, The New Yorker, The National Postdoc Association’s Postdocket online magazine, Politico and other publications.
A magna cum laude graduate of Cornell University, Mark earned his Master in Public Policy at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Syllabus
Session 1
”Know your audience” is a typical, yet vague and essentially unhelpful, guide for communicators. This session delves deeply into the specifics of why connection is a prerequisite for communication, the variety of different – and key – connection points, how to identify which connection points will resonate with your particular listeners, and where to find such connections.
Session 2
Guided by learnings in Session 1, participants see how proven rhetorical devices like allusion and metaphor and persuasion principles such as social proof, authority, and specificity, can help them translate descriptions of their work into concise, accessible, and interesting presentations. In the post-session exercise, students practice what they’ve learned by self-recording a 90-second video description of their research to be workshopped in Session 3.
Session 3
This session is devoted to working through and providing personalized feedback on participant videos. Specific takeaways are shared with each participant, who then records a Version 2.0 of his or her video reflecting feedback.
Session 4
Session 4 integrates learnings from the previous three sessions and focuses on review of participants’ Version 2.0 videos. After two rounds of personalized feedback, each participant has a durable example of high-impact communication about his or her priority content that can serve as a resource moving forward.
Our world is constantly changing; with the rise of severe natural disasters mainly due to climate change and our growing world population, we must explore ways to live in more extreme environments. What are these extremes and how can humans live there? How might we face the challenges of excessive heat, rising sea levels, or increased erosion due to torrential rain? What will it take to explore new avenues of living in space, living on different celestial bodies aside from our home planet, living in the deep sea, or in the middle of a desert? In this challenge, you will focus on one “extreme environment” and propose a comprehensive solution to sustain life there. Your team will be asked to consider how to reduce the effects of the “extreme environment” and must also consider society, ethics, and further impacts from your solution on earth.
Challenge
Design a comprehensive solution for living and thriving in a specific extreme environment.
Consider the following when designing your solution:
What could be considered an extreme environment?
What are the causes of these extreme environments?
What are the environmental challenges and risks of the extreme environment you have chosen?
How would your shelter, home, living environment address the issues that the extreme environment poses?
Would your solution help address issues related to climate change? World population growth? Food deserts? Etc.
How can you integrate Community Co-Design into your solution?
Solutions will be judged based on the following criteria:
Innovation and Design Thinking: Is the design and approach unique and/or innovative? Does the design show a high degree of originality and imagination?
Scientific Quality: Are the appropriate references and analytical methods used and are the insights derived correctly?
Presentation Quality: Is this concept concisely and clearly explained? Are the findings/recommendations communicated clearly and persuasively?
Commercial Viability/Potential: Does the solution have the potential to make a difference?
Sustainability: What is the social impact on local communities? How does the solution incorporate positive environmental or social objectives? Is the solution in line with a sustainable or justice focused future?
Teamwork and collaboration: Was the experience a collaborative endeavor? Was the knowledge gained from the experience reflected upon and tied back to a civic engagement mindset?(From Personal Reflections)
The winning team, Living in Extreme Heat (TAIU), had an innovative approach in designing a shelter or living system for living and thriving in a specific extreme environment.
Team members:
Katelyn G. (Team Lead) (California, United States)
Air quality has been a known health issue to people and cultures around the world for hundreds of years. Around 400 BC Hippocrates made the connection between disease and “miasma” (bad air). In 1952, the “Great Smog of London” reached peak pollution levels and precipitated the deaths of between 10,000 and 12,000 people as well as negative health outcomes for an estimated 100,000 people. Today air pollution is believed to account for 7 million deaths annually, most of which are the result of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. In this challenge you will design a technical solution to address a key source of pollution in order to make a positive impact on NCDs. How could you take a scientific and design thinking approach to contribute to a sustainable and equitable shift in this ongoing environmental and health challenge?
Challenge
Identify or target a specific source of pollution and design a technical solution that would reduce or eliminate air pollutants while also reducing the impacts of one or more non-communicable diseases.
Consider the following when designing your solution:
What pollution source will you address?
Fossil fuel combustion? Which fossil fuel?
Wildfires?
Industry (Food, Agriculture, Fashion?
Something else?
What air pollutants will your solution minimize? Smog? Ozone? Carbon dioxide? Soot? Ammonia? Something else?
How will you approach the problem? Will you take a community approach or an industry approach? What industry or industries will you tackle?
How can your solution address equity issues in air quality and/or public health?
How might you integrate community co-design into your solution?
How might your solution be scaled to impact other regions or other countries?
How can you keep the cost of your solution low enough to encourage implementation?
How sustainable is your solution?
What region or community might your solution impact the most?
What public policy might be needed to support or implement your solution?
Solutions will be judged based on the following criteria:
Innovation and Design Thinking: Is the design and approach unique and/or innovative? Does the design show a high degree of originality and imagination?
Scientific Quality: Are the appropriate references and analytical methods used and are the insights derived correctly?
Presentation Quality: Is this concept concisely and clearly explained? Are the findings/recommendations communicated clearly and persuasively?
Commercial Viability/Potential: Does the solution have the potential to make a difference?
Sustainability: What is the social impact on local communities? How does the solution incorporate positive environmental or social objectives? Is the solution in line with a sustainable or justice focused future?
Teamwork and collaboration: Was the experience a collaborative endeavor? Was the knowledge gained from the experience reflected upon and tied back to a civic engagement mindset?(From Personal Reflections)
The winning team, Eco-twisters, had an innovative approach in creating a sustainable, eco-friendly air filter that is both cheap and effective.
Team members:
Kelsey M. (Team Lead) (California, United States)
Hana H. (Egypt)
Zoha H. (North Carolina, United States)
Islam H. (Saudi Arabia)
Sanaya M. (New Jersey, United States)
Kavish S. (North Carolina, United States)
Mentor: Brisa Torres (Germany)
Sponsors
The Junior Academy is implemented by The New York Academy of Sciences and is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute.
Are you interested in building a career in STEM? Join The New York Academy of Sciences for an exciting monthly online event series designed to explore the vast opportunities within STEM fields. This series offers unique access to experts across industries.
Each session features guest speakers from distinguished organizations, including Noven Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, and more. Gain invaluable insights into their career journeys, the roles they hold today, and the innovative work they do.
Engage in live Q&A sessions to ask questions that will help shape your own career path. Whether actively pursuing a STEM career or simply exploring possibilities, this event series provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.
This series is open to all, regardless of age or background, and is the perfect opportunity to network and learn. Don’t miss your chance to connect with leading STEM professionals and take the next step in your career journey!
Dr. Munazza Alam is an astronomer, National Geographic Young Explorer, and staff scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, MD. Munazza uses data from the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes for her research, as well as world-class ground-based facilities at the Mauna Kea Observatories in Hawai’i and the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile.
Pricing
Member: Free
Nonmember: $10.00
By attending this session, you will receive an exclusive 50% discount for upcoming events in the series.
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