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Chat with Experts featuring Yaihara Fortis Santiago, PhD

June 26, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET

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!

This is the seventh session in the Chat with Experts series, and it will feature Yaihara Fortis Santiago, PhD, Director, Pipeline Training Programs, Sloan Kettering Institute. Explore the full lineup of events in the series.

Speaker

Headshot of Yaihara Fortis Santiago
Yaihara Fortis Santiago, PhD

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.

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $10.00

Spring Speed Networking

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.

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $10.00

Navigating Your Career Pivot: Opportunities in Science Nonprofits

A group of white arrows pointing upwards, with one red arrow angled diagonally toward the top right

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

Headshot of Brooke Grindlinger
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.

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $20.00

Course: Mental Health First Aid

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.

Pricing

Member: $30.00

Nonmember: $55.00

Course: How to Effectively Communicate Your Science to Any Audience 

Format & Duration

Online synchronous

4 weeks

Time Commitment

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.

Chat with Experts featuring Munazza Alam, PhD

May 15, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

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!

This is the eighth session in the Chat with Experts series, and it will feature Munazza Alam, PhD, Assistant Astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STSCI). Explore the full lineup of events in the series.

Speaker

Munazza Alam, PhD

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.

Chat with Experts featuring Tom Ulrich, ScM

April 10, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET

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!

This is the seventh session in the Chat with Experts series, and it will feature Tom Ulrich, ScM, Associate Director of Science Communications at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. Explore the full lineup of events in the series.

Speaker

Tom Ulrich, ScM

Tom Ulrich is the associate director for science communications at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. He has worked as a science writer and communicator for nearly 25 years, after completing a master’s degree in microbiology and immunology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and realizing he was much better at talking and writing about science than actually doing it. Over the years, he worked in philanthropy, marketing, public relations, and academic communications, including at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, and Boston Children’s Hospital.

Tom is dedicated to supporting the development of science communications professionals through collaboration, mentorship, and community building.

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $10.00

By attending this session, you will receive an exclusive 50% discount for upcoming events in the series.

Finding Solidarity and Support in Affinity Groups

December 10, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET

Session 5: Finding Solidarity and Support in Affinity Groups

Affinity groups play a crucial role in fostering solidarity and support within communities, organizations, or workplaces. These groups bring together individuals who share common identities, experiences, or interests, providing a space where members can connect, share experiences, offer support and validation, and advocate for change. 

There are many different kinds of affinity groups related to STEM fields. These include professional organizations, social media spaces, and workplace resource groups. In this session, we will delve into these groups, discuss their benefits, and examine ways we can participate in, support, and promote them.

About the Series

The Inclusion in STEM series delves into a few of the many topics that are essential for actively cultivating a culture of inclusion in STEM, including defining inclusion, promoting inclusive pipelines through mentorship, finding solidarity and power through joining affinity groups, being an inclusive leader, and communicating research in a way that centers inclusion, equity, and intersectionality. Learn more about the series and explore the full lineup of events.

Speakers

Dr. Eileen Gonzales is an assistant professor at San Francisco State University. She uses observational and theoretical techniques to understand the atmospheres of low-mass stars, brown dwarfs, and directly imaged exoplanets. Using atmospheric retrievals, her work aims to understand cloud properties as well as key chemical processes shaping the formation and evolution of directly imaged exoplanets and brown dwarfs.

Before coming to SF State, Dr. Gonzales was a 51 Pegasi b Postdoctoral Fellow at Cornell. She received her PhD from the City University of New York Graduate Center. She completed her master’s at SF State and her bachelor’s at Michigan State. She is also a co-founder and director of Black In Physics, a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the contributions of Black physicists to reveal a more complete picture of what a physicist looks like.

Marge Musumeci is a Senior Talent Advisor with a passion for going beyond the ordinary and connecting people with jobs they love. As a Talent Acquisition professional in Pharma Research and Development, she brings a consultative aspect to work, describes the market landscape, networks with passive candidates, and utilizes a variety of social media techniques to drive high-impact projects to completion. She has experience with Colleague Resource Groups in the Inclusion and Diversity space, with particular emphasis on HBCUs, all of which she leverages to brand organizations. Marge holds a graduate degree in Organizational Psychology from New York University and resides in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Kishana Taylor is a virologist, president, and co-founder of the Black Microbiologists Association (BMA), co-founder of Black In Microbiology (BIM) Week, and an assistant professor at Towson University in the Department of Biological Sciences. She is passionate about improving the outlook for scientists from historically excluded groups through tangible solutions to removing systemic barriers in all but, especially academic spaces. Her work with BIM and BMA has garnered national recognition via The New York Times and the American Society for Microbiology. She has also served on the DEI committee and as a councilor for trainees for the American Society for Virology (ASV).

Dr. Taylor earned a BS in Animal Science and an MS in Public Health Microbiology and Emerging Infectious Diseases before earning her PhD in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences from The University of Georgia.

Sponsor

Thought Partner

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $10.00

Inclusive Leadership in STEM

November 20, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET

Session 4: Inclusive Leadership in STEM

Leaders in STEM have the opportunity and duty to foster environments where diverse voices are heard, valued, and included in decision-making processes, innovation, and research. They recognize the value of different perspectives and experiences in driving innovation and problem-solving. 

The lack of diversity in STEM is amplified for positions of power. Groups that are the most underrepresented and marginalized in STEM (Black, Latino/a/X, Indigenous and people of color) are the least represented in leadership positions. In this session, we will learn about why leadership in STEM can be less diverse and how we can work together to ameliorate this issue. We will also explore strategies for being an inclusive leader that can be implemented at multiple stages of a person’s career.

About the Series

The Inclusion in STEM series delves into a few of the many topics that are essential for actively cultivating a culture of inclusion in STEM, including defining inclusion, promoting inclusive pipelines through mentorship, finding solidarity and power through joining affinity groups, being an inclusive leader, and communicating research in a way that centers inclusion, equity, and intersectionality. Learn more about the series and explore the full lineup of events.

Speakers

Lorelle L. Espinosa, PhD, is program director at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, where she develops and implements evidence-based strategies for grantmaking to advance DEI in STEM higher education. Her portfolio includes the University Centers of Exemplary Mentoring, Sloan Centers for Systemic Change, Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership, and Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM Graduate Education. Previously, she was Vice President for Research at the American Council on Education and committee co-chair of NASEM. She contributes to the national conversation on issues pertaining to college access and success for underrepresented students and on the need for equity-minded leadership in postsecondary settings. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and was cited before the US Supreme Court. 

A Pell Grant recipient and first-generation college graduate, Espinosa earned her PhD in higher education and organizational change from the University of California, Los Angeles; a BA from the University of California, Davis; and an AA from Santa Barbara City College.

Mandë Holford, PhD, examines venoms and venomous animals as agents of change and innovation in evolution and in manipulating cellular physiology in pain and cancer. Her work combines scientific research, education, and diplomacy by leveraging our planet’s marine biodiversity for the benefit of human and planetary health. Her honors include the inaugural endowed Anne Welsh McNulty Chair in Science Innovation and Leadership, an NIH Pioneer Award, an Allen Institute Distinguished Investigator Award, an NSF CAREER award, a WINGS Women of Discovery Fellowship, a Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship, being selected as a World Economic Forum Champion Young Scientist and Sustainability Pioneer, a fellow of the California Academy of Sciences, and a member of the NASEM Roundtable on Science Diplomacy, and the Council of Foreign Relations. She is cofounder of Killer Snails, LLC, an award winning EdTech company that uses tabletop, digital, and XR games as a conduit to advance scientific learning in K-12 classrooms. Her PhD is from The Rockefeller University.

Sponsor

Thought Partner

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $10.00

By attending this session, you will receive an exclusive 50% discount for upcoming events in the series.