Each day this week we are publishing a pair of video interviews with early-career scientists based in the US, who share their thoughts on a range of issues. These 10 scientists were invited delegates at ComSciCon 2017, a national workshop for promising science communicators. In the interviews, researchers discuss their career ambitions and the challenges they face in achieving those dreams. They also discuss a range of issues relating to science communication, diversity in science and the role scientists can play in the current political climate in the US.
Yesterday, we published interviews with materials scientist Grayson Doucette and molecular biologist Khady Sall. First up today is Reggie Bain, who recently completed his PhD in theoretical physics at Duke University. With a keen interest in science education, Reggie has recently started a teaching position at the University of Houston where he is investigating new teaching methods based on active learning techniques. He also believes that there is a growing realization among physics undergraduates that their degree can prepare them for a range of careers beyond academia.
Our second interview today is with Shannon Bayliss who is studying for a PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Like many ecologists, Shannon developed an interest in natural science through her love of the outdoors and she is now researching the genetics underpinning drought tolerance in trees. In addition to her research, Shannon is involved in science outreach and she speaks about her experiences volunteering with a women-in-science group.
To hear more voices on the state of science in the US, take a look at the free-to-read Physics World special report on physics in the US. Share your thoughts on the current state of physics in the US by posting a comment below or joining the conversation on Twitter including our handle @PhysicsWorld.
