Episode: 165: Documenting and Solving Inequities in the Sciences
In this episode, Roberta Rincon, associate director of research for the Society of Women Engineers speaks with Lisa M.P. Munoz, science communicator and author of the upcoming book A New Picture of a Scientist: Creating a New Culture for Science That Overcomes Obstacles in Equity inspired by the film Picture a Scientist. The film exposes deep inequity in the sciences, ranging from brutal harassment to years of subtle slights and chronicles the groundswell of researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists. In the new book, to be published by Columbia University Press in 2022, Lisa builds off the film and moves beyond it, examining research-based solutions to make the culture of science more diverse, inclusive, and equitable for everyone. Roberta spoke with Lisa about her engineering and science background, her work on building a community around the film, and her upcoming book, including solutions to make workplaces more equitable. Lisa will also be coming back to SWE’s Diverse Podcast for three more episodes later this year!
Lisa M.P. Munoz has been hooked on science since she took a picture of a fly’s eye with a scanning electron microscope when she was 14. Throughout her 20-year career as a science communicator, she has translated complex scientific topics into digestible stories for broad audiences. Lisa began her career as a radio producer, then worked as a magazine reporter and editor for Geotimes magazine, served as a press officer for the World Meteorological Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, and founded a science communications consulting firm in 2012. As Founder of SciComm Services, Inc., Lisa works with a variety of academic groups, nonprofits, and startups across the sciences on strategic communication and content development. Lisa has an engineering degree from Cornell University with a specialization in science writing. She lives with her husband and two daughters in the Washington D.C. area.
Check out more SWE podcasts:
- Annette Clayton is Leading a Business That’s Leading a More Sustainable Future
- The Mind of An Engineer: Penny Gunterman’s Love for Data Helped Her Through Leukemia
- Un Cafecito With a Woman in STEM: Mariel Cisneros
- Åsa Cervone on Embracing Curiosity to Encourage Inclusion
- Exploring the Perspective of Global Members Living and Working in the US
- How R&D Supports Inclusivity, Growth, and Opportunity for Women Engineers
