On September 17th, 2024, science met storytelling in an unforgettable evening at the Alberta Rose Theatre in Portland, OR, thanks to a powerful collaboration between ASC, The Story Collider, and Make You Think Inc. This unique live event blended science communication and personal stories, showcasing how the two can intersect to inspire, entertain, and connect us.
The evening kicked off with the doors opening at 6 pm, giving the audience a chance to grab a drink & mingle while last-minute preparations went on behind the scenes. By 7pm, the theater was buzzing with excitement, and the show was kicked off by the evening’s emcees, the President & Executive Vice President of ASC, Drs. Alli Coffin & Kiki Sanford.
They energetically greeted the audience with introductions to the organizing groups, highlighting the mission of each to bring science to the public in engaging and accessible ways. This was followed by a round of science trivia inspired by the This Week in Science podcast to set the tone for the night. And, finally…
… it was time to introduce the storytellers.
A Night of Science Stories
Here’s a recap of the evening’s five incredible storytellers:
1. Amanda Pluntze
Amanda, ASC’s course coordinator and a pharmaceutical chemist, shared a story about her work with batteries, satellites, and pharma – and how her experiences shaped not only her scientific work but also her personal growth. Her story resonated with the audience as she detailed how problem-solving, both in the lab and in life, brought new insights and fulfillment.
2. Justin Bohling
Justin, a field biologist turned desk-bound worker with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, took the stage next. His story began with high hopes and aspirations in field biology, only to end with unexpected disappointment – and a surprising and humorous encounter involving poop. His honesty about the ups and downs of a science career was relatable and endearing.
3. Jackie Wirz
As the Executive Director of the Oregon Residency Collaboration Alliance (ORCA), Jackie’s story was a deeply personal one, about losing parts of herself and finding them again. Through the lens of her scientific background, she shared how understanding data and science helped her navigate her mental health struggles. Her message of resilience and growth left the audience moved and inspired.
4. Marley Parker
Marley, a professional photographer and videographer, specializes in documenting ocean expeditions and has participated in over 25 expeditions since 2018. Her story transported the audience to Antarctica, where her expectations were completely upended by the realities of life on the southernmost continent. Her vivid storytelling and passion for the ocean left the crowd mesmerized by the wonders and challenges of documenting science in remote and harsh environments.
5. Mark Pitzer
Mark, a neuroscientist studying Parkinson’s disease, closed the night with a heartfelt and humorous story about love, science, and mishaps in the lab. His tale of a lab experiment gone awry, while trying to impress both his Ph.D. advisor and a young woman, revealed the importance of resilience and the surprising intersections between personal relationships and scientific endeavors.
Looking Forward: What’s Next?
The evening wrapped up with a heartfelt thank you to all the organizations that made this event possible, including ASC, The Story Collider, and Make You Think Inc. Attendees were reminded of upcoming events and invited to join more science storytelling sessions in the future.
And, of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without reminding the winners of the evening’s trivia to take home their prizes: science-themed pint glasses provided by Make You Think Inc. as part of their Science on Tap productions!
This event was a powerful reminder of how storytelling can make science more relatable, accessible, and, most of all, human. We look forward to more collaborations and can’t wait to share more stories from the science community in the near future.
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