Molecular biologist and science educator to explain a scientist’s most powerful weapon against misinformation
Raven Baxter’s work in using communication to combat misinformation in science will be the basis of her talk as part of the Hugh & Ethel Kelly Lecture Series.
With degrees in molecular biology and a Ph.D. in science education, Raven Baxter has accomplished the impressive feat of uniting science and communication.
“Science communication isn’t just about speaking,” said Baxter. “It’s about speaking with intention, empathy, confidence, and understanding. To do this, we must become a public reservoir of verified information willing to speak with conviction and authority.”
On Nov. 6, Baxter will discuss scientists’ responsibility to harness both disciplines to combat misinformation at the Haymarket Theatre in Squires Student Center. Part of the Hugh and Ethel Kelly Lecture Series, the event starts at 2 p.m. and is free and open to the public but registration is requested.
With more than 15 years' experience in science education and communication, Baxter is the Executive Director at The Science Haven, an Alexandria, Virginia-based non-profit that promotes science outreach and engagement. Her work to make science inclusive and exciting globally has earned recognition from Forbes 30 Under 30 and EBONY Power 100.
Navigating a world where it’s difficult to tell fact from fiction drives much of Baxter’s work to educate scientists and the science-literate person on the issue. During her talk, Baxter will offer a solution to misinformation: science communication. She will outline what it takes to become an expert communicator of science, focusing on the necessary skills, actions to take, and a strategy for building a public presence.
Audience members will also be able to ask questions in a post-lecture Q&A and participate in a 30-minute meet and greet outside Haymarket Theatre.
Throughout her career, Baxter has built a community of science enthusiasts through storytelling, music, and comedy. She has also collaborated with industry leaders like 3M and Netflix to convey scientific narratives effectively and develop brand strategies.
Today, Baxter continues to simplify science through the creation of engaging educational content and by making complex scientific theories relatable. She has expertise in high-throughput drug discovery and consulting with science companies to enhance communication.
“The goal of the Kelly Lecture is to provide the Virginia Tech and Blacksburg communities with the opportunity to connect with visionary leaders like Raven,” said Stefan Duma, director of the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS). “Raven’s work in removing communication barriers between the public and research and industry professionals to make science accessible is to be applauded. Her own experiences as a scientist coupled with her track record using digital platforms to educate the public on critical matters like Covid-19 make her a reliable source for this topic, and we are honored to have her join us.”
Hosted by ICTAS in partnership with the College of Engineering, the Hugh and Ethel Kelly Lecture Series is made possible by a fund from the estate of Ethel Kelly, who generously supported Virginia Tech and the College of Engineering in honor of her husband, Hugh. Hugh Kelly earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university and went on to play key roles in multiple groundbreaking projects over a long career at Bell Laboratories.
To honor Hugh Kelly’s technical accomplishments and the couple’s support of Virginia Tech, the College of Engineering and the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science established the lecture series and renamed the institute's headquarters building Kelly Hall in 2013. The Kellys’ generosity has allowed the institute to bring Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and other visionary leaders and thinkers to Blacksburg to share their work with the Virginia Tech community.
