Here's my introduction to celebrate 16k! I'm Raven Baxter, a.k.a. Raven the Science Maven! I'm a science communicator finishing a Ph.D. in science education. My background is in molecular biology, I've been a corporate scientist and educator in both K-12 and university. 1/ 
I was an only child w/ ADHD, raised by Mom. We didn't have much money, so Mom entertained me w/ science books at the library. I couldn't sit still in class, I'd finish my work early then I would get up and smack kids and spin around. I was moved up grades so that I'd sit down. 2/
I put a lot of my energy as a child into absorbing ANY AND ALL science content I could find. My favorite TV channels as a child were @weatherchannel and @cartoonnetwork. I'd flip between PowerPuff Girls to soak up girl power and Local on the 8s to watch the weather patterns! 3/
@weatherchannel @cartoonnetwork I wanted to be an astronaut, so I was thrilled to be able to attend @SpaceCampUSA on a scholarship. I learned about science, STEM careers, & made friends from across the world- we all grew up to be in STEM! Downside: I found out that I was afraid of heights at Space Camp! LOL 4/
@weatherchannel @cartoonnetwork @SpaceCampUSA An astronaut career was not for me-- with a fear of heights-- but I learned that there were problems on planet Earth that were dire, like climate change and pollution. I eventually went years later at 16 years old to study environmental policy and law at @sunyesf #stumpypride! 5/
@weatherchannel @cartoonnetwork @SpaceCampUSA @sunyesf Struggled through my first year of college w/ ADHD and being so young away from home (and I had WAY too much fun). Failed out of school, came back home to a community college and endured an incredibly unstable household environment while trying to get back on track for school. 6/
@weatherchannel @cartoonnetwork @SpaceCampUSA @sunyesf Got on track for school, transferred out to a 4yr college, fell in love w/ genetics, became a biologist, and graduated w/ honors. Went to graduate school, studied protein folding, graduated w/ master's on a Saturday and started my career as a molecular scientist on Monday. 7/
@weatherchannel @cartoonnetwork @SpaceCampUSA @sunyesf I loved working as a molecular scientist! I worked for a contract research organization and I did so many things across the spectrum of biology! I have a super wide technical skill set b/c of it. The work culture, it sucked. I talk about it here: bit.ly/2VNsyR6 8/
@weatherchannel @cartoonnetwork @SpaceCampUSA @sunyesf Decided to pursue a career as an academic; I had mostly positive experiences as a student and loved science, and wanted to teach it! I love incorporating creative assignments into lecture. I value innovation in teaching and learning. Academic culture also needed improvement 9/
@weatherchannel @cartoonnetwork @SpaceCampUSA @sunyesf My negative experiences became motivation to change STEM culture as a whole, mostly how it impacts adults who are either students or professionals. It began w/ a reflective thought piece called Big Ole Geeks, a play on @theestallion Big Ole Freaks lmao bit.ly/2D8yRrT 10/
@weatherchannel @cartoonnetwork @SpaceCampUSA @sunyesf @theestallion The aforementioned music video became the centerpiece of my doctoral dissertation after it went viral and I documented narratives of inspiration, joy, and from others who had seen the video. This representation was needed in STEM. I continue making STEM music & videos today! 11/
@weatherchannel @cartoonnetwork @SpaceCampUSA @sunyesf @theestallion Today, I encourage others to be the change that they would like to see in the world. I love to see others being their unapologetic selves in the spaces that they occupy. I love combining love for science w/ my creativity to make learning fun as Raven the Science Maven! 12/
