Thread by @ravenscimaven

SO MANY new people here, glad that you're here! I'm Dr. Raven Baxter. I'm a molecular biologist and educator. Rapper, model, fashionista, spicy shenanigan. I believe in the power of accessible science communication, and building community in STEM. There's so much I've done+do 1/

I have a BA and MA focused in molecular biology from @buffalostate. My first job as a drug discovery scientist was across the street from a homeless shelter. It wasn't lost on me that I couldn't share my science with them. I passionately left the lab for an education PhD. 2/

A lot of people didn't believe I could be a scientist or that I belonged in the field. I realized early on that I would have to just be happy with being myself and not focus on what other people thought a scientist "should" be like. "Be your unapologetic self" is my motto 3/

Scientists pivoting to education PhDs is uncommon. I did a PhD in science education throughout the pandemic. In early March 2020, I put my skills to use- remixed Lil Boosie's "Wipe Me Down" to teach COVID prevention. It was applauded + went super viral 4/

Graduated from @UBuffalo and since earned honors for my work in science education, communications, and outreach including @Forbes Under 30, @FortuneMagazine Under 40, @EBONY Power 100, @AAUW Woman of Distinction, @Princeton Distinguished Lecturer 💪🏿etc 5/

https://x.com/ravenscimaven/status/1393306265565208578?s=20

I do many things. I make science rap, I do things for TV/film, I teach science to the public. I am involved in driving science education policy. Most of all I am just having a really good ass time and bringing you all in with the fun. Come as you are! 6/

https://x.com/ravenscimaven/status/1457823000804278272?s=20

I was in the cover of @people magazine last spring for their "Women Who Give an F" campaign, a great way to describe me. I'm not just a scientist, I'm somebody who cares. I give an F, and I believe many others do, too. My core values are community, authenticity, and advocacy 7/

I have been on ice for about two years-- I haven't done much of any science communication-- that's because I was struck with Long COVID. It took me two years to get back into being able to do things at the capacity that I used to prior to 2022. But I'm coming back swinging 💪🏿🔥8/

I started a nonprofit, @TheScienceHaven, we're dedicated to scientific literacy and access for all. We lead small programs with big impacts-- our Stellar Dreams program will get 100 telescopes and astronomy education to 100 kids across the USA this year 9/ stellardreams.org

I am also in a new role where I will be directing chronic illness education initiatives for a major institution. Very excited about that and the potential for me to get involved in relevant molecular biology research and education! 10/

I am a public speaker and I also work with other scientists and organizations to help them communicate their science (and also on their branding). For example, tomorrow I'm doing a workshop for scientists at the FDA @US_FDA to help them better communicate their science. 11/

There are a ton of other things I could put here but if you follow along, you'll learn not only about me, but the amazing world of science. I have a ton of cool things that I will be able to do now that I am ~recovered from illness. So you don't want to miss out on the fun :) 12/

You can follow me on instagram here instagram.com/raventhescienc…

Check out my website here, which sometimes loads weird on mobile, try a computer lmao thesciencemaven.com

oh I forgot to plug my store @SmartyPartyShop smartyparty.shop