Application
Applications for ComSciCon Michigan 2025 are now closed. We look forward to inviting you to apply for our 2026 event next summer! Contact michigan@comscicon.org with any questions!
Program
Venue
Invited Experts
Charlie Engelman / Speaker and Panelist
Charlie is a researcher at the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, where he investigates how natural history specimens can be used most effectively in educational videos online. His work combines research, science communication, and media production, culminating in the social media project Odd Animal Specimens, which reaches millions of viewers daily on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. As a result of his work on Odd Animal Specimens, Charlie was recently listed on TIME magazine’s inaugural list of the 100 most influential content creators on the internet. Prior to his online work, Charlie created and hosted educational television shows for National Geographic and Disney. He has been nominated for 5 Emmys, including a 2019 Emmy win for Best Educational and Informational Show.
Alicia Comer / Speaker and Panelist
Alicia Comer is an informal science educator and science communicator. As the Science Outreach Grants Manager at the U-M Museum of Natural History she leads the museum’s Science Communication Fellows program, supports NSF-funded collaborative projects between the museum and U-M faculty, and contributes to the museum’s educational programming. Prior to working at U-M, Alicia developed interactive science exhibits and education programs at the Indiana State Museum, created preschool science and family learning classes through First Steps Ann Arbor, led informal science programs at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and served as adjunct faculty at IUPUI. She holds a BS from the University of Michigan and a MA in biological anthropology from the University of Arizona. She loves cheering on her two athletic kids, walks in the woods with her puppy, and “up north”.
Chris Adami / Speaker and Panelist
Dr. Adami is Professor for Microbiology and Molecular Genetics & Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. As a computational biologist, Dr. Adami’s main focus is Darwinian evolution, which he studies theoretically, experimentally, and computationally, at different levels of organization (from simple molecules to brains). He has pioneered the application of methods from information theory to the study of evolution, and designed the “Avida” system that launched the use of digital life (mutating and adapting computer viruses living in a controlled computer environment) as a tool for investigating basic questions in evolutionary biology. He was also a Principal Scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he conducted research into the foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum information theory. Dr. Adami earned a BS in physics and mathematics and a Diplom in theoretical physics from the University of Bonn (Germany) and MA and PhD degrees in physics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He wrote the textbook “Introduction to Artificial Life” (Springer, 1998) and more recently “The Evolution of Biological Information” (Princeton University Press, 2024). He is the recipient of NASA’s Exceptional Achievement Medal, and was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 2011 as well as a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 2017. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for Artificial Life (ISAL) in 2019.
Carrie Wicker / Panelist and Write-A-Thon Reviewer
Carrie Wicker is an Educator and Coordinator for the NOAA exhibition Science On a Sphere at the MSU Museum. She is also currently a Technology Fellow with Bloomberg Philanthropies for a two-year grant project at the MSU Museum, and is completing an M.A. in Educational Technology through MSU’s College of Education. Over the last decade, she has worked in a wide variety of informal education spaces including at a zoo, planetarium, nature center, and other museums. Carrie is also a board member of Fenner Conservancy in Lansing, Michigan. In her free time, Carrie likes to roller skate and read lots of books.
Jade Marks / Panelist and Write-A-Thon Reviewer
Jade Marks (she/her) is a lichenologist by training, educator by trade and artist at heart. She works as Science Communication Manager for the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. Through courses and interactive workshops Jade helps researchers use their stories to build scientific literacy and cultivate lifelong learning in their community.
Jade also collaborates with U-M faculty as part of the museum’s robust National Science Foundation Broader Impacts support initiative, and promotes the communication of science through the visual, olfactory, and performing arts.
Before coming to museums, Jade worked as an environmental consultant. Her conversations with people impacted by pollution and environmental degradation on the job site alerted her to the need for a socially literate generation of STEM professionals, as well as a scientifically literate society. She holds a dual MS in Soil Science and Botany & Plant Pathology from Oregon State University and a BS in Environmental Science from Indiana University. You can learn more about her work at jadedoesscience.com.
Bruno Takahashi / Panelist
Dr. Bruno Takahashi is the Brandt Endowed Professor of Environmental Communication at Michigan State University. He holds a joint appointment in the School of Journalism and AgBioResearch and serves as Research Director of the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism. His research explores news coverage of environmental issues, environmental journalism practices in Latin America and U.S. Latino media, and the role of identity in science communication. Dr. Takahashi earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from the Universidad de Lima, Peru, and both an M.S. and a Ph.D. in environmental science, with a specialization in environmental communication and participatory processes, from SUNY ESF in the United States.
Nic Bennet / Panelist
Nic Bennett, Ph.D., serves as the Basebuilding Director at Stand Up for Science, where they lead their grassroots efforts to protect science as a public good. Their work focuses on bringing new voices into social justice movements for science, deepening engagement with existing members, and supporting leadership development through skill-building, political education, and collective organizing. Before this, they were a science communication scholar researching power, identity, and belonging.
April Conway, PhD / Write-A-Thon Reviewer
April Conway (she/her) holds a Ph.D. in English with a specialization in Rhetoric & Writing and a Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Graduate Certificate. She also holds an MFA in poetry from Sarah Lawrence College. She teaches at the Sweetland Center for Writing at the University of Michigan.
Her research and teaching interests include community literacies, writing research methods and methodologies, collective care and mutual aid, making comics, multimodal and composition pedagogy, and space and place studies.
Kara Headley / Write-A-Thon Reviewer
Kara Headley (she/her) is a science writer based in Lansing, MI. She is the Communications Manager for the Michigan State University-Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory and Molecular Plant Sciences program. Headley is a graduate student in the Strategic Communication program at MSU, expected to graduate December 2026.
Jen Bauer / Write-A-Thon Reviewer
Dr. Jennifer (Jen) Bauer (she/her) is a Research Museum Collection Manager in the Museum of Paleontology. Jen has a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago, an M.S. in Geological Sciences from Ohio University, and a Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Jen has been involved in science communication and informal education in science for 10 years, largely using paleontology as a way to engage a variety of stakeholders.
Patricia DeLacey / Write-A-Thon Reviewer
Patsy DeLacey (she/her) earned her PhD in Biopsychology at the University of Michigan in May 2023. Her written and oral science communication experiences with several groups on campus led her to pursue a career outside of the traditional academic track. In her first role after graduation, she interned for Michigan Medicine, writing articles featuring research news and patient stories. In her current role, Patsy is a science writer for the U-M College of Engineering. Here, she writes articles covering new research findings and collaborates with the multimedia team by writing copy for accompanying photos and videos. She pitches stories to science news media, working to amplify coverage. Her work aims to share complex research findings in a more approachable way than an academic paper. The researchers she works with have expressed that her articles help them share their findings with a wider audience and connect with industry partners, granting organizations, and prospective students and collaborators.
Ellie Louson / Write-A-Thon Reviewer
Dr. Ellie Louson (she/her) is an Educator Developer in MSU’s Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation. She is the inaugural Associate Director for Teaching & Learning in CIRCLE, MSU’s Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Collaboration, Learning, and Engagement. She mentors both the CTLI and CIRCLE grad fellowships and is an experienced facilitator for MSU educators and academic units. Ellie is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Lyman Briggs College, MSU, where she teaches courses in Science & Society. Her research interests include wildlife films’ representation of animal behavior and interdisciplinary, experiential teaching and learning. Her teaching, research, and learning design backgrounds have taught her the value of interdisciplinarity, storytelling, and engagement for higher education.
Matt Davenport / Write-A-Thon Reviewer
Matt (he/him) is an award-winning writer helping cover stories about science and the environment for University of Michigan News. He graduated from the Science Communication Program at the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2014, after earning his doctorate in condensed matter physics. His work has appeared in Scientific American, Chemical & Engineering News and the YouTube series, SciShow. He’s worked in higher education since 2020, starting that chapter of his career with Michigan State University.
Organizing Committee
Courtney Myers (she/her)
Co-chair
Courtney is a PhD student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on cholinergic input to the inferior colliculus and how this innervation relates to sound integration and attenuation. Courtney is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in STEM, and bridging the gap between academia and the broader community through clear and accessible explanations of scientific concepts and discoveries. Her hobbies include playing with her dog, tending to her plant collection, and disc golfing. Connect with her on LinkedIn!
Cathy Mercado (she/her)
Co-chair
Cathy Mercado is PhD candidate in the Plant Biology Department and Molecular Plant Sciences Dual Degree Program at Michigan State University. Her current work is investigating the physiology and molecular landscape of prolonged desiccation tolerance in resurrection plants. Besides her huge enthusiasm for research, she is a proponent of science communication practices. She participated in ComSciCon-MI ‘23, and used tips from the workshop to help give her MSU Ignite talk. You’ll often find her hanging out with her dog Ekko while trying to keep her house plants alive. LinkedIn
Adriana L. Ponton-Almodovar (she/her)
Write-A-Thon Leader
Adriana is a PhD Candidate in the Pharmacology and Toxicology Doctoral Program at Michigan State University (MSU). At MSU, she studies why chemotherapy eventually fails in the majority of ovarian cancer patients. She has identified that diet and excess adiposity affect cellular metabolic activity, making the cancer cells more resistant to chemotherapy. Adriana has presented her contributions to this project in 23 presentations at esteemed conferences such as the American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference in Ovarian Cancer and the Annual Midwest Pharmacology Colloquium. Recently, she was an invited speaker at the Metabolomics and Human Health Gordon Research Conference. Additionally, she is passionate about contributing to community outreach programs focused on STEM education and science communication. Adriana received the MSU College of Natural Sciences (NatSci) Great IDEA Fellowship for her project titled “Overcoming Language Barriers: Improving the Communication Skills of Underrepresented and Non-Native English Speakers”. She created and conducted a workshop series to help graduate students improve their performance in oral presentations. Outside of the lab, Adriana enjoys jigsaw puzzles and crafting.
Gaida AlMohimeed
Write-A-Thon Leader
Gaida AlMohimeed is a master’s student in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan. Her research explores how murine norovirus impacts innate immune signaling in macrophages. She’s passionate about making science accessible and engaging to all audiences. Outside the lab, she enjoys reading and traveling.
Kiara Johnson (she/her)
Panel Leader
Kiara Johnson is a PhD student in the Computer Science and Engineering department at Michigan State University. She is also a member of the Ecology, Evolution, & Behavior program. Her research uses Symbulation to examine the evolution of symbiotic relationships, interrogating how partners come to be mutualistic or antagonistic and under what circumstances independent symbionts evolve endosymbiosis. Outside of the lab, she likes to search out new recipes and read. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Sonia Bhaskaran (she/her)
Panel Leader
Sonia is a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan. She researches neuromodulation (electrical stimulation of nerves) as a treatment for pelvic organ dysfunctions, with a focus on understanding and treating female sexual dysfunction. She is interested in making medical research accessible to patients and the general public as well as increasing science education and outreach for underrepresented populations. In her free time she likes to read, bake, and go on runs with her friends.
Ali Eshtehardian
Panel Leader
Ali is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Computer Science and Engineering Department and the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (EEB) program at Michigan State University (MSU). His research focuses on evolutionary computation, neuroscience, machine learning, game theory, and robotics. Beyond his academic work, Ali is an active member of the MSU Spartan Autonomous Racing Club (SPARC), where he contributes to projects related to the Indy Autonomous Challenge. Outside of research, he enjoys working out, practicing martial arts, playing soccer, hiking, and playing chess. For more details, please visit his LinkedIn page.
Arijit Ghosh
Accounting Liaison
Arijit is a PhD student in the Department of Mathematics at Wayne State University, specializing in analysis and partial differential equations (PDEs). He is passionate about making mathematics accessible to all and strongly believes in the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to drive scientific progress. Alongside his research, Arijit teaches part-time at Washtenaw Community College and Hondros College of Nursing, where he enjoys helping students engage with mathematics in meaningful and practical ways. Outside of academia, he is an avid traveler and wildlife photographer, with a special love for capturing birds and bears in their natural habitats. His favorite place to visit is Yellowstone National Park, where he finds endless inspiration in the vast landscapes and diverse wildlife. Connect with him on LinkedIn!
Kunle Kazeem Adeyemo (he/him)
Application Review Manager
Kunle Kazeem Adeyemo is a third-year dual-degree doctoral student in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Michigan State University. His research focuses multi-scale analysis of progressive failure in multi-material (metal and composite) hybrid fastening systems,this analysis is crucial for the lightweighting in both aerospace and automotive industries, particularly in the design of complex parts for future electric vehicles. His passion for science communication, led him to be part of the few selected graduate students for COMSCICON-MI cohort ’24. His hobbies include playing soccer and video games. Feel free to connect him on LinkedIn.
Thamarahansi Mugunamalwaththa (Hansi) (she/her)
Application Review Manager
Thamarahansi Mugunamalwaththa is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding the biochemical role of the SMYD5 protein in the context of HIV latency and reactivation. She is passionate about science communication and outreach, with a strong interest in making complex molecular biology topics accessible to broader audiences through storytelling, visuals, and public engagement. Outside the lab, Thamarahansi enjoys singing, vlogging, exploring different cultures, and experimenting with Sri Lankan fusion cooking.
Savannah Pearson (she/her)
Venue Liaison
Savannah Pearson is PhD candidate in the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Michigan. Her research uses functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the relationship between emotion regulation and problem alcohol use in young adults. She is passionate about increasing diversity in STEM fields, and K-12 science education in under-resources communities. Through science communication and outreach, Savannah strives to provide engaging opportunities that spark curiosity in science amongst students. Outside of lab, she enjoys reading, trying new recipes and spending time with family and friends.
Amanda Bekkala (she/her)
Materials Manager
Amanda is a PhD candidate in the Immunology Graduate Program at the University of Michigan (UM). At UM, her research is investigating why immunotherapy fails to work in a majority of ovarian cancer patients. Doing so, she is interested in studying how one particular microRNA shapes the ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment landscape and overall immune response. She is passionate about K-12 and undergraduate mentorship with her being an undergraduate teaching assistant in the past and a mentor to undergraduate students within her own research lab. These experiences, alongside being selected as a past COMSCICON-MI cohort ’24 member have stemmed her love of teaching and public outreach. Outside of the lab, Amanda enjoys running, pilates, exploring the outdoors, and mountain biking.
Alyssa Green (she/her)
Web Manager
Alyssa is a PhD candidate in the Department of Integrative Biology and Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior program at Michigan State University. Her research focuses on the reproductive biology of a group of weakly electric fish from Africa called mormyrids. These fish produce electricity for communication and navigation and the males produce sperm cells that lack tails! Outside of research, Alyssa is active in science communication and outreach projects with a focus on non-traditional outreach audiences including bar patrons, pop culture convention attendees, and the online crochet community. In her spare time, she enjoys crochet, playing video games, and spending time with her cat, Lucky. Connect with her on LinkedIn!
Heather Murdoch
Pop Talk Coordinator
Heather is a fifth year indigenous graduate student from the Sault tribe that focuses on how mycobacterium tuberculosis uses different carbon sources to regulate growth. She is also very passionate about education and advancing indigenous health. Science communication has paved the way for her to accomplish this and change undergraduate education not only in America, but in her community!
Code of Conduct
ComSciCon is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all participants, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, religion, abilities, socioeconomic background, age, appearance, professional status, nationality, gender, gender expression, or sexuality.
We believe that a conference where individuals feel uneasy or threatened is neither constructive nor acceptable. Hence, ComSciCon strictly prohibits any form of intimidating, threatening, or harassing behavior throughout the event, aiming to establish and maintain a safe environment for all attendees.
This policy applies to all individuals involved in ComSciCon, including speakers, organizers, expert reviewers, and attendees. By taking part in ComSciCon, you agree to uphold this policy.
Your presence at the conference is highly valued, and our goal is to ensure that everyone has an enriching, productive, and enjoyable experience.
Sponsors
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