ComSciCon-Chicago 2026

Welcome to Chicago ComSciCon 2026!

About Us

ComSciCon Chicago is an annual science communication conference organized by graduate students for graduate students! Each year graduate students, and early career researchers across the midwest come together in the beautiful city of Chicago for a day of hands-on workshops led by professional science communicators (Journalists, Authors, Influencers, and Educators).

At this years workshop, participants will learn how to break down and communicate complex scientific ideas through interactive demonstrations, get expert feedback on written and social media pieces, experience what happens when science meets comedy, learn about careers in science communication from a panel of professionals and network with fellow graduate students across the midwest.

Invited Speakers

Monica Metzler

Monica Metzler is the Founder and Executive Director of Illinois Science Council, an independent nonprofit based in Chicago with a mission to raise public understanding and appreciation of science. ISC is focused on reaching adults — the 85% of the public not served by student-oriented STEM programming. Monica is an AAAS Fellow and is passionate about good science communication and developing creative connections between scientists and the non-scientific public. She has a JD from Duke University School of Law, an MA from Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, and a BS in Education from Northwestern University.

Kennen Hutchison

Bio coming soon!

Zee Lacson

Award-winning author Zee Lacson writes young adult fiction that blends reality with magic. She enjoys small town living with her husband, twin sons, and an oversized dog. Before pursuing her passion for writing, Zee worked as an engineer, educator, photographer, and artist. These experiences continue to inspire her richly imagined worlds and character-driven stories. She is easily distracted by sushi, quality wine, aromatic coffee, and sweet things. Not always all at once.

Sam Schenk

Bio coming soon!

Uncontrolled Variables

Gregory Matthews: Gregory J. Matthews is a professor of statistics and the director of the Center for Data Science and Consulting at Loyola University Chicago. He is a co-producer of the science-comedy show Uncontrolled Variables, and was recently named one of Chicago’s top ten comedy statisticians. He has performed improv with The Emeralds since 2016.

Diya Basrai: Diya Basrai is a standup comedian and PhD student studying systems neuroscience at Northwestern University. He recently released his first comedy special on YouTube, which racked up over 100,000 views in a month. Diya is also a headline contributor for The Onion, and he draws upon his day job as a scientist to produce Uncontrolled Variables, a popular monthly show that melds science and comedy.