Young Voices of Science (YVoS) is a free science communication training program designed to prepare and empower science scholars to share their knowledge, concerns, and hopes for the future with the wider world. We provide participants with a launch pad for public engagement, early in their scientific careers.
- What: FREE science communication training and real world practice for science scholars!
- Who: Graduate and undergraduate students in environmental fields
- When: Series of eight Zoom workshops held on Thursdays during the Spring and Fall semesters, 6:00–7:30 pm ET
- Where: Wherever you are, via Zoom!
- Class size is limited!
Workshop leaders are experts in public engagement with science, creative writing, storytelling, and science-to-policy outreach. Class size is limited to 20 participants; we ask that participants commit to all eight trainings and design and carry out at least one outreach activity, with one-on-one support from the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation.
Program Overview
Young Voices of Science is a free eight-part training program designed to equip undergraduate and graduate students in environmental fields with effective methods for sharing their scientific work and passions with non-technical audiences. Participants will attend a series of virtual workshops and practice sessions, led by expert science communication consultants.
To complete the program, participants must commit to attend all eight workshops (held Thursdays from 6:00–7:30 pm ET) and undertake at least one outreach project or activity, putting what they learn into practice. Hubbard Brook Research Foundation staff will help to identify and coordinate outreach opportunities. Outreach projects might include, but are not limited to: writing and submitting an op-ed to a local, regional, or national publication; participating in Hubbard Brook’s public science storytelling tradition; conducting an outreach presentation at a local science center or community center; or participating in a science briefing for state or federal lawmakers. Participants will receive individualized support from a mentor throughout the process of planning and executing their chosen outreach activity. Check out previous YVoS outreach projects in the Project Showcase links below.
Each participant will receive a digital portrait made by a student artist, for use in future outreach. Visit our YVoS alumni pages to see more participants digital portraits! By the end of each program series, high-quality training and communication resources will give participants a head-start in public engagement, early in their scientific careers.
Workshop leaders are experts in public engagement with science, creative writing, video and podcast production, storytelling, environmental advocacy and science-to-policy outreach.
Presenters have included David George Haskell, Chanel Matney, Jay Heinrichs, Ari Daniel, Tyus Williams, Anna Le, Rishya Narayanan, Stephanie Castillo, Earyn McGee, and more!
Participant Quotes:
“This morning as I spoke, I felt such a resounding sense of passion and purpose — both for the science that I do and its potential to translate into profound policy solutions.” (YVoS participant referring to a briefing with a U.S. Senator)
“The material was great to be exposed to and be able to take moving forward, but I also really appreciated the community.”
“All of my expectations were met with this program. I learned more about science communication in this program than I ever have. It was awesome!”
“I am sincerely thankful for all your hard work putting together such a great program. I found listening to all the invited speakers truly inspiring and learned a great deal about how to communicate my science through the art of storytelling using a variety of different media.”
“Being in the Young Voices of Science program was a deeply rewarding experience. Before being in the program, I never thought that I would be able to write a piece and have it accepted for publication in a major news outlet. This process has been incredibly gratifying, both professionally and personally, and I feel that having this training has now opened up doors for future opportunities in science communication.”
Once again, I want to say how much I appreciate the education I have received from the program. I use the communication strategies and think about lessons I have learned in our workshops every day; the skills and talking points come up all the time in conversation. What I have gained from Young Voices of Science extends far past my project. What you have taught me, and I can say with confidence others as well, extends far past the Zoom meetings we have had. I hope to see my time in Young Voices of Science create an impact on the scientific community in the future.”
“Over the last dozen years, I have been involved in about three hundred programs and events centered on science communication. YVoS stands out at the very top.” — Dr. David George Haskell, biologist, award-winning author, and YVoS Faculty
About the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation and Organizers
Established in 1993, the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation (HBRF) delivers cutting-edge science to decision makers on the front lines of environmental change. We bridge the gaps between science and education, public policy, land management, corporate sustainability, and recreation. Our programs include roundtable dialogues and town hall events, policy-relevant briefings and bulletins, and communication training for students and early-career researchers. Against a backdrop of rapid environmental change, HBRF opens effective channels for action-oriented dialogue between citizens and scientists for smart policy and practice.
Meet the YVoS Team
Anthea Lavallee (She/Her), HBRF Executive Director
Anthea has more than 20 years of experience as a science educator, communicator, and leader in the non-profit sector. She has served as education director, executive director, and development director across a range of environmental and social service organizations and believes that community, culture, and ecosystem health are deeply entwined. Anthea joined the Hubbard Brook team in 2012 and was appointed to the position of Executive Director of the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation in 2016. Working at the interface of Hubbard Brook science and society, Anthea combines her curiosity about the natural world with her passion for building community. Within Hubbard Brook and across its network of partners, Anthea works to create a culture of environmental awareness that is scholarly and practical, reality-based and creative.
Brendan Leonardi (He/Him), HBRF Young Voices of Science and Education Manager
Brendan is the HBRF Young Voices of Science and Education Manager, as well as a Field Technician at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF) and Chair of the Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study Education and Outreach Committee. His work with HBRF involves leading the YVoS program, hosting tours and field trips at HBEF, engaging local/regional teachers and educators with Hubbard Brook science, and supporting operations and the community on-site at Hubbard Brook. He also serves as the lead field technician for ongoing experiments at Hubbard Brook, including the Climate Change Across Seasons Experiment (CCASE), Hubbard Brook Nitrogen Oligotrophication Project (HBNO) and Ice Storm Experiment (ISE).
Dayna De La Cruz (She/They), HBRF Young Voices of Science and Community Relations Specialist
Dayna is the HBRF YVoS and Community Relations Specialist, working in partnership with the YVoS Manager, the YVoS Student Coordinator, and the Hubbard Brook DEI Committee. Her work involves contributing to the organization of the YVoS program and creating a vibrant, inclusive, and creative workplace culture in which all participants have a voice and are empowered to effect positive change. Dayna is a YVoS alumni from the Spring 2021 cohort and was a field technician at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in the Summer of 2018. She is a proud Mexican-American, first-generation college student, wildlife ecologist and science communicator who is passionate about STEM inclusivity and representation.
Eva Legge (She/Her), HBRF Young Voices of Science Coordinator
Eva is the HBRF YVoS Coordinator, working in partnership with the Executive Director and Program Specialist on organization of the YVoS program in many different capacities, including administration, peer mentorship, media related outreach and more. Eva is a YVoS alumni from the Spring 2021 cohort, and brings an added level of experience and expertise to the program. Eva is a successful science communicator, researcher and highly ambitious person, and is helping to take the Young Voices of Science program to a whole new level.
Raisa Kochmaruk (She/Her), HBRF Communications Specialist
Raisa is the Communications Specialist for the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation and a new addition to the YVoS team as a mentor and administrative support. She manages HBRF’s social media accounts and compiles the Quarterly and Monthly newsletters. Raisa also contributes illustrations to Hubbard Brook media and merchandise, and became connected to Hubbard Brook while painting a mural for the US Forest Service Headquarters Building. She often helps out with on-site programs and events.
All YVoS Digital Portraits were created by Cydney Livingston, freelance digital artist and Duke University graduate.