Women in Biology
Take a peek inside the mysterious world of living things! Learn alongside the inspirational women who’ve changed the world with their scientific discoveries. This fun story of biology is a perfect place for young scientists to start their own journeys of discovery and wonder.
Discover the power of curiosity and resilience by following a conversation between an spunky young protagonist, who ask questions about the world around her, and a scientifically astute narrator, whose answers are crafted to be both accurate and understandable for to a young mind. In this way, learning the basics of biology, chemistry and physics becomes an effortless outcome of enjoying the story.
Science Wide Open is a series of scientifically accurate children’s books with a mission to teach young kids about Chemistry, Biology, and Physics while highlighting some of the many mind blowing achievements of Women of Science!
Amie Fornah Sankoh
Amie Fornah-Sankoh got her PhD from the University of Tennessee’s Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology. Her scientific journey began at the Rochester Institute of Technology and National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT/NTID), where she earned Laboratory Science Technology and Biochemistry degrees. Before joining the University of Tennessee for her Ph.D. in 2017, Amie undertook various internships and participated in multiple research projects, further solidifying her commitment to scientific exploration.
During her time at the University of Tennessee, Amie achieved significant milestones. She secured a National Institute of Health (NIH)-)-supported Fellowship for her initial two years, followed by a three-year Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation and another NIH predoctoral fellowship. Additionally, she authored four scientific publications, with more in progress, presented at a national meeting, and delivered multiple poster presentations.
Amie’s PhD thesis explored biological communication, mainly focusing on the impact of hormones on plant-pathogen interactions. Communication is fundamental to the survival of any individual or population of organisms. As a Deaf person who has never taken the ability to communicate for granted, Amie especially believes in the adage that knowledge is far more valuable when properly shared. This belief has led her to engage in several activities that have a broader impact on the scientific community. Her research brings a unique perspective, particularly significant given the limited opportunities for young Deaf individuals in STEM, underscoring the importance of diverse voices in scientific inquiry.
Amie’s life story is one of resilience, overcoming challenges from her Deafness during Sierra Leone’s civil war. She had to overcome barriers to survival, education, and language acquisition, but instead of breaking her, these experiences fueled her determination and helped her thrive. Amie’s passion for outreach drives her advocacy for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students in STEM, where she endeavors to offer them hands-on laboratory experiences, serving as both a role model and a catalyst for breaking barriers.
In 2023, Amie made history as the first Deaf Black woman to earn a STEM doctorate. This milestone reflects her perseverance and achievement journey, culminating in her selection as the featured speaker for her university’s 2023 Graduate Hooding Ceremony. Her most fulfilling realization is that she can excel as a scientist and a community advocate.
Currently, Amie serves as a Senior Research Specialist at Dow Coating Materials, where she contributes to developing innovative waterborne barrier coatings for paper, enhancing functional performance, and promoting recyclability in paper-based packaging applications.
Rami Traurig
I am a Deaf biologist and public health professional at the National Institutes of Health’s Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD). I contribute to vital and groundbreaking research aimed at enhancing treatments and preventing Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. My responsibilities include conducting experiments, analyzing data, advising on research methodologies, and maintaining the efficiency of our research laboratory.
In my free time, I enjoy craft beer, exploring nature, collecting sneakers, rooting for my favorite sport teams, and savoring new culinary experiences!
Ainsley Latour
I am a clinical genetic technologist with skills in both cyto and molecular genetics. I also work as a research consultant in the accessibility space with a focus on barriers encountered by scientists with disabilities or who are Deaf. I also train and consult with organizations around inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility as part of an organization I co-founded, IDEA-STEM. I am an Ontario trained teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing. My masters is in marine evolutionary biology from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Women in Botany
Can one seed make a difference? Women in Botany introduces kids to the science of botany, guided by the investigative questions of a spunky girl. Learn about timeless women botanists who have used tiny seeds to do huge things like create new medicines, feed their communities, and help preserve the environment. Designed to motivate kids to learn more about the fascinating world of plants, this book has been peer reviewed by an extensive team of scientists, science educators, and parents. Concepts covered include photosynthesis; parts of a seed, plant, and flowers; agriculture; the Linnaean System; hybrid plants; plant diversity; medicinal plants; and conservation. Book six of the riveting “Science Wide Open” series, Women in Botany shows young readers how their own big ideas can blossom.
Dr. Erum Razvi
Dr. Erum Razvi joined Ontario Genomics in 2023. In her current role, Erum supports the implementation of strategic initiatives with the goal of applying genomics-based solutions to bolster key sectors of the Ontario economy. Erum is the main point of contact for funded projects and works with leading academics and partner organizations to advance funding, foster relationships, and enhance project outcomes.
During her 10+ years in the infectious disease space, Erum has experience in multidisciplinary areas such as drug discovery, carbohydrate chemistry, X-ray crystallography, biophysical methods, and basic biology research leading to several high impact publications. Erum served as the Communications Officer and Chair for the GlycoNet Trainee Executive Committee where she wrote monthly newsletters, led a team of 7 scientists across Canada to understand and endorse the voices of trainees to key opinion leaders, established professional development opportunities, and advocated for infectious disease research alongside the Chief Science Advisor of Canada. Prior to joining Ontario Genomics, Erum was a postdoctoral fellow working on optimizing the isolation of bacterial exopolysaccharides.
Erum has a B.Sc. in Health Science from Wilfrid Laurier University, Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Toronto, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario.
NRSC and DeafTEC Math and Science Conference
NRSC and DeafTEC are excited to host our first-ever Math and Science Conference this year. In the past, math-only conferences have been hosted by DeafTEC, but this year, we are incorporating science topics into this conference. The aim of the Math and Science Conference is to bring together teachers of deaf and hard-of-hearing students from […]
Space Camp Unlimited
Here at CSD Learns, we are thrilled to introduce an incredible opportunity for your Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students that we believe will truly ignite their passion for space exploration and STEM. Introducing Space Camp Unlimited, a unique program designed exclusively for middle and high school students at your school. This immersive experience […]
STEM Sign Language Summit
Hosted by Gallaudet University. We are excited to welcome everyone who is interested in STEM sign language lexicons – deaf and hard of hearing students who are majoring in STEM, STEM deaf and hard of hearing professionals, K-12 teachers, STEM college professors, interpreters, educational researchers, linguists, anthropologists, and the like! The Summit will take place […]
Asma Sheikh
I am studying on the synthesis of endoperoxides to access natural products and development of effective directing groups that can be further functionalized to make precursors for the endoperoxide reactions.
