Stephen Meyer
Stephen is a staff veterinary technologist from Southern California. He graduated with is Associate of Applied Science degree. He first became interested in veterinary medicine in high school when he volunteered at the horse veterinary hospital for 4 years. He started his career as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in emergency medicine. A vet tech position opened up at the research field. He accepted the position as a Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist. He learned so much about biomedical research, and he know lab animal science would be his professional home. In addition to his ranch, his family has dogs, cats, horses and goats.
Jennifer Chin
My name is Jennifer Chin, and I’m from the Netherlands. I also went to Gallaudet in USA and New Zealand to study genetics and marine biology, respectively. My current job mainly focuses on (lab) analysis of benthic organisms, shellfishes and other marine organisms.
Amelia Dall
Amelia S. Dall, M.A., RPA, GIS, is a highly experienced archaeologist and GIS specialist based in the Greater Colorado Springs Area. Currently serving as an archaeologist at the Bureau of Reclamation in Pueblo, Colorado, she has a background in cultural resource management and GIS analysis.
With over seven years of experience in museum and research institutions, Amelia has developed expertise in ArcGIS software, archaeological stewardship, public outreach, and collection management. Her career includes positions at the Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, among others.
Amelia holds a Master’s Degree in Anthropology and Archaeology from Texas State University (2017), where her thesis focused on using GIS and Google Earth to analyze looting patterns of Nasca sites in Peru. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Gallaudet University (2012) and two certificates in GIS from Front Range Community College (2022).
David Parker
- Who am I – I am a Deaf person and I use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) to communicate. I am self managed via the NDIS and I can request for an Auslan interpreter.
- Background – By training and profession, I’m an electrical engineer but I work as a community manager / technical writer. I’ve tried over the years to learn a little about a lot of things. I sometimes envy the great people of the Renaissance especially Leonardo Da Vinci who had a very real possibility of learning a large fraction of all human knowledge. But when I think of all we have achieved since then and I know I have the better deal.
- My motto – “Karma: do good to others that others can do good to you”
- Favorite quotes- “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” — Albert Einstein. “Science is a way of trying not to fool yourself.” — Richard Feynman “For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of stars makes me dream.” — Vincent van Gogh
- My main interests – Purple, The Phantom comics, science fiction, science, technology, road cycling, web development, digital systems, software engineering, travelling and camping, family tree research, genetics, Auslan, relaxing with quality red wine and a good movie, gardening and especially growing tulips and finally egyptology.
Women in Physics
Discover the wonders of physics! Along the way, meet the incredible women who’ve taught us how the universe works. Inquisitive kids will love learning about the world through this engaging and accurate tale about physics.
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 physics becomes an effortless outcome of enjoying the story.
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.