Sheril

Sheril, 1 month ago to random

"Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check.

But that is not what I have found.

I've found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay.

Simple acts of kindness and love.”

• Gandalf, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Sheril, 1 month ago to random

Welp, it’s official. The dissertation is accepted. 🎉

mzyw, 1 month ago to random

Congratulations to @cplong who has been named provost and senior vice president at University of Oregon! https://around.uoregon.edu/content/chris-long-named-uo-provost-and-senior-vice-president

Chris was my favorite dean at MSU. He is thoughtful, fair, and honest. UO chose an amazing new provost!

#highered #leadership

Sheril, 1 month ago to random

Wishing everyone a day of this much joy 🐾

A black white and tan puppy rolling in the grass.
A black white and tan puppy rolling in the grass.
A black white and tan puppy rolling in the grass.

Sheril, 2 months ago to politics

Financial constraints to living & working in Washington, D.C. likely define & reinforce the community of people able to stay long enough to achieve senior positions, leading to a policy-making community distinct from the American public.

https://sheril.substack.com/p/left-out-of-the-room-where-it-happens #politics

So what? "Misperceptions & blind spots among decision makers may occur, in part, because their lived experiences primarily reflect those from communities with the resources required to maintain influential roles."

Sheril, 2 months ago to trans

Ben Barres was a trailblazing transgender neurobiologist who promoted equity & diversity.

His pioneering research on glial cells changed science & he became the 1st #trans person admitted into the National Academies of Science.

Barres was a strong advocate for women, early career scientists & the #LGBTQ+ community at a time when few people openly discussed gender identity. https://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewherper/2017/12/28/mourning-ben-barres-the-transgender-scientist-who-changed-neuroscience/ #history #science

Excerpt from his autobiography: https://stanmed.stanford.edu/ben-barres-autobiography-transgender-scientist/

Sheril, 2 months ago to random

We traveled to Toledo, Ohio last night for today’s #eclipse. The journey from here depends on the clouds.

Wishing everyone clear skies & great viewing. Have fun & make sure to protect your eyes. https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses

Sheril, 2 months ago to science

Our little show about the science behind what we eat & its impact on the planet made the ‘Championship Round’ of the local PBS ‘March Madness’ brackets…

If you have an Instagram account, this is the last time I’ll request support from the fediverse https://www.instagram.com/wkarofficial?igsh=ZjBqZ3E0azd3N294 (click on the profile icon for stories)

The competition is just for fun of course, but I do love that we’ve made it this far with a family program about #science ✨

Sheril, 2 months ago to science

Misinformation & pseudoscience is not a new or emerging phenomenon because of social media.

Rather, it’s been amplified & weaponized through social media.
#science #socialmedia #culture

Sheril, 2 months ago to science

The “History” channel 😆

I simply adore this comic by Sketching Science #science #art

Sheril, 2 months ago to random

I am honored to receive MSU’s 2024 graduate student award for science communication. https://engage.msu.edu/awards/msu-outreach-and-engagement-awards-ceremony

Sheril, 2 months ago to science

When I post about #science & #history, I tend to highlight the trailblazers we don’t usually read or hear about in #HistoryRemix.

But tonight I want to share this beautifully composed piece about Nikola Tesla.

While his inventions are legendary, you may not know how Tesla’s OCD shaped his approach to science & ultimately led to his world-changing ideas. It also left him isolated & alone. But he still experienced deep connection by caring for birds. https://nautil.us/teslas-pigeon-460446/

Sheril, 2 months ago to science

Several kind folks have asked about my dissertation research on #science & #politics so now that I've defended, I posted the abstract at https://sheril.substack.com/p/in-my-defense

Sheril, 2 months ago to random

As long as the weather cooperates, I’ll be pulling my kids out of school next Monday to drive east into the path of totality during the solar eclipse.

Do you have #eclipse plans?

Sheril, 2 months ago to climate

We will not meaningfully tackle #ClimateChange unless we change the global #food system.

Sheril, 2 months ago to random

I laughed.

Sheril, 2 months ago to random

If anyone has Instagram, my PBS station is doing March Madness brackets for our programs.

It’s just for fun, but I’d be grateful for any votes for the series I write & host, Serving Up Science ⬇️
https://www.instagram.com/stories/wkarofficial/3333817734138645701?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=c2JobDMwODg1Zzdi

It’s a show all about where our food comes from & its impact on our bodies & the planet.

Thank you ☺️

Sheril, 2 months ago to random

I passed my dissertation defense! Thanks for so much support from the fediverse! ❤️

Sheril, 2 months ago to science

On Friday morning, I will defend my dissertation.

The research explores how congressional staffers make #science policy decisions at the national level. I used to work in the Senate, which inspired this journey into the social sciences.

(Friday is also the first day of my kids' Spring Break, so they'll be coming along which should be interesting).

For those curious about the topic, I share a bit about the research on my substack. More results will there soon https://sheril.substack.com/p/a-dissertation-on-democracy