How do we reach and connect groups that are underrepresented in science? Women, minorities, and researchers in developing economies often face challenges when integrating into the scientific community. It can also be difficult for researchers with a niche interest to find and support each other. Groups such as teens often fail to view science as interesting or significant in its own right and have poor access to reliable, engaging scientific content.  Our panel will take a look at how minority networks form and develop both online and off, and discuss targeted efforts to reach communities that are underrepresented or disinterested in science.

Khadijah Britton is the founder of BetterBio, a nonprofit focused on helping minority communities connect with science.

Meghan Groome is director of the NY Academy of Science's K-12 Education and Science & the City programs.

Dhiraj Murthy is an assistant professor at Bowdoin College, where he studies the use of social media tools within minority communities.

Nancy Parmalee, a graduate student at Columbia University, will talk about how forming online communities have advanced her research.

Daniel Colón Ramos is the director of CienciaPR, a group dedicated to promoting scientific collaborations and literacy in Puerto Rico. 

Bernice Rumala is co-chair of Rockefeller University's Achieving Successful and Productive Academic Research Careers (SPARC) initiative.