Meet the Civic Science Associates

(list in formation)

Emily Costa
TITLE
RockEDU Civic Science Associate at Rockefeller University
YEAR
2024

Project: Examining Civic Science Case Studies: Emily will create a comprehensive case study and ideas reservoir, highlighting and analyzing effective civic science engagement initiatives, showcasing the breadth of civic science work, and providing insight to enhance practices across diverse contexts.

Em is a Civic Science Associate based at Rockefeller University (RockEdu) in New York City. She completed her Ph.D. studying lung cancer biology at Sloan Kettering and has explored her interests in science communication all throughout graduate school, namely through her involvement in ComSciCon, running a science comedy show and podcast, journalistic and creative science writing, and volunteering with New York’s many wonderful science outreach organizations. Motivated by her biomedical science and science communication backgrounds, she’s especially interested in civic science surrounding ethics, accessibility, and disparities in clinical and genetics research and practice.  

Emily Cribas
TITLE: Metcalf Institute Civic Science Associate
YEAR: 2024

Project: Convening the Inclusive Science Communication Community: Emily will provide much-needed capacity for the Inclusive Science Communication program to create an expanded platform for engagement, mentorship, and collaboration, significantly contributing to the growth and impact of inclusive science communication initiatives.

Emily is a Civic Science Associate and inclusive science communicator with overlapping interests in integrative health, equity, and the environment. She is a first-generation Honduran American who completed her Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania in September studying immune-microbe interactions in the gut. At the Metcalf Institute at the University of Rhode Island, she leads all equity-centered science communication programs for students, faculty, and community-driven practitioners, including local workshops and the biennial global Inclusive SciComm Symposia. Her approach is shaped by her personal experiences with indigenous plant medicine teachers as well as DEI programs, psychedelic education groups, and peer support services. She currently lives in Providence, Rhode Island and enjoys creating nature-inspired art, public speaking, live music, meditation retreats, playing with her two cats, and eating quality food at aesthetically-pleasing venues.