Science Communication
One of my strongest passions within science is creating effective, and visually dynamic, scientific presentations. I believe that effective communication is essential for science. Without good communication, the impact of all research is not fully realized.
Science shouldn't be dry.
I believe it is my responsibility as a researcher to create presentations that actively engage my audience. I spend significant time considering the most effective ways to communicate my work, tailoring each presentation to the background and interests of those I am addressing. I am continually learning new strategies to present complex ideas clearly and elegantly, whether through visual design, narrative structure, or interactive elements. This ongoing effort strengthens my ability to connect with audiences and reinforces my commitment to communicating science in ways that are both accessible and compelling.
Personal Recognition Within
Science Communication
Professional Development Training Within Science Communication
Johnson Science Communication Workshop: Transforming Slide Design
Led by Present Your Science Founder, Melissa Marshall
Johnson Science Communication Workshop:
Tell a Clear Technical Story
Led by Present Your Science Founder, Melissa Marshall
Science Communication & Presentations
I actively communicate my research through conferences, seminars, and public talks, sharing insights from genomics, evolutionary biology, and ecological modeling.
Below is a selection of my recent presentations
2025
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The Digital Reef: Modeling the effect of active restoration methods on introgression within a Caribbean coral system
Podium Presentation, Evolution 2025 Conference, Athens, GA, June 24
Explored how different coral restoration strategies influence genetic diversity and introgression in Caribbean coral populations using agent-based modeling approaches.
2024
DeepLOF: An unsupervised deep learning framework for predicting human essential genes from population and functional genomic data
Podium Presentation, 2024 Bioinformatics and Genomics Retreat, Pennsylvania State University, August 19
Presented a novel computational approach combining population genomics and functional data to predict essential genes in humans.
The Digital Reef: Informing coral restoration through insights from agent-based modeling
Podium Presentation, 3rd Joint Congress on Evolutionary Biology, Montreal, QC, Canada, July 27
Selected for the “Conservation Genetics Across Multiple Species” symposium. Focused on using simulation models to guide coral restoration strategies.
2023
Utility of Simulation Approaches in Genomics
Guest Lecture (50 minutes), Grad Level Genomics Course, Pennsylvania State University, November 3
Taught graduate students how simulation models can be used to address complex questions in genomics.
Simulating European Neolithic farming expansion reveals high levels of assortative mating and limited cultural transmission
Podium Presentation, Evolution 2023 Conference, Albuquerque, NM, June 25
Combined genetic data and computational simulations to study human population movements and cultural transmission during the Agricultural Revolution in Neolithic Europe.
Agent-based evolutionary simulations of coral populations determine how differing restoration practices impact introgression in acroporid corals
Lightning Talk, 7th Annual Huck Life Sciences Symposium, Pennsylvania State University, May 26
Abstract selected for featured lightning talk focused on using simulation models to guide coral restoration strategies.
Simulating European Neolithic farming expansion reveals high levels of assortative mating and limited cultural transmission
30-Minute Seminar Podium Presentation, Pennsylvania State University, April 19
Combined genetic data and computational simulations to study human population movements and cultural transmission during the Agricultural Revolution in Neolithic Europe.
2022
Simulating the effect of farming expansion on genetic ancestry in Europe.
Podium Presentation, Biology Student Research Showcase, Pennsylvania State University, October 7
Earned 2nd place. Modeled how early agricultural expansion shaped genetic variation across Europe.
Simulating the effect of farming expansion on genetic ancestry in Europe
Podium Presentation, Bioinformatics and Genomics Retreat, Pennsylvania State University, August 11
Modeled how early agricultural expansion shaped genetic variation across Europe.
2021
Investigating Erroneous Gene Duplication in Poison Frog Ranitomeya imitator Genome Assembly
Poster Presentation, Undergraduate Research Conference, University of New Hampshire, April 24
Awarded the Jack & Pat Weeks Award. Investigated errors in genome assemblies and their effects on gene duplication interpretation.
Simulating the effect of farming expansion on genetic ancestry in Europe
Podium Presentation, Bioinformatics and Genomics Retreat, Pennsylvania State University, August 11
Modeled how early agricultural expansion shaped genetic variation across Europe.
2020
The Effect of Transcriptome Assembly Quality on Phylogenetic Relationships
Poster Presentation, Undergraduate Research Conference (Interdisciplinary Science & Engineering Symposium), University of New Hampshire, April 29
Explored how the quality of transcriptome assembly impacts phylogenetic analyses.
The Effect of Transcriptome Assembly Quality on Phylogenetic Relationships
Poster Presentation, Undergraduate Research Conference (College of Life Science and Agriculture), University of New Hampshire, April 29
Explored how the quality of transcriptome assembly impacts phylogenetic analyses.