Clara Tibbetts is a sixth year PhD candidate in the Chemistry Department. She is studying liquids commonly used in batteries. She works in a laser lab with a cutting-edge microscope that allows her to capture the motion of these battery solutions on the scale of the time it takes the molecules to move and rotate in a liquid. She hopes working on developing ways to learn about the fundamental nature of battery parts will lead to improved technologies useful in the shift towards a societal dependence on renewable energies.
 

Beyond the lab one of some of Clara’s passions include science advocacy and communication. She believes that scientists have a responsibility to be civically engaged and able to effectively explain their science an array of audiences including policymakers. She pursues these passions by leading Science in Action, being involved with campus policies as a student member of the Graduate Center for Inclusive Mentoring, and working as an organizer for the RMW ComSciCon.

Hillary (she/her) received her B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Here, she supported environmental research efforts and was the VP of Philanthropy of her sorority. She spent the next six years working to address environmental and social issues while working in environmental consulting, nonprofit outreach, and corporate sustainability. Hillary is passionate about the intersection of people and the planet. She believes that truthful and transparent science communication is critical to addressing sustainability challenges such as climate change. Hillary is pursuing an Impact MBA in Social Entrepreneurship and plans to solve complex global issues through business in the new solution economy. Growing up outside of Yosemite, she has an affinity for the great outdoors and enjoys lake days, hiking, and paddleboarding.

Anju Gopinath is a second year PhD candidate in the Computer Science Department. She is interested in the area of Computer Vision and Machine Learning. Her research focuses on human hand grasp synthesis. Among other things, this has applications in mixed reality where the avatars have to mimic humans or even generate grasps in a new scenario.She believes that scientists have to be proactive when it comes to bridging the gap between scientists and the public with regards to science communication.

She also volunteers as a mentor for CSU undergrads. In her free time, she enjoys trying out new recipes, taking long walks, biking and watching movies."

Texas native with a passion for the environment, science education and communication. I believe that science must be available to everyone in order to spark change. With this role I hope to learn more about local, state, and federal decisions that could potentially affect our community and try my best to contribute towards change and betterment of such.

Kimi Conro is a first year doctoral candidate of Public Communication and Technology in the department of Journalism and Media Communication. She is the VP of Local Policy for Science in Action and also works as a Graduate Research Assistant in CSU’s Center for Science Communication. Kimi's research interests center on the influence of disinformation on public opinion within the contexts of political and science communication. Her goal is to help create meaningful advances in public knowledge as well as public policy to combat the crippling effects of disinformation in today's media-rich world. Outside work, Kimi loves to adventure in the great outdoors with her husband and two young boys, Liam and Jude; travel abroad and photograph diverse locations and cultures; spread joy through music performance; and learn at least a little bit about pretty much everything. 

I study where small molecules called cryoprotectants go within living plant cells. These molecules protect the cells from the extreme cold of cryopreservation, a method used to conserve plant and animal biodiversity. Over the last year, I have also started to branch into science communication, specifically writing about newly published research. Science in Action has helped me connect my interest in science communication to policy.

Yusef Farah is a a graduate student in the chemistry department at CSU, working in the Krummel research lab.  His research uses nonlinear, ultrafast spectroscopic methods to study the structure and dynamics of molecules in devices related to solar energy.  The goal of this research is to create solar energy devices that are efficient, environmentally sustainable, and inexpensive to produce.  Yusef is also involved with the CSU Ventures Ambassador program, and has an interest in intellectual property rights and the commercialization of technological innovations. In his free time, Yusef enjoys playing classical guitar, snowboarding, golfing, gardening, and reading.