Welcome! I’m Stacey

S.L. Baker exists to support intentional and inclusive growth within the scientific community, focusing on engagement practices that put mental health, social justice, and relationships at the core rather than the periphery.

We believe that: 

  • Every interaction with the scientific community is an opportunity to have a positive impact on others

  • We are all works in progress, so we should seek to engage with grace, humility, and empathy

  • Inclusive engagement doesn’t happen by accident, it must be intentional

Let me introduce myself!

Who I Am

I was raised in a rural environment by a community of dairy farmers which has shaped the way I navigate the world. My upbringing equipped me with a deep understanding of how science can be a source of wonder, solution finding, and positivity. My education and experiences as a scientific researcher at the National Institutes of Health and community college professor affirmed my love for science. However, they also illuminated the many barriers people face when interacting with the scientific community. This firsthand knowledge motivated my passion for effective and human-centered science communication, which has been the focus of my professional endeavors since 2016.

Connecting with me is connecting with a feminist, biologist, rock climber, cat companion, bookworm, coffee addict and baked goods enthusiast on top of an experienced project and events manager, facilitator, researcher, and science communications expert.

Education

M.S. in Biology- American University

B.S. in Zoology- SUNY Oswego

Professional Experience

  • Co-developed and facilitated science communication training and workshops for various audiences, including hundreds of senior leaders, faculty, postdoctoral and PhD researchers, military leaders, and government scientists

  • Organized and executed large-scale public events including the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Family Science Days and Spark the FUTURES: Science Family Day at the Smithsonian

  • Led multiple competitive fellowship programs, developing sustainable and turnkey application, selection, and project management processes 

  • Taught biology lecture and labs for science majors and non-majors at a community college

  • Co-led strategy and mission alignment discussions for various science communications committees and communities of practice (e.g, Society Civic Science Initiative)

  • Ask me about: Working on an Australian koala sanctuary (koalas are jerks), the exciting genetics of the soapberry bug (the topic of my master’s thesis), and how ignoring a “stop sign” can be beneficial (a window into my time as a government scientist).

Ways We Can Collaborate

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Ways We Can Collaborate *

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    Skilled and Human-Centered Facilitation and Training

    I can work with you to structure and support complex and courageous conversations. I have experience in meeting facilitation including collaboration, alignment, and strategic planning for committees, communities of practice, and scientific convenings. I can also train scientists to engage the public with their expertise and research. I design spaces and facilitate conversations that allow participants to be authentic, say hard things, lean into inquiry and vulnerability, and ultimately come together around common purpose. This includes guest lectures at universities about science communication as well as my career journey.

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    End-to-End Inclusive Event Management and Consulting

    I can develop inclusive and engaging science events with community being center. I can support event design and management, speaker identification and preparation, marketing and outreach, vendor relations, day-of execution, and evaluation strategy. Whether it is an event for 10 or 10,000, my guiding light for event organizing is to create an experience that serves the intended community and meets the goals of my clients. You can count on me to go the extra mile. Indoor fires, hissing cockroaches, and sea turtle costumes—I’ve turned some bizarre requests into realities, and they often result in the most memorable and effective forms of public engagement.

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    Mindful Project Management

    I can work with you to operationalize big picture science communications and public engagement strategies into effective and inclusive processes. I accomplish this by building strong relationships with my clients through deep listening, reflection, responsiveness to feedback, a dose of fun, and a genuine care not only for my clients’ goals, but their well-being.

  • Personalized Support

    Don’t see what you are looking for here? I’d love to connect and discuss possibilities for collaboration. It fills my cup to be a thought partner for what realities people are navigating and supporting them in the ways they need. My varied experience with science communication, teaching, and research means I might be capable of supporting in ways not explicitly mentioned here.

Let’s Chat!

Feeling inspired, have a project in mind, or want bounce ideas around? If you think I could be of service for your engagement dreams or needs, please get in touch and we can set up a conversation over coffee (or any beverage of your choice). I look forward to getting to know you and your ideas better!

Contacting me also means I can provide treats and pets for my manager, Pegasus: