What is a Science Communicator?

A science communicator is a professional who bridges the gap between complex scientific concepts and the general public. Their role is to take intricate, often dense scientific information and translate it into clear, engaging, and accessible content for diverse audiences. Whether through social media, writing, public speaking, or presentations, science communicators aim to foster curiosity, promote informed decision-making on scientific issues, and enhance the public’s understanding of science.

Pursuing Science

From a young age, Samantha Yammine knew she was destined to be a scientist. Her fascination with neuroscience began in high school, sparking a lifelong passion for research. As a child, she was constantly experimenting with objects and liquids around the house, which naturally evolved into a love for scientific exploration.

Being the first in her family to pursue a career in STEM, Yammine faced significant challenges navigating the curriculum and higher education. Finding mentorship and guidance early in her career was a game-changer– now, her goal is to provide that guidance and support for others pursuing science.

Becoming Science Sam

Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Yammine earned both her Bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. During her Ph.D. research, which focused on stem cells and their role in building and maintaining brain cells, she discovered a passion for sharing science with others.

In 2016, she launched her Instagram account, Science Sam, initially to share her research with friends and family. But as she approached the completion of her degree, Yammine realized her true passion lay in making science accessible to a broader audience. She transformed her social media into a platform for education, regularly breaking down complex scientific topics into easy-to-understand content that resonates with a wide audience.

“I want to show people what science really is, which is the iterative reproducible process of finding [and] getting closer to new truths,” Yammine shared in a 2018 interview with CBC. “I couldn’t think of a better way to do it than just doing it the way every other industry does it, which is through social media.”

Science Sam Media: Making Science Fun

After earning her Ph.D. in 2019, Yammine pursued her mission to make science accessible full-time by creating her production and consulting agency, Science Sam Media. The agency specializes in creating engaging science content and collaborates with news outlets, production companies, podcasts, and other media sources. Yammine is also a regular guest on the Canadian talk show The Good Stuff with Mary Berg, where she explains the science behind everyday phenomena like sunscreen, cooking pasta, and ice cream. She partners with major brands to make chemistry and biology fun and judges science competitions worldwide.

Beyond simplifying science, Yammine is dedicated to inspiring students interested in STEM. Her website offers a wealth of advice, free resources, and support, breaking down barriers for aspiring scientists.

“I have a mixture of aspiring scientists, a lot of high school and undergraduate students,” she said to CBC, “I have a ton of parents who have young kids who want to learn more about how their kids can get into a [university] program like mine. And then, I have other scientists following along as well who are just curious to learn about other people’s work.”

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Yammine played a crucial role in providing accurate information to her audience. She shared vital resources, fought against misinformation, and helped millions stay safe. Her mission was to break down the science behind the pandemic, reaching young people on TikTok with clear, understandable messages. With millions of monthly views, she earned the nickname “The COVID Queen of TikTok” and was named one of Toronto Life’s Top 50 most influential people in 2021.

Championing Representation and Accessibility

Throughout her career, Yammine has been a passionate advocate for representation in STEM. She’s a co-founder and producer of Science is a Drag (along with Shawn Hercules!), the world’s first and longest-running fully science-themed drag show, where she uses her skills in communication to help create a community for queer scientists.

Yammine frequently hosts and speaks at events that uplift marginalized communities, such as Girls in STEAM. She’s selective about the projects she works on, choosing only those that are inclusive and refusing to collaborate with companies or individuals who do not support inclusivity in all its forms, including gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, body size, and disabilities. She ensures that all content she creates or contributes to is accessible, from only hosting at venues with gender-inclusive bathrooms and mobility ramps to creating media with closed captions and inclusive color palettes.

“Anyone who’s given privilege, to have a seat at whatever table, in whatever room,” she said in an interview with Asparagus Magazine, “it is our job to make sure that we’re not just taking up space, we’re making more space for other people.”

Continuing the Mission

Today, Yammine continues her work as a full-time neuroscientist and science communicator. She regularly delivers keynote talks and lectures—check out her recent TEDx talk!—and creates content that turns scientific jargon into fun, accessible information for all.

If you were inspired by Samantha Yammine’s story of providing mentorship and are a STEM professional in the San Diego area, learn more about becoming an SD2 Mentor here.