The award-winning science podcaster and filmmaker answers five questions about her SciComm pathway and practice.
How do people find their way to science communication (SciComm)? To find out, we ask a SciComm practitioner the same five questions in SciComm Voices every month. SciComm Voices is part of the Science Communication certificate program's monthly newsletter SciComm Spotlight (subscribe via our website).
Zakiya Whatley, PhD,, is a science communicator, educator, and multimedia storyteller dedicated to making science accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant. She is the co-host and executive producer of the award-nominated Dope Labs podcast and has led a wide range of science communication initiatives, including the award-winning planetarium film “REMIXED: The Unexpected Side of Science.” Trained as a geneticist, Dr. Whatley combines scientific expertise with a passion for storytelling, helping scientists connect their work with diverse audiences. As a member of the UMB Science Communication Certificate Program faculty and an ESCAAR (Entrepreneurship and Science Communication for Aging and Aging-Related Research) mentor, she supports emerging science communicators in transforming research into meaningful public impact.
When did you first know that you wanted to be a science communicator?
I knew I wanted to be a science communicator before I was familiar with the term. When I was training and early in my academic career, the experiences that prepared me for a career in SciComm were lumped into the term “outreach.” Working with younger kids to ignite a love for science, doing demonstrations with high schoolers, and serving as grad assistant for undergraduates completing summer research experiences at Duke University were formative experiences that cemented my love for science communication
What do you consider your biggest success as a science communicator and why?
I would consider my work with Dope Labs to be my biggest success as a science communicator. Along with my co-founder, Titi Shodiya, we’ve grown the Dope Labs podcast from an idea, translated that idea into a brand that reaches so many people, and shared the message that science is for everyone in both audio and film.
Whose social media feed really speaks to you at the moment and why?
I've really been enjoying @hiaj on Instagram. She has great visual storytelling as she shares books, friendships, and food!
What is your No. 1 piece of advice to someone just starting in SciComm?
Just do it. So often we want to skip the “needs improvement” phase for the polished output. Sometimes you just have to try it (whatever the “it” is for you) with the resources you have and continue to grow through experience.
What’s something you’re curious about right now that has nothing to do with your job?
I'm curious about risograph printing, but secretly all types of printing. Bring back paper! I love digital storytelling for work, but there’s something special about paper. Right now, my Instagram explore page is filled with snail mail and print clubs; you sign up and then send you curated paper packages of letters and art and more every month.