Outreach and JDEI work

Outreach

Museum of the Earth, Ithaca NY

I am interested in using paleontology for earth science communication in a variety of settings. I participate in Skype A Scientist and have contributed to outreach and education days at both the Museum of the Earth and Cayuga Nature Center.

I am currently working on a museum exhibit on mollusks opening in 2025 at the Museum of the Earth related to my past NSF-funded postdoc at PRI.

I’m also active on Bluesky (@fossilsndcoffee.bsky.social) and recently collaborated with artist Franz Anthony for a series on snail biology, ecology, and fossil history called “snails in short” (see below).

JDEI Work

Figure from Aghi et al., 2024 on supporting gender diverse people in STEMM

Activities related to JDEI work:

Publication in Cell on supporting transgender individuals in STEMM

Publication in the Palaeontological Association Newsletter on supporting individuals with caregiving responsibilities during COVID-19

Author of an open letter on the crisis impacting transgender individuals in STEM in the US and UK

National Association of Geoscience Teachers Advocacy Committee

Paleontological Association/Association for Women Geoscientists Student Grant Committee

Work with the Unlearning Racism in Geosciences Pod, WVU

Graduate TA development Consultant, Cornell University College of Engineering, including development and implementation of DEI related training for several hundred undergraduate and graduate TAs

A just, equitable, inclusive, and diverse community is essential for creating a learning environment and for robust science. I strive to use evidence-based teaching practices which have been shown to have JDEI benefits and to incorporate just practices in how I conduct my research.