Science Communication
Danni is the first African American/woman of color to host an American science TV show and has 10+ years of experience in the science communication field. She was also named the Emerging Female Leader of the Year Award by EarthX in 2019 and was selected as one of the 10 young rising innovators who was profiled in CA Technologies #STEM10 initiative alongside Jaden Smith and other rising stars in the space.
Danni’s SciComm Journey
The ocean was such a big part of Danni’s life growing up in Miami and she considered the beach my blue backyard. She witnessed the rapid decline of ocean health over the years which has driven her passion to amplify simple actions everyone can take to protect our beautiful planet through Science Communication.
Her SciComm journey started with Untamed Science to create more than 200+ videos for K-12 science curriculum, which lead her to Ocean Gems where she profiled different women in Marine Science.
With 10+ years of Science Communication experience, Danni has now hosted a variety of educational and science TV shows including Xploration Nature Knows Best on Amazon Prime, Strange Evidence on the Science Channel, and Science the $#*! Out of It on Facebook Watch. Most recently, she was a featured correspondent on Mission Unstoppable on CBS with host Miranda Cosgrove.
What is SciComm?
SciComm is short for Science Communication, a young field of science featuring the voices of many science advocates coming together to communicate their expertise in an engaging and easily understandable way to the general public.
With the popularity of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, there’s no better time than now to raise awareness about science issues and open up a world of possibilities. Today’s science communicators like Danni include a wide range of experts such as chemists, physicists, biologists, geologist, astrologists, and marine biologists.
Danni Washington’s role in science communication has grown exponentially over the years along with her ability to reach all ages, primarily today’s youth, educating them about our oceans and inspiring them to take action.
Why SciComm is Important
A crucial part of science communication is accessibility for the general public not only though multimedia, but through hands-on learning and face-to-face outreach. Danni uses her voice to spread the word about the importance of ocean conservation and the opportunities provided by career paths in STEM.
As an avid STEM supporter, Danni was named spokesperson at #SciFest, the USA Science and Engineering Festival, which Danni highlights on her blog. She has also held many other speaking engagements such as Algalita POPS International Youth Summit, Blue Vision Summit, and the Girl Scouts National Conference, just to name a few.
For Danni, the microphone is just one to share knowledge and spread a positive message. Now with the growing participation in social media, Danni and other science influencers have found a new level of outreach.
Buy Danni’s Brand New “Bold Women In Science”
Inspiring stories of women who changed the course of science―for kids ages 8 to 12
Learn about Danni’s Work in Science Communication
Danni’s Favorite SciComm Advocates
There is a quickly growing community of notable SciComm contributors. With the interest and popularity of science growing each day, and the ability to share ideas through social media, who knows what new doors science communication will open and what number of future science advocates and voices it will produce. The future is looking bright for science communication. How will you get involved? Check out the SciComm specialists who inspire Danni.
Corina Newsome, Zookeeper turned Biologist
Corina Newsome, AKA the Hood Naturalist, is a zookeeper turned biologist! As a Georgia Southern graduate student, Corina focuses on coastal research and field biology. And if you take one look at her Instagram, you’ll quickly notice that she has a passion for animals of all kinds. Follow her on Instagram at @hood__naturalist.
Samantha Yammine, Neurobiologist
Samantha Yammine is a popular science communicator on Instagram that focuses on neurobiology and sharing her research with the world. Like Danni, she utilizes the digital video platform and believes in harnessing the power of social media to exchange ideas. You can follow her on Instagram at @science.sam.
Jedidah Isler, Astrophysicist
Dr. Jedidah Isler is an astrophysicist and studies blazers - supermassive, hyperactive black holes that emit powerful jet streams. She’s an outspoken advocate for careers in STEM, and works to break down barriers facing women of color. She has delivered numerous speeches and has been a guest speaker for the ever-popular series, TEDTalks. Follow her on Instagram at @jedidahislerphd.
Rob Nelson, Marine Scientist
Rob Nelson, is a marine scientist and the filmmaker behind the successful science series, Untamed Science, in which Danni has participated. Rob’s goal is to make science entertaining and educational, but most importantly accessible to the masses through sites like YouTube. Follow him on Instagram at @untamedscience.
Justin Shaifer, STEM Ed Specialist
Justin Shaifer wants the youth to "embrace their inner nerd" despite their surroundings! As a Ph.D. student at Columbia University and the Founder & Executive Director of Fascinate Inc., an organization created to excite underrepresented students about STEM, Justin creates entertaining STEM-centric content that has received over 2.5M views across all platforms! Follow him on Instagram at @mr.fascinate.
Emily Calandrelli, Emmy-nominated Science TV Host
MIT-engineer turned Emmy-nominated science TV host, Emily Calandrelli, wants to inspire more women to pursue STEM careers. Emily is wildly passionate about space exploration, and through her show, Xploration Outer Space, she aims to prove that the space industry is more exhilarating today than ever before! Follow her on Instagram at @thespacegal.
Ashlan & Philippe Cousteau, Explorer & Advocate
Philippe Cousteau and his wife Ashlan are the stars of The Travel Channel’s newest series Caribbean Pirate Treasure. As a multi Emmy-Nominated TV host and producer as well as an author, speaker, and social entrepreneur, Philippe’s conservation efforts are focused on solving global social and environmental problems. Follow Philippe on Instagram at @pcousteau and Ashlan at @ashlancousteau.
Imogene Cancellare, Conservation Biologist
National Geographic Explorer, researcher, communicator, and conservation biologist, Imogene Cancellare, generates educational content to mentor young people and get them excited about biodiversity, science, and the great outdoors. Follow her on Instagram at @biologistimogene.
Sarah Habibi, PhD Researcher
Ph.D. researcher, educator, and public speaker—Sarah Habibi gives her online community the scoop on all things science by using captivating pictures and smart copy to explain topics from parasitology to electrophysiology. Follow her on Instagram at @science.bae.
Christine Liu, Neuroscience PhD Student
Art & science collide with Christine Liu. Christine uses science, art, and community to leverage information for the masses. Ph.D. candidate in Neuroscience at UC Berkeley and founder of The Stem Squad, Christine’s mission is to empower and support while communicating science that speaks to non-scientists. Follow her on Twitter at @christineliuart.
Sierra Quitiquit, Environmentalist
Sierra Quitiquit is a professional skier, model, surfer, and environmental activist. Sierra is the co-founder of Plastic Free Fridays, an initiative striving to significantly reduce single-use plastics consumption among individuals through education, awareness, and alternative solutions. She also works alongside Danni in Time For Better, an organization dedicated to ensuring a better future for us all through the promotion of fair and sustainable living and working conditions. You can follow her on Instagram at @sierra
Dr. Raven the Science Maven, Scientist
Dr. Raven Baxter is an award-winning science educator, speaker, molecular biologist, and rapper effortlessly merging science with pop culture. Raven is Passionate about diversity in STEM and is an active member of the Black In Science Communication group. She is also an avid fashionista and founder of Smarty Pants, an online store featuring a range of inclusive, STEM-inspired fashion items. You can follow her on Instagram at @raventhesciencemaven
Haley Chamberlain, Science Journalist
Haley Chamberlain is a science journalist, online and TV host, athlete, and adventure seeker. Haley is always finding ways to combine art and science and is the writer, host, and producer of an 80-video adventure series designed to inspire and educate young science students. She never lost her childhood enthusiasm for science and feels compelled to discover and foster the desire for this enthusiasm in the young people she works with. You can follow her on Instagram at @haleychamberlain22
Esther Odekunle, PhD, Scientist
Esther Odekunle, PhD., is a biochemist, neurobiologist, antibody engineer, and senior scientist at GSK. Esther harnesses the power of social media to communicate science, highlight underrepresented STEM heroes, and advocate for a more diverse and inclusive community. You can follow Ester on Instagram at @Science.Uncovered