Kirsten Sanford
I’ve been interested in science for as long as I can remember, but it was somewhere in the middle of graduate school that I realized I didn’t want to be a scientist for the rest of my life. Somebody could have told me that a little earlier! But, nevertheless, the journey I have been on that allowed me such a realization also helped me to recognize that I am good at teaching, and that my experience in science research enhances my capacity for helping others to understand it. I want to help inform people about science and the important place it holds in our society. So, I have decided to become a science journalist and media personality, and in doing so infiltrate print, broadcast, and internet mediums with science.
In 1999, I started a radio show called This Week in Science with a good friend. The friend has since moved on to different pastures, but I have maintained the program and brought it to more people than ever before by turning it into a podcast in 2005. I have even more plans in store for this little radio show. Can you say video-cast?
In 2006, I worked at WNBC-TV in NYC as a producer for the medical/health reporter, Dr. Max Gomez. TV is quite a different world from radio, but my whistle is whetted. I’m currently pursuing the many various science video programming employment options.
I started this blog as well, so that I could practice and sharpen my writing skills, and share my thoughts with others.
I received my PhD in Physiology with an emphasis in neurophysiology in December of 2006 from UC Davis. My area of specialization is avian learning and memory, and my dissertation topic was on spatial memory in non-storing songbirds. Don’t tell me any jokes about bird brains, please. I have heard them all.
In my spare time, I also study tae-kwon-do, and received my black-belt in 2005. When I’m not kicking or looking at brains, I enjoy hula hooping to dance music turned up loud. Occasionally, I will even add fire to the mix with my extra-special fire hoop. I am a multi-year veteran of Burning Man, and will most likely be making the annual pilgrimage to the desert again this year.
I hope that you enjoy this blog, and if you have the time and inclination, my radio show as well. If you would like to see my science media resume, click here. If you would like to see my CV, click here.
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[…] The bird’s brain: Kirsten Sanford, a PhD scientist (Neurophysiology) who somehow escaped from the lab and is now making [her] way in independent Science media and journalism. Check out [her] bio page here. […]
Dr. Kiki,
We met at Science Hack day. I am the mother of Spud, the 6 year old who loves (LOVES!!) science. I thought that you’d be in a unique position to point us in the right direction.
My son loves science. He loves chemistry. He loves physics. Loves math (if he does not have to do it at school). But I have a really hard time finding a child appropriate outlet for his interests.
If he was into baseball, we’d enroll him in little league and go to practices and games. He’d know the batting averages of players and we’d BBQ at home for Major league games. But Spud loves science. He knows the atomic weight of some elements not baseball stats. There are no weekly gatherings for kids who build trebuchets or ramps. Instead of world series he finds science hack day and Maker Faire. Instead of other kids, he’s peer group tends to be 23-35 year old grad students/ ph.d’s. His icon is a man named Hackett (from Stuck with Hackett) who builds things and looks a bit unkempt. I am not sure I would have Mr. Hackett over for Thanksgiving dinner… (although he may be a wonderful guy).
BUT HE IS 6. He acts like a 6 year old. He bounces. He giggles. He has the attention span of a flea. Meeting actual scientists at actual science events works out sometimes. Sometimes he understands everything. Sometimes he looks like a mini-me to the other guys. But sometimes he bounces and talks too much and distracts people. Sometimes he trips over a powercord and really upsets people.
Do you know of any events, groups or organizations that can accommodate a young boy?
Thank you,
Kris
Working through back shows. However wanted to say I love you on TWitt
Kiki, I would very much like to take you out to dinner.
-Mike
I am glad I stumbled upon your Twitter page and this one. Not only are you great at explaining all the things I watch on the Science Channel, but you are also the best lookin AScientist I have ever seen…lol
Hi there, big fan here in New Zealand, love your site just brilliant your amazing and inspiring person so thank you and all the best.
Your fan
Grant
Dr. Keeks, my Large Hardon Collider is back online. Will you help my celebrate this grand occasion?