If your social media feed is full of Kardashian news and a stream of duck-faced selfies, you know it is time to make a change. It is time you followed less people, brands, or publications that entertain and aggravate you, and follow more that inspire and motivate you.
I have collected five of my favorite female scientists who are actively using Twitter, which happens to be one of the most enriching social media platforms, and a great way to enhance your professional network; that is, if you happen to follow the right people. They are planetary scientists, biologists, astronomers, science educators, and more; you are missing out if you are not following them online.
1) Joanne Manaster (@sciencegoddess)
(56,000+ followers)
As a full-time science educator, Joanne Manaster shares her passion for science through teaching, encouraging youth not to be discouraged about pursuing science due to fear of stereotyping. Prior to her successful career as a scientist, Joanne was an international model; now, that is breaking stereotypes!
She currently teaches at the University of Illinois and writes for Scientific American, as well as hosting science TV shows.
https://twitter.com/sciencegoddess/status/612360947257094144?ref_src=twsrc^tfw
2) Carolyn Porco (@carolynporco)
(31,500+ followers)
As a planetary scientist, Carolyn Porco has been on the forefront of cutting-edge research for decades. Teams supervised by Carolyn have been responsible for some of the most iconic photographs of Earth and other planets from space. She was even responsible for the discovery of one of Neptune’s rings! Due to her outstanding contributions to science, Carolyn has been named one of the 25 most influential people in space by TIME magazine. Her tweets are inspirational.
https://twitter.com/carolynporco?ref_src=twsrc^tfw
3) Pamela L. Gray (@starstryder)
(23,000+ followers)
Pamela is an astronomer, writer, and podcaster, who is passionate about using social media, videos, and podcasts, to get people interested in science and technology subjects.
She runs CosmoQuest.org, which engages people in the fascinating discovery element of science, and is built to excite people about astronomy and planetary science; not bore them. Her weekly podcast, called Astronomy Cast, takes listeners on journeys through the stars, explaining interesting facts about the universe, as well as how we know them.
https://twitter.com/starstryder
4) Virginia Hughes (@virginiahughes)
(20,000+ followers)
Virginia Hughes is a science journalist and author of the Only Human blog at National Geographic. She constantly writes and tweets on neuroscience, genetics, behavior, and medicine in a clever and interesting voice that attracts readers all around the globe.
https://twitter.com/virginiahughes?ref_src=twsrc^tfw
5) Karen James (@kejames)
(17,000+ followers)
Karen James is a scientist at the Mount Desert Island (MDI) Biological Lab, a non-profit research facility that focuses on improving human health through “research, education, and ventures that transform discoveries into cures.” Karen’s focus is on DNA-assisted species identification and often involves public participation in her scientific research.
She is also the co-founder of the UK-based charity called the Beagle Project, named after the ship that carried Darwin on his famous voyage. The Project is designed to make science a fun discovery again by holding events and ultimately recreating the Beagle. Thousands are drawn to her fascinating tweets.
https://twitter.com/kejames?ref_src=twsrc^tfw