Award-Winning Science Communication

Before I got my start as a freelance journalist, I completed an MSc in neuroscience at University College Cork in Ireland. I became interested in learning how to communicating science to anyone, whether they’re young children or older adults. I won science communication competitions and participated in stand-up comedy events along the way to hone my skills.

Take a look at some of the organizations I’ve worked with, and check out my videos below. I am always open to helping other budding scientists and organizations hone their science communication skills.

Testimonials

Ridiculously creative is the phrase that comes to mind when I think of Simon. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Simon at APC Microbiome Ireland, during which time he brought his unique flare to several science communication and public engagement projects. When it comes to communicating complex scientific concepts, I’m consistently impressed by Simon’s originality, creativity and credibility. From poems to parodies, blogs to stand-up comedy, Simon always delivers a great performance. Never short of a good cup of coffee and a hilarious racoon story, working with Simon is always enjoyable. 

Dr Aimee Stapleton, Education & Public Engagement Manager at APC Microbiome Ireland.


FameLab 2020 Ireland Champion

In 2020, I participated in a Science Communication Competition called FameLab. I became the Irish National Champion and competed in the International Finals. Watch my journey from the first heat all the way to the International Semi-Finals. I was also featured in news articles and podcasts!

Fast-forward to 1:16:00 for my talk!

Other Science Communication Videos

I’ve participated in everything from science comedy nights with Bright Club to public talks for World Microbiome Day. I also had the opportunity to host a TV program for Cork Science Week.

My Writing

Suffice it to say, I’ve written a lot of articles! Below you can find links to my author profiles across different types of publications. Here are a few other things I wrote, that are scattered through the web.

  1. Neural Dust: Millimeter-Sized Brain Stimulators (2020), Featured in BioSpace.

  2. Researchers Raise Concerns About Russian Vaccine Data (2020), Featured in BioSpace.

  3. Are Tech Journalists Covering Non COVID-19 Related Stories (2020), Featured in PRDaily.

  4. Lost in Misinterpretation: Statistics in the Real World (2020), Featured in Sunny Numbers

Science Communication and Outreach

  1. Using Music to Treat Parkinson’s Disease. Public Talk. Famelab Cork, British Council Cork, February 27, 2019.

  2. The Wonderfully Absurd World of Gut Microbes, Stand-Up Comedy. Bright Club - Science Comedy Show, Cork, May 23rd, 2019.Another Virtual Tour of Gut Microbes.

  3. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis, Glia and Neurodevelopment. Seminar Talk. APC Forum, APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, March 5th, 2019.

  4. The Art of Gardening and Brain Development, Public Talk. FameLab, British Council Ireland, December 30th, 2020. 

  5. I’m A Zombie and So Are You! Online Talk. FameLab Ireland,  British Council Ireland, April 15, 2020.

  6. A Virtual Tour of Gut Microbes, Online Stand-Up Comedy. Bright Club - Science Comedy Show, Cork, May 14th, 2020.

  7. A Bref Intro on the Microbiome and International Grad School. Invited Lecture for Human Biology Seminar Course. The University of Toronto, Department of Human Biology. May 15th, 2020.

  8. Why Animals Are Smarter Than You Thought, Online Talk. Pint of Science Ireland. May 28th, 2020.

  9. Mining Microbial Metabolites for Mental Health. Online Talk. APC Forum: World Microbiome Day, June 23rd, 2020.

  10. Another Virtual Tour of Gut Microbes. Online Stand-Up Comedy. Bright Club - Science Comedy Show, Cork, September 25th, 2020.

  11. FutureProof Podcast Guest, Newstalk, October 25th, 2020.

  12. Workshop Facilitator at Scientifically Speaking Cork, British Council Ireland, November 6th, 2020.

  13. Why is Smart: Octopus Intelligence. Online Talk. FameLab International SemiFinals, November 12th, 2020.

  14. Research for Adults. TV Program, Cork Discovers, November 27th, 2020.

Articles and Media

  1. Bright sparks of STEM: 19 influencers you need to know about (2020), Silicon Republic

  2. FameLab Ireland 2020 winner reveals what led him to become a researcher (2020), Silicon Republic