Stephanie Castillo, Ph.D.

Our first episode of Hungry Planet is live! We talk about rice, it’s cultural importance, where it originated from, and if we can make it healthier to address anemia. Please give it a watch! youtu.be/bDifJdzFQUQ @STEMedia @AlexDainis @NotesByNiba

@ianamurray Send me to me, Rachel!!!!😂

just read a really convincing severance theory that i hate and it’s kinda ruined my day

If you are not able to join us in Boston this year, tune into our YouTube channel for meeting highlights, including interviews from Sci-Mic Stage with host @PhutureDoctors and Plenary Sessions in the evening. #AAASmtg bit.ly/4gCD7Nj

Wish I could be at #Evol2024 this year! For anyone doing evolution outreach or interested in teaching about adaptations through a creative design challenge, check out this video @GalacticPM created w/ @SnellRoodLab! youtu.be/J8FffhjZd2Q?si… 👏edited by @PhutureDoctors

Nymphia not lip syncing the entire season to EAT the final lip sync I KNOW THATS RIGHT #DragRace

"What software can I use to make 3D scientific illustrations?" I receive this question almost every day and below is my answer (long read)🧐 #sciart When it comes to creating scientific illustrations, 3D design software can be a powerful tool for creating accurate and visually engaging images. However, with so many different 3D design software options available, it can be challenging to decide which one is the best fit for your needs. Below I will discuss the pros and cons of some of the most popular 3D design software options for scientific illustrations. Blender Blender is a free and open-source 3D design software that is widely used in the scientific community. It offers a wide range of features, including modeling, animation, and rendering. One of the biggest advantages of Blender is its community support, which is highly active and constantly improving the software. Additionally, Blender can be used on a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Pros: Free and open-source Wide range of features Community support Cross-platform compatibility Cons: Steep learning curve User interface can be overwhelming for beginners Limited compatibility with other software Maya Maya is a popular 3D design software used in the film and gaming industries, but it is also used in scientific illustration. It offers a range of features, including modeling, animation, and simulation. Maya is highly customizable and can be integrated with other software, making it a versatile tool for scientific illustrators. Pros: Wide range of features Highly customizable Integration with other software Strong community support Cons: Expensive licensing fees Steep learning curve Can be overwhelming for beginners Cinema 4D Cinema 4D is a 3D design software that is widely used in the advertising and motion graphics industries. It offers a range of features, including modeling, animation, and rendering. Cinema 4D has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it a good option for beginners. Pros: User-friendly interface Wide range of features Integration with other software Strong community support Cons: Expensive licensing fees Limited features compared to other software Not as widely used in the scientific community SketchUp SketchUp is a 3D design software that is widely used in architecture and engineering, but it can also be used for scientific illustration. It offers a range of features, including modeling and rendering. SketchUp is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use, making it a good option for beginners. Pros: User-friendly interface Easy to use Integration with other software Large library of 3D models available Cons: Limited features compared to other software Not as widely used in the scientific community Limited community support 3ds Max 3ds Max is a 3D design software that is widely used in the architecture, gaming, and visual effects industries, but it can also be used for scientific illustration. It offers a range of features, including modeling, animation, and rendering. Pros: Wide range of features Highly customizable Integration with other software Strong community support Cons: Expensive Steep learning curve Can be overwhelming for beginners ZBrush ZBrush is a 3D design software that is widely used in the film, gaming, and digital sculpting industries, but it can also be used for scientific illustration. It offers a range of features, including digital sculpting and painting. ZBrush is known for its advanced sculpting tools and the ability to create highly detailed shapes. Pros: Advanced sculpting tools Integration with other software Strong community support Large library of 3D models available Cons:Expensive licensing fees Limited features compared to other software Can be overwhelming for beginners Each software option has its own unique pros and cons, so be sure to do your research and choose the software that best fits your needs.

#UniteToFight2024 On May 15th - 16th, an international online #LongCovid & #MECFS Conference will take place, featuring over 18 hours of world-class speakers. The conference offers free access and is entirely community-driven. Please assist us in spreading the word about this crucial conference. Follow @U2Fight_world for updates and registration (Tweeted by Kyle for Dianna)

What’s the saddest scene in a movie or TV series?

The DC Science Writers Association (@DCSWA) is having our professional development day on Saturday, May 4th at GW. I’m helping organize a panel on ethical use of AI in newsrooms and am looking for panelists! 🤖 Any suggestions for people in the DC area? Let me know!

Scientist collaborators have been selected for this spring semester's comics collabs! Thanks all who applied. The volume of apps made it loud & clear--scientists want to visually communicate their research!!

An easy way to support #NationalSTEMChampions! 🌟 Celebrate young innovators & solution-seekers by recognizing their achievements. I'll keep sharing their stories & press. 📣 Boost their voices across your channels! Let's elevate our youth! #STEM @ExplrMedia @national_stem

When it comes to the catalysts that chemists rely on to assemble organic molecules, some metals are just greener than others...right? In my latest C&EN feature, I attempt to explain why that question doesn't (yet) have a simple answer: cen.acs.org/synthesis/cata…

Some of my favorite black chemists. Some mentors, friends, inspirations, influences. Welcome to black history month, we celebrate black excellence all year round but this month we’re a little more direct about it 🙌🏽

Who Speaks for Earth is looking for a scriptwriter to write a series of short educational videos connecting music to conservation and biodiversity. $2k for the gig. Check the link for more info and to apply. forms.gle/XuhdFkUHjt4fhw… #scicomm #freelance

Seeking scientist volunteers! Want to practice science communication and help author a ✨comic✨ about your research? I need collaborators for this spring's cohort of SciComm & Comics art students! Please share widely. #STEMeducation #Science #sciart

An incomplete list of science and climate newsrooms/ desks that have been wiped out in the past half year (UPDATED 12/12): Southerly National Geographic CNBC Vox Popular Science Gizmodo WIRED ... This is bad

@IRJakkob Noooooooooo 😞😞😞😞😞😞 jack jack was such a very special and good boi. Sending you a long, virtual hug, friend. 💔🫂

New Video: I Was SCARED To Say This To NASA... (But I said it anyway) - Smarter Every Day 293 youtu.be/OoJsPvmFixU

Resident @AdrianaBankston has recently published an article on why Congress should fund professional development for #gradstudents and #postdocs. She further explains universities' vital role in advocacy for the STEM pipeline. read: bit.ly/3sKj3pE