Join us at the Museum for five true, personal stories about the ruptures in our lives, and how science sometimes triggers, and sometimes heals those breaks. Hosted by Ari Daniel and Bart Thompson.

Speakers:

Dorothy Fennell (or Dot, Dottie as she's known to friends) came to Massachusetts for college. But a move from Worcester to Boston, a husband and 3 kids later, her roots are now firmly planted in Jamaica Plain. A lover of cities and all things urban, Dot professionally works in the transportation sector. Alongside a small team, she recently launched the first shared mobility company in the US to specifically focus on not just cargo bikes, but electric cargo bikes. Dorothy believes in the potential of small changes with big impacts and sees a future in cities where we can get out of our cars, even if just occasionally, for short distance trips across the neighborhood.

Meenakshi Garodia is a multimedia artist, storyteller, ceramicist, writer/director and experimental filmmaker working in digital, installation, and 16mm film. She has written and directed multiple well received plays and short films with an emphasis on women’s agency. Her work explores women’s lives within the patriarchy and the immigrant experience. She is passionate about working with analog cameras that shoot with physical film that you can touch. Meenakshi is an Affiliate Faculty at Emerson College where she got her MFA in Film and Media Arts.

Iman Moawad is a pediatric clinical pharmacist by day and an aspiring storyteller by night. Growing up as a third culture kid between the US and the Middle East, she learned early on the power of storytelling as a way to connect with people and build a sense of community and understanding with people from different walks of life. When she's not saving babies one antibiotic dose at a time, you can find her hanging on the Esplanade with friends or searching for the cutest coffee shop in Boston.

Joseph Ntaimo is an MIT mechanical engineering graduate student. He studied at MIT for undergrad as well in mechanical engineering with a focus in musical robotics. He enjoys teaching, designing new musical instruments, and is a professional DJ, along with his expertise in PCB design, mechatronics, and controls.

Zakiya Whatley is a scientist turned storyteller who uses audio, video, and live events to bring science to life. She’s passionate about making science accessible and engaging. She hosts two Webby-nominated podcasts — Breakthrough from Boston Children’s Hospital and Dope Labs where science meets pop culture. Zakiya has trained scientists and researchers to share their stories effectively, helping them bridge the gap between their expertise and the broader public. Whether in front of the mic or behind the scenes, she believes storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for connection, understanding, and change.

Join us at the Museum for five true, personal stories about how science helps us navigate our journeys, from start to finish. Hosted by Ari Daniel and Katherine Wu.

Stories by:

Elio Challita is a microrobotics researcher at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University. Born and raised in the village of Qartaba, Lebanon, Elio was drawn to exploration and discovery from a young age, always dreaming of becoming a researcher.

In 2016, he moved to the United States to pursue his aspirations. He earned his PhD in Bioengineering at Georgia Tech, where he studied how invertebrates grapple with challenges at small scales. In 2024, he was awarded the prestigious Schmidt Science Fellowship.

Cara Giaimo is a science journalist who likes to learn, think, and write about other species. She's an alum of the MIT Graduate Program in Science Writing and her writing can be found in The New York Times, Atlas Obscura, The Planet, and a bunch of other places. Cara lives in Somerville with her wife Lilia and their two cats, Peppercorn and Poppyseed, and plays guitar in local band sidebody. Her next book, "Atlas Obscura: Wild Life", comes out in September 2024.

Jared Todd Littlejohn has been studying acting and public speaking for over 25 years now, and serves communities through a business of his own. His company, Jared Todd LittleJohn LLC, combines music and improvisation to help people in creative problem solving, sharpening his skills over at The Improve Asylum in Boston's North End. He earned his Bachelor's degree at Bowdoin College and when he's not on the stage, he is running with Black Men Run Boston in Ashmont, or scheming up ways to get to Martha's Vineyard.

Beatriz Perez is a Mexican-American computer engineer working in Massachusetts. She thrives on finding new things to try out and putting herself outside of her comfort zone. She has a deep passion for empowering women and young girls in STEM. During the weekends you'll find her traveling to a random country, crafting, working on a new project, or reading a good book.

Don Picard has worked in the Boston area for 30 years as a software developer. He holds a degree in Theater Arts and Computer Science from Cornell University, and chose to work as an engineer in order to be able to live in Cambridge and feed his family. Don enjoys telling live stories about his kids, husband, and extended family, as it allows him to exercise the other half of his college degree (and so that he doesn't become bitter).