How can we move beyond just explaining science to creating experiences that invite curiosity and connection?
In this episode of the Science with Impact Podcast, Jocelyn Bosley, Research Impact Coordinator at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and curator of Fun Size Physics, explores how scientists can reconnect with their sense of wonder by sharing research in ways that resonate with broader audiences.
With a background that bridges physics, history of science, and interdisciplinary education, Jocelyn brings a unique perspective to the challenge of making complex ideas accessible without losing accuracy. She reflects on the role of broader impacts, the importance of defining concrete audiences, and how projects like Fun Size Physics can shift public perception of fields like condensed matter physics.
From mentoring middle school students to building national research impact capacity through ARIS, Jocelyn shows how thoughtful communication can both expand the reach of science and re-inspire the researchers doing it.
🤔 Who is this for?
- Science communicators and impact leaders ready to turn complex research into stories that spark curiosity and connection.
- Researchers and educators who want to rekindle their love for science while making their work accessible and meaningful.
- Students and mentors eager to embrace interdisciplinary thinking and discover the human side of STEM.
📋 What is it about?
Jocelyn Bosley shares how her journey—from math puzzles to physics labs to history of science—shaped her passion for connecting people with science. She introduces Fun-Sized Physics, a project designed to make condensed matter physics accessible and awe-inspiring, and reflects on how interdisciplinary perspectives, storytelling, and even poetry can help researchers communicate with impact.
🔑 Key Takeaway: Science isn’t one-size-fits-all. By embracing storytelling, metaphors, and audience-centered communication, researchers can make complex ideas resonate, reconnect with their own sense of wonder, and show people that there’s a kind of science for everyone.
⌚️ Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction: The Love for Science
00:37 Welcome to the Podcast
00:52 Meet Jocelyn Bosley
01:18 The Importance of Broader Impacts
04:27 Discovering a Passion for Science
10:23 The Marshmallow Experiment and Delayed Gratification
11:48 Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Science
16:29 Fun Size Physics: Bridging Gaps in Science Communication
17:44 Condensed Matter Physics: More Than Meets the Eye
21:42 The Impact of Poetry and Physics 21:58 Understanding Condensed Matter Physics
23:11 Translating Complex Science for General Audiences
24:38 Using AI to Aid Science Communication
26:26 Balancing Accuracy and Precision in Science Communication
28:20 The Importance of Audience in Communication
31:26 Objectivity and Passion in Science
36:27 The Role of Mentorship in Science
44:33 Closing Thoughts and Future Guests
📣 Guest:
Jocelyn Bosley — Research Impact Coordinator, University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Curator, Fun Size Physics
🎙️ Host
Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D., is the founder of Science with Impact, where we partner with research organizations to translate STEM advancements into measurable societal benefits beyond academia.
🙌🏽 Want to collaborate?
If you know of a research organization seeking support in:
- Measuring (program evaluation, statistics/data analysis, and reporting) or
- Communicating (illustration/animation, data visualization, and presentations)
the impact of their STEM research, click the button below to connect them with Dr. Rosa.
❤️ Love the cause?
Our mission is to provide grants and supplemental awards to research scientists and organizations that have a broader societal impact.
To support this mission, we've established a nonprofit.
🙌🏽 Enjoying the content?
Here are 3 things you can do to help other research scientists see this content:
- Click here to subscribe to the newsletter and receive case studies, conversations, and resources for broadening the societal impacts of STEM research.
- Subscribe to or review our podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, or Substack to help others interested in impactful science find us!
- Do you know someone who embodies the phrase "impactful scientist?" If so, please click here to nominate a speaker.
Thank you for all you do to broaden the societal impacts of STEM research.
Sincerely,
The Team at Science with Impact
Member discussion