I got to do something really fun recently: I was interviewed on Cumbre Kids, a bilingual science podcast for curious kids (and their grown-ups!). We talked all about mammal teeth: how they evolved, what they can tell us about ancient worlds, and why they matter more than most people think.

The coolest part? They made two full episodes, one in English and one in Spanish. And they turned out wonderfully. If you have kids who love animals, fossils, or science stories, I think you’ll enjoy these.

You can listen here:

Spotify (English):

Spotify (Spanish):

YouTube (English):

YouTube (Spanish):

And while you’re there, explore their other episodes. They’re doing fantastic work bringing science to young minds!

A few weeks ago, Dr. ’s Talking Climate newsletter landed in my inbox with the subject line: Can a coal town become a climate leader? It was a guest edition written by , co-founder of Global Citizen, about his home state of Western Australia.

The story of Collie, a town once dependent on coal, now reinventing itself with batteries, bike trails, and green steel, stuck with me. Not because it was easy or perfect, but because it was messy and real.

At the end, Dr. Hayhoe mentioned that Michael had written a book called From Ideas to Impact. Since I’m right now very interested in the topic of creating Impact, I promised him I’d read it.

Now, as a busy parent, “read” in this case meant “listen to the audiobook while hiding in the car line, stirring pasta, or folding the fifth load of laundry.” But I kept my promise, and I came away with ideas that apply just as much to scientists building trust online as they do to governments transitioning away from coal.

Here’s my puzzle: If science is built on long, peer-reviewed, empirical processes, and misinformation is often just opinion wrapped in fear and emotion, why does the latter still travel faster and further?

Why do careful posts stall while clickbait sprints?

Michael’s first clue: change rarely fails because the idea is bad; it fails because the path is muddy. We often jump from “raise awareness” to “world fixed,” skipping everything in between.

For scientists, that means a viral post is not a win condition. A win is when awareness translates into an action: someone signs a letter, cites your work, adds your resource, or shows up to a hearing. It has to be specific, visible, and owned by someone with a deadline.

To make that happen, Sheldrick says successful changemakers rotate through three roles. The Visionary sets a concrete goal. The Diplomat builds a coalition that often looks strange on paper: a nurse influencer, a PTA lead, a librarian, and the local meteorologist, but it works in practice. The Implementer follows through relentlessly, turning intentions into receipts.

Coalitions are what really stood out to me. Stop asking one audience to move a mountain; ask three audiences to each move a rock. Trust builds when no one carries the load alone.

And here’s the mechanism that lets science outpace misinformation: specificity, pre-wiring, reciprocity, and receipts.

“Myth-busting” is vague.

“By Friday, the library adds a ‘Trusted Health Info’ tag to five books plus a QR code to the state dashboard” is specific.

Pre-wiring means you don’t blindside a decision-maker in public; you call first, learn their constraints, and co-design the fix.

Reciprocity means giving credit when someone meets you halfway.

And receipts? Keep a visible impact ledger: “On Sept. 5, the clinic added our FAQ to its website. On Sept. 12, the PTA sent our link to families.”

That kind of record grows trust.

How do we bring this into our science brands online?

Think in series, not one-offs. An “Ask a Scientist Friday” with the same rules each week builds familiarity. Keep a living FAQ pinned and updated monthly with your clearest answers and best links.

Partner with a local institution: your credibility is contagious when it shows up on a library shelf or a park district flier. And set yourself a target of five micro-receipts a month: small, visible changes someone else adopted because of you.

Of course, systems wobble. Trolls arrive, algorithms shift, a partner drops out. That’s normal. Michael’s advice is to design for wobble: do a pre-mortem (“what could go wrong and what’s Plan B?”), spread risk across more than one platform, and keep your coalition bigger than your own handle. Momentum survives when it doesn’t depend on one person’s stamina.

If that all sounds familiar, it should. It mirrors patterns we already know from science and daily life: compounding beats bursts, redundancy beats fragility, and small, repeatable actions beat grand, rare gestures. Misinformation spreads by repetition and belonging; so should science, but with clearer outcomes.

The trick isn’t copying misinformation’s content, but its cadence: steady beats, clear asks, public receipts.

Listening to From Ideas to Impact while juggling parenting reminded me of something crucial: being right isn’t the finish line, it’s the starting block. (And I know the parents reading this are now nodding alongside me).

If we want science to outpace misinformation, our personal brands can’t just be loudspeakers; they have to be switchboards. Places where ideas get routed into actions, actions into receipts, and receipts into trust.

None of this is flashy. All of it is cumulative. And in a feeds-are-forever world, cumulative wins.

That’s the lesson I carried out of Katharine Hayhoe’s newsletter, Michael Sheldrick’s book, and the quiet in-between moments of parent life.

If you’re ready to turn your science into outcomes people can see, join me in Outreach Lab School. We’ll practice the roles (Visionary, Diplomat, Implementer) design for wobble, and keep receipts. Because the next time your post goes viral, it won’t just be noise.

It will nudge something real.

With Love,

Silvia P-M, PhD — Climate Ages

P.S. One last note:

I’m opening the first Outreach Lab School cohort on October 6, and enrollment is now officially open.

This program is designed to help you build a profitable and scalable science newsletter that attracts collaborations, brings funding, and increases your impact as a scientist.

If this sounds like something you’d like to be part of, you can now take the next step:

Book a free call with me to see if the program is a good fit for you.

Spots will fill quickly, and I’d love for you to be part of this first group.

Join Outreach Lab School

Nobody is born knowing how to do something well.

Not writing. Not climbing. Not science communication.

We all start clumsily. I certainly did.

In my case, I’m about to cross the two-year mark of writing about science online. And the truth? I keep discovering newer, better ways to do it.

The more I practice, the more I realize that what really matters is not whether I explained the methods correctly or polished every sentence, but whether my readers stayed with me through the end.

For a long time, I relied on a kind of “journal structure.” You know the one: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion; except explained in layman’s terms.

It made sense to me because that’s how we were trained in academia. But after a while, I noticed something: some readers were dropping off. They weren’t sticking around for the discussion, even if the science was fascinating.

That’s when I started experimenting with a new formula.

And let me tell you, this formula works. It’s built for attention spans outside academia, and it’s rooted in storytelling.

Think of it as a roadmap for guiding your reader through the process, building curiosity, layering evidence, and leaving them with an “aha” moment.

Here’s the breakdown.

1. Hook with Visualization

Start by surprising your audience.

Instead of “A new study shows climate shifts in the Sahara,” say: “Imagine you’re walking across the Sahara Desert. Sand dunes stretch endlessly. Camels plod by. Now imagine stumbling across the skeleton of a hippo.”

That jolt, the unexpected twist, hooks readers instantly. If a press release has a colorful detail or odd discovery, grab it. This isn’t fluff. It’s the doorway into your story.

2. Set the Scene

Once you’ve grabbed their attention, paint the world.

Describe the desert, the rainforest, the ancient sea; whatever landscape your science lives in. Use everyday comparisons. Don’t say “lake system.” Say “a chain of lakes bigger than the Great Lakes.” Don’t say “humid climate.” Say “like Tampa in July.”

When your readers can picture it, they care about it.

3. Introduce the Puzzle

Now comes the tension. Something doesn’t add up.

How did hippos end up in the Sahara? Why are there red panda fossils in Tennessee? Why did giant turtles grow to car-sized proportions?

The key here is to frame the science as a question your audience wants answered. A “how can this be?” moment.

4. Reveal the First Evidence

Here’s where the science steps in.

You don’t have to dump all the data. Just show the first clue. Maybe it’s a sediment core showing ancient pollen. Maybe it’s fossils in road cuts. Maybe it’s a rock formation with strange layers.

Explain how scientists read that clue in the simplest way possible. Show the detective work.

5. Layer in More Evidence

Now add depth.

Bring in geology, archaeology, paleontology, virology, biochemistry, and any other relevant fields that build the case. Each layer widens the story. You’re showing your reader how multiple threads weave together to create understanding.

This is where your readers start thinking: “Oh wow, it’s not just one thing. It’s a whole picture.”

6. Explain the Mechanism

Evidence tells us what happened. Mechanisms explain why.

This is where you break down the cause and effect. Orbital shifts. Ocean currents. Gigantothermy in turtles.

Use metaphors here. Don’t say “orbital eccentricity.” Say, “Earth’s tilt wobbles like a spinning top.” These analogies are what make readers nod along instead of tuning out.

7. Bring It to Life

Science becomes real when readers can imagine who or what was there.

Describe the hippos splashing in Saharan lakes. The tapirs wandering Tennessee forests. The giant turtles lumbering in ancient seas.

This step is about color and texture. You’re putting living beings back into a world that feels otherwise abstract.

8. Introduce Change or Collapse

And then, the shift.

None of these worlds lasted forever. The lakes dried. The forests disappeared. The turtles went extinct.

By showing change, you remind readers that science’s story is never static. It’s always in motion.

9. Tie to Broader Patterns

Now zoom out.

Maybe it’s orbital cycles repeating every 20,000 years. Maybe it’s the body plans that keep reappearing across species. Maybe it’s migrations that happened again and again.

These broader patterns make the story feel bigger than just one event. They whisper: “This matters beyond one fossil, one lake, one desert.”

10. Close with Reflection

Finally, land the plane.

Either tie it to today's pressing issues (climate change, biodiversity, extinction risk) or end with a timeless truth. Something that leaves the reader with a shiver, a spark, or a question that lingers.

That’s the takeaway that gets remembered.

Why This Works

This formula doesn’t just make your newsletter more engaging. It makes your science unforgettable. Readers aren’t scanning through a wall of text; they’re being guided through a story, step by step.

From ecology to physics, health sciences, and biochemistry, this storytelling framework can be shaped to match your research.

The formula also circles back. You open with a mystery, you layer in evidence, and you close with either an answer or a bigger question. It’s satisfying and thought-provoking at the same time.

And here’s the thing: you don’t have to nail it perfectly every time. I still experiment. Some newsletters land better than others. But the more I lean on this structure, the more readers tell me: “I couldn’t stop reading.”

That’s when you know you’re not just explaining science, you’re making people care about it.

The Takeaway

Nobody is born knowing how to communicate science. It’s a craft. And like any craft, it gets better with practice, with feedback, and with experimenting.

For me, moving from “journal-style summaries” to “story-driven newsletters” has been the single most important shift in the past two years.

And if you’re writing your own newsletter, or even thinking about starting one, remember:

• Start with a hook that surprises.

• Walk your readers through the mystery.

• Layer in the science carefully.

• Always close with a reflection that connects to something bigger.

That’s the secret formula. Not because it’s magic, but because it works.

If you found this helpful and want to learn how to grow your own science communication platform, subscribe to Outreach Lab. Together, we’ll practice, refine, and build newsletters that not only inform — but inspire.

— Sílvia Pienda-Munoz, PhD — Climate Ages’ Outreach Lab

P.S. One last note: I’m opening the first Outreach Lab cohort in mid-September.

It’s a program designed to help you build a profitable and scalable Science Newslettter that attracts collaborations, brings funding, and increases your impact as a scientist.

If that sounds like something you’d like to be part of, you can join the waitlist here.

There will be only 20 spots in the first cohort, and spots will fill quickly.

Join the Waitlist

So much of my identity was wrapped up in being “the scientist.” The one who spent years piecing together the climate past through fossils and data. The one who was trusted to write papers, teach students, and present findings at conferences.

The titles mattered. The postdoc mattered. Even the conference name tag mattered more than I’d like to admit.

So when I started to imagine a life outside of academia, I hit a wall:

If I wasn’t “Dr. Pineda-Muñoz, paleontologist and ecologist,” then who was I?

The Hidden Weight of Academic Identity

I think a lot of us who have been through the PhD pipeline feel this. You spend years proving your worth in publications and grant proposals, measuring your value in metrics that don’t always translate to the outside world.

And when you even consider walking away, people ask:

“But what about all those years of training?”
“Won’t you waste your degree?”
“Don’t you want tenure?”

It’s hard not to internalize those questions. For me, it felt like I was betraying a part of myself if I admitted I wanted something different.

But here’s what I realized: leaving academia doesn’t mean leaving your identity behind. It means carrying it forward in a different way.

The Scientist’s Brain in a Different Arena

When I stepped into entrepreneurship, I didn’t stop being a scientist.

I brought the same habits with me:

• Asking questions first. Science trains you to start with curiosity. In business, that means listening to your audience before trying to sell them anything.

• Running experiments. I can’t help but treat every campaign like a hypothesis. Try it, measure it, adjust. That’s not failure; it’s iteration.

• Thinking in systems. Ecology taught me that nothing exists in isolation. Entrepreneurship is no different: content, audience, offers, operations: they’re all interconnected. And just like in the natural world, if one part fails, your whole business ecosystem collapses.

The lab coat may be gone, but the brain that put it on every day is still here.

Outreach Lab: My Experiment Turned System

My first big entrepreneurial experiment was Outreach Lab.

I wanted to help other scientists who felt stuck in the same way I once did: people who had powerful ideas but didn’t know how to share them beyond journals and conferences.

At first, it was messy. I was learning how to take something that came naturally to me (storytelling about science) and make it teachable to others.

But slowly, with trial and error, I started to shape it into a system: a repeatable way for scientists and nonprofits to grow audiences, attract funding, and build influence without burning out.

And what struck me most was this: I wasn’t “betraying” my academic training, I was expanding it. My scientific brain was building bridges where others only saw walls.

Enter Founder OS

Still, there was a problem.

While I had the vision and the systems for storytelling, I didn’t have the business side nailed down. I was treating entrepreneurship like another side project, not like the engine that could actually give me freedom and impact.

That’s where Founder OS came in.

I joined their program a few months ago, and honestly, it was the first time I felt like someone had handed me the missing manual for running a business as a scientist-turned-founder.

It’s not fluff. It’s not “hack your way to virality.”

It’s about building real systems. Systems that make your work sustainable, repeatable, and (most importantly) not entirely dependent on you grinding 24/7.

In academia, we’re trained to think in frameworks and reproducibility. Founder OS gave me the frameworks to make my entrepreneurial work reproducible, so that I can grow without losing myself to burnout.

Want to give Founder OS a go? I’m so excited about their program that I requested an affiliate link. This means that, if you join, I will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you. A win-win!

Check Founder OS for yourself!

Why Identity Travels With You

Here’s the piece I wish someone had told me earlier:

Your identity isn’t tied to the institution. It’s tied to the way you think, the way you solve problems, the way you bring value into the world.

Leaving academia doesn’t erase that. If anything, it forces you to put it into practice in ways that have a more direct impact.

I’m still the same person who once spent field seasons digging up fossils and analyzing mammal teeth. But now, instead of publishing for a handful of peers, I get to share ideas with thousands of readers, help scientists find their voices, and design systems that scale purpose-driven work.

And the best part? I’m doing it on my own terms.

If You’re Standing at the Edge

If you’re standing at the edge of academia, wondering who you’ll be if you take the leap, let me tell you: you’ll still be you.

But you’ll also be more.

You’ll take your ability to learn, test, and think critically and apply it to a space where people desperately need those skills.

And if you’re worried about “losing” your training, remember this: nothing is wasted. It all comes with you. The lab, the data, the papers, the teaching. It just shows up in new ways: whether in entrepreneurship, policy, nonprofits, or wherever your path takes you.

Bringing It All Together

For me, the transition hasn’t been about leaving anything behind. It’s been about carrying it forward and repurposing it in a way that feels aligned with my values.

• Outreach Lab became my way of helping scientists and nonprofits share their work with the world.

• Founder OS became the system that allowed me to build a sustainable business around that mission.

Together, they gave me the tools not just to “leave” academia, but to keep my identity intact while creating something that felt bigger than what I had inside the university walls.

And if you’re at that crossroads, maybe they can help you too.

Resources

• Outreach Lab — My program for scientists and nonprofits who want to grow their audience and funding through storytelling.

• Founder OS — The program that’s helping me build the systems to make that work sustainable and scalable.

Because leaving academia isn’t about leaving your identity, it’s about finding new places to let it grow.

— Sílvia Pienda-Munoz, PhD — Climate Ages’ Outreach Lab

P.S. One last note: I’m opening the first Outreach Lab cohort in mid-September.

It’s a program designed to help you build a profitable and scalable Science Newslettter that attracts collaborations, brings funding, and increases your impact as a scientist.

If that sounds like something you’d like to be part of, you can join the waitlist here.

There will be only 20 spots in the first cohort, and spots will fill quickly.

Join the Waitlist

Many scientists feel invisible right now.

Budgets are shrinking. Science is politicized. Misinformation spreads faster than peer-reviewed facts. It’s easy to feel like your voice doesn’t matter or that no one is listening.

But that’s only one side of the story.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson, it’s this: big change rarely starts with a big moment. It starts with a small action, done again and again, long after it stops being exciting.

And science communication is no different.

Let’s talk about how we can use The Slight Edge to stay motivated, stay visible, and keep making an impact even when it feels like the world is slipping backward.

1. Forget Going Viral: Focus on Showing Up

Olson’s premise is simple: every day, you face a choice. Do the small thing that moves you forward, or don’t. The thing is easy to do, and just as easy not to do.

Writing one LinkedIn post.

Answering one question from a confused student.

Sharing one clear, well-written explanation of your research.

Each of these actions might feel like it won’t make a difference. But over time, they add up. That’s the slight edge. You’re not aiming for fireworks. You’re building momentum through consistency.

2. In a World of Noise, Consistency Builds Trust

We live in a world where misinformation thrives because it’s loud, persistent, and everywhere.

Science often responds with silence or one-off corrections that disappear as quickly as they appear.

But what if we flipped that?

What if you were the one showing up regularly in someone’s feed with clear, thoughtful, calm posts about your field?

What if you became the person people trust, not because you have all the answers, but because you keep showing up when they have questions?

Trust doesn’t come from one brilliant post. It comes from dozens of small ones. It comes from consistency.

And consistency is a choice.

3. Purpose Beats Motivation Every Time

Here’s the thing no one tells you: You won’t always feel like doing it.

You won’t always feel like writing. Or speaking up. Or sharing a post when it feels like no one cares.

But The Slight Edge reminds us: motivation is fleeting. What matters is having a reason bigger than your feelings.

For many of us, that reason is simple: we believe science should serve society.

That belief is enough to guide us through the days when we’d rather stay quiet.

You don’t need a platform. You need a purpose and the guts to show up with it.

4. Most People Quit Before the Compounding Kicks In

Here’s the hard truth: most scientists give up on communication too early.

They post for a month, then stop when it doesn’t “work.”

They share a blog, then get discouraged when it doesn’t go viral.

But impact isn’t instant.

Just like with research, your public impact compounds over time. The more you explain your work, the clearer your own thinking becomes. The more you connect with others, the more opportunities open up. You grow, and so does your audience.

The magic always happens later than you think. It always takes longer than you think. But it happens.

5. Your Small Efforts Matter, Even Now

Yes, we’re in a tough moment. Science funding is on the chopping block. Algorithms reward outrage. Longform thinking gets buried under clickbait.

But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.

Because The Slight Edge reminds us: you don’t need the system to change before you act. You need to keep doing the small things that make sense, especially when no one is watching.

It’s those invisible actions that lay the groundwork for visible change.

6. Visibility is Your Leverage

Here’s something most scientists underestimate: your visibility is an asset.

Not for ego. But for impact.

The more people see your work, the more your findings can shape decisions. The more your face and voice are associated with your field, the more likely others are to turn to you when it matters.

You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to be somewhere: regularly, consistently, and thoughtfully.

7. The Slight Edge is How We Win: Slowly, But Surely

We may not win the information war overnight. But we can win over time.

Not by being louder.

But by being clearer. More consistent. More human.

By showing up with honest, accessible science, even when it’s inconvenient.

Especially when it’s inconvenient.

What can you do This Month?

🟡 Choose one small thing you’ll do every day this week to show up.

🟡 Make it so small that you can’t fail.

🟡 Keep track: see what changes by September 27.

Some ideas:

• Answer one common question from your field in a tweet or post.

• Share one behind-the-scenes photo of your research or fieldwork.

• Comment on someone else’s science post with insight or encouragement.

Tiny actions. Big ripple effects.

Final Thought

The world might feel loud and chaotic. But your impact doesn’t depend on noise; it depends on clarity, trust, and showing up when it counts.

That’s the Slight Edge.

And it’s ours to use.

See you next week,

— Sílvia Pienda-Munoz, PhD — Climate Ages’ Outreach Lab

P.S. One last note: I’m opening the first Outreach Lab cohort in mid-September.

It’s a program designed to help you build a profitable and scalable Science Newslettter that attracts collaborations, brings funding, and increases your impact as a scientist.

If that sounds like something you’d like to be part of, you can join the waitlist here.

There will be only 20 spots in the first cohort, and spots will fill quickly.

See you next week,

— Sílvia Pienda-Munoz, PhD — Climate Ages’ Outreach Lab

P.S. One last note: I’m opening the first Outreach Lab cohort in mid-September.

It’s a program designed to help you build a profitable and scalable Science Newslettter that attracts collaborations, brings funding, and increases your impact as a scientist.

If that sounds like something you’d like to be part of, you can join the waitlist here.

There will be only 20 spots in the first cohort, and spots will fill quickly.

Join the Waitlist

When I left academia, I brought something with me: a belief that numbers defined success.

Citations. Impact factor. H-index.

That mindset followed me into the online world. I started writing about science on platforms like Substack and Medium, and what did I obsess over?

Views. Follower counts. Likes.

At first, it felt like a continuation of academic life. Only now, I was swapping peer-reviewed journals for platforms with algorithms.

But then something clicked.

I realized I wasn’t here to chase numbers.

I was here to build trust. Share meaning. Make science useful to people who don’t read journals.

So I stopped measuring my impact the way social media platforms wanted me to.

And I started measuring it by what actually mattered.

Introducing: Trust-Based Metrics

What if instead of chasing virality, you focused on visibility that compounds over time?

In other words, what if you optimized your science communication around:

• Trust

• Engagement quality

• Collaboration potential

• Action sparked

These are the metrics that build long-term change.

Not impressions. Not page views.
But real signs that your work is reaching the people who need it most.

What to Track Instead (And How)

I call it my “Trust-Based Visibility System,” and here’s what it looks like in action:

1. 7-Day Resonance Window

Instead of obsessing over day-one performance, I give every post 7 days to work its magic.

I track:

Replies & Comments: Are people reflecting, sharing their own story, or tagging others?

Saves & Shares: These are modern trust signals. If someone saves your post, it means something.

Email Responses: When a newsletter sparks replies, I know I’ve hit a nerve in a good way.

These are signs I’m not just reaching people. I’m moving them.

2. Quality Over Quantity

When someone shares my post with the note “This changed how I think about X,” that’s worth 100 likes.

So I track:

• Quotes from my audience

• Invitations to collaborate

• Replies that use my language (“You said it best when you wrote…”)

This tells me my message is sticking, not just floating past.

3. Collaboration Growth

Every month, I ask:
Did my visibility open a door to meaningful work?

A podcast invitation?

A grant partnership?

A speaking request?

These are proof points that I’m not just “out there.” I’m building impactful visibility.

Try It This Week

Let’s make this real. Here’s a simple prompt:

➡️ Pick one piece of your work: a project, paper, or problem you’re solving.
➡️ Share it online framed around this question:
“Why does this matter in the real world, and who does it help?”
➡️ Track the 7-Day Resonance Window metrics listed above.

You’ll learn more from this one post than from a year of silent publication.

Here’s the Big Shift:
In academia, we’re trained to write for gatekeepers.
In public, we write for humans.

The goal isn’t to impress.
It’s to connect, inspire, and build momentum.

It’s okay if only 20 people read your story if 5 of them remember it, trust you, and want to work with you…
That’s powerful visibility.

Let’s Recap…

You don’t need more followers.
You need more trusters.

So here’s what to track:

• Thoughtful replies, not just likes

• Shares and saves, not just reach

• Relationships started, not just impressions

• Collaborations and invitations, not just applause

• Visibility rooted in trust is slower, but stronger.

It compounds.

And it’s how we build a better future for science.

—

💬 What would you measure if you stopped tracking likes?
Hit reply or comment and let me know. I read everyone.

See you next week,

— Sílvia Pienda-Munoz, PhD — Climate Ages’ Outreach Lab

P.S. One last note: I’m opening the first Outreach Lab cohort in mid-September.

It’s a program designed to help you build a profitable and scalable Science Newslettter that attracts collaborations, brings funding, and increases your impact as a scientist.

If that sounds like something you’d like to be part of, you can join the waitlist here.

There will be only 20 spots in the first cohort, and spots will fill quickly.

Join the Waitlist

I’m so excited that I’m writing today’s newsletter from my beloved hometown on the Mediterranean coast north of Barcelona.

I truly needed this break, and I’m enjoying every second I spend with my family… even waking up earlier than anyone to still send you these newsletters that are so important to me.

Here we go, much love from the place that saw me grow up into my nerdy self!

There was a time when I believed research spoke for itself.

If the science was rigorous, if the paper was peer-reviewed, then surely someone outside the academic circles, somewhere, would recognize its value.

It wasn’t until I started framing my work through the lens of why it mattered that everything changed.

That’s when:

🟢 More people cared.
🟢 Funders listened.
🟢 Collaborators reached out.
🟢 And I finally felt aligned with the reason I became a scientist in the first place.

Let’s talk about how this works and how you can apply it to your own work.

Why framing matters more than you think

Imagine you’re working on soil microbe interactions. Important stuff. But say your abstract starts with:
“Species-specific microbial consortia mediate nitrogen flux under fluctuating precipitation scenarios.”

Now imagine you reframe it like this:

“Farmers around the world are struggling to grow food in increasingly unpredictable weather. Our team discovered how the right microbes can help soil hold onto nutrients during droughts, boosting resilience for crops and communities.”

The science didn’t change.
The framing did.

You went from “technical niche” to “climate resilience and food security.”

That’s not spin. That’s storytelling rooted in purpose.

The 3-Part Shift: From Research → Relevance → Resonance

Here’s the simple framework I use with Climate Ages stories and with my students:

1. What is the research?
   State it clearly, without jargon.

2. Why does it matter to someone specific?
   Who benefits? What changes? What’s at stake?

3. How can you tell that story in human language?
   Use real-world comparisons. Ground it in emotions, not just data.

Example:

“We studied fossil reef isotopes to understand abrupt extinction events.”
⬇️
“Ancient reefs reveal how fast oceans can change. Understanding past collapses can help protect coral reefs today.”

Real talk: This is also how you unlock funding

Funders don’t fund ideas. They fund outcomes.

If your grant proposal sounds like a technical exercise, it may get lost in the pile. But if you can clearly show:

✅ What’s at stake
✅ Who it helps
✅ Why it matters now

…you’re speaking their language.

That’s how you go from “another proposal” to “an urgent opportunity to fund.”

Try this exercise today

Pick a project you’ve worked on recently. Now rewrite it using this template:

1. Problem: What issue does your research help solve?

2. Action: What did you do or discover?

3. Impact: Why does it matter in the real world?

Here’s another example:

Before:
“We assessed groundwater salinization trends in peri-urban aquifers under increased anthropogenic stressors.”

After:
“Millions rely on groundwater to drink, farm, and live. Our study shows how urban sprawl is quietly salting our water, and what can be done to protect it.”

Which one do you think a journalist, funder, or policymaker is more likely to engage with?

Exactly.

Science with purpose isn’t fluff. It’s strategy.

When you frame your research through the lens of purpose:

💡 You clarify your message.
💡 You build trust with non-scientists.
💡 You create ripple effects beyond citations.

This is what we do at Climate Ages’ Outreach Lab every day:
help scientists like you connect the dots between curiosity, credibility, and change.

Because the world doesn’t need more research papers that never get translated to a lay audience.

It needs more scientists brave enough to say:
“This matters. And here’s why.”

Your turn: Today’s exercise

Pick one of your current or past projects.
Rewrite it using the Problem → Action → Impact method.
Then post it on LinkedIn, share it in your newsletter, or pitch it to a journalist.

Or just send it to me: I’d love to see how you reframe your science through purpose.

Bridge your Science with the World
It’s ready to listen.

—

See you next week,

— Sílvia Pienda-Munoz, PhD — Climate Ages’ Outreach Lab

P.S. One last note: I’m opening the first Outreach Lab cohort in mid-September.

It’s a program designed to help you build a profitable and scalable Science Newslettter that attracts collaborations, brings funding, and increases your impact as a scientist.

If that sounds like something you’d like to be part of, you can join the waitlist here.

There will be only 20 spots in the first cohort, and spots will fill quickly.

Join the Waitlist

Have you ever poured months, maybe years, into your research, only to find that nobody outside your field really understands what you do? Or worse… that they don’t even remember it?

I’ve been there. And it’s not because the science isn’t good.

It’s because most of us never learned how to make our ideas stick.

That’s why I want to share a book that had a big impact on me as I was designing the Outreach Lab: Made to Stick, by Chip Heath and Dan Heath.

It was recommended to me by Matt Gray, the founder of Founder OS, whose program I joined to help grow Climate Ages and build the foundation for the Outreach Lab. One of his prompts was to revisit the best books on messaging and clarity, and Made to Stick came up again and again.

The Heath brothers spent years studying what makes ideas memorable, what makes people care, pay attention, and take action. Their work is aimed at marketers, educators, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs… but as I read it, I kept thinking:

This is exactly what scientists need.

So today, I want to break down the book’s core message and what it means for you, as a researcher trying to give visibility to your work and share it beyond academic circles.

1. Strip it to the core (Simplicity)

We often feel like we need to include everything (the methods, the caveats, the full nuance) just to be accurate.

But in communication, clarity beats completeness.

Sticky messages are simple. Not simplistic, but profoundly clear. You don’t have to give away all the details in your first sentence. You just need to give people a strong core idea they can remember and repeat.

If you can’t explain it in one clear sentence, they won’t remember it.

Example: Instead of “We’re studying trophic cascade dynamics across mesopredator gradients,” try:

“We’re trying to find out how missing predators change entire ecosystems.”

Same science, clearer impact.

2. Surprise them (Unexpectedness)

Science is full of surprising truths. But we often bury the lede.

The Heaths argue that surprise is a powerful attention trigger, but it only works when it’s followed by insight.

Instead of leading with a conclusion, start with a common assumption, and then flip it.

“Most people think wildfires only destroy forests. But in some ecosystems, they’re vital for regeneration.”

Create curiosity gaps. Ask questions. Make people want to know more.

3. Be concrete (Concreteness)

Abstractions are the enemy of understanding. The more you can ground your ideas in specific, sensory language, the more likely people are to remember and care.

This one hit me hard. Because academia trains us to use abstractions, terms like “biodiversity loss,” “climate resilience,” or “hydrological feedbacks.”

But to be sticky, we need to talk like humans.

Instead of “hydrological feedbacks,” try:

“When trees are cut down, rivers shrink and rains stop coming.”

Concrete language brings science to life.

4. Build trust with the right kind of credibility

We often assume that peer-reviewed papers speak for themselves. And to other scientists, they do.

But to other audiences? You need a different kind of credibility.

Not institutional. Relatable. Specific. Evidence-based. And grounded in emotional truth.

This doesn’t mean dumbing things down. It means telling stories and showing results in ways that real people can recognize as valid, using examples, testimonials, photos, and lived experience.

5. Tell a story

Stories aren’t just for fiction. The most powerful science communicators use narrative to give meaning to data.

In Made to Stick, the Heaths explain how stories help people see themselves in the message. They inspire action. They create empathy.

Instead of listing findings, tell me about the moment you saw something change in the field.

Or the time a community member shared how your project helped them.

Or what sparked your passion to work on this issue in the first place?

Science is full of stories. Let them out of the box.

These six principles (S-U-C-C-E-S, although there’s one more: Emotion) have shaped how I write newsletters, design posts, and coach other scientists to share their work more clearly.

They’re also part of the backbone of the Outreach Lab, the program I’m launching this September to help researchers build science-based newsletters that actually connect and generate revenue from day one.

We’ll be applying these lessons directly to your work:

• Crafting sticky messages

• Turning your science into memorable stories

• Building a writing workflow that amplifies your visibility with just 2 hours per week

If that sounds like something you’d like to be part of, you can join the waitlist here

There are only 20 spots in the first cohort, and spots will fill quickly.

Join the Waitlist

One last note: I got so much value from Matt Gray’s Founder OS program that I reached out and asked if I could share it as an affiliate.

I don’t do that often. But when something genuinely changes the way I build my work, I want other scientists to have access to it too.

If you’re curious about Founder OS or thinking of building your own science-driven platform, I highly recommend checking it out.

Check Founder OS

See you next week, and keep those ideas sticky.

— Sílvia Pienda-Munoz, PhD — Climate Ages’ Outreach Lab

We often say, “Let the work speak for itself.” But in today’s noisy world, it rarely does.

If you run a storytelling exercise with a small conservation nonprofit, you’ll probably encounter this: They’ve been protecting endangered habitats for over a decade. Their fieldwork is impressive. Their impact is real. But they struggle with visibility and funding.

Sounds familiar?

They do everything “right”: monthly newsletters, social media updates, annual reports.

But if you asked them to write a short story based on a simple prompt — “When did you know this work mattered?” — something will change.

One of their community managers may write about a local child who showed up to plant trees every weekend for a year. Another will share the moment they found an animal footprint in a restored corridor they’d helped protect.

Those stories? They move people.
And just like that, the nonprofit’s mission becomes human, urgent, and memorable.

The problem with ‘impact reports’

Nonprofits spend a lot of time proving their value.

But often, the best way to show your value isn’t through spreadsheets or press releases.

It’s through real stories.
Organic stories.
The kind that starts with “I remember the moment when…”

Because donors don’t connect to line items. They connect to why it matters.

Personal stories, big ripples

This week, I want to share a simple framework I use with nonprofits, especially small ones doing field-based conservation work.

It’s called Organic Storytelling, and it starts with a single story prompt per week.

Here’s one to try:

Prompt: Tell me about a time when your work made someone believe that change was possible.

That’s it.

No jargon.
No “key performance indicators.”
Just a window into your mission, through a moment of lived truth.

Here’s an example:

I was walking with a small team through a reserve in the Amazon where we’d recently worked with local partners to install motion-detection cameras. Just a few weeks in, one of the cameras captured an image of a species not seen in that region in years. When we showed the footage to one of the community leaders, he grinned and said, “They’re coming back.”

You don’t need a long caption or budget breakdown.
That moment says everything.

What these stories do for your mission

Personal, place-based stories do three powerful things:

Humanize your work

They put faces, feelings, and meaning behind your mission.

Build trust and transparency

Especially for newer or smaller nonprofits, stories build emotional credibility in a way that polished reports can’t.

Attract organic attention

These stories are easy to share. They resonate beyond your sector. They invite conversation.

How to start your own storytelling rhythm

Here’s a simple weekly structure I use with nonprofits inside Climate Ages:

1. Pick a personal story prompt (like the one above)

2. Have 1 staff member, volunteer, or partner respond: Keep it under 200 words. Focus on the feeling.

3. Pair it with a field photo or candid image: Don’t overthink it, authentic is better than polished.

4. Share it across your newsletter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Use the same story. Let it echo.

Repeat every week. Watch your engagement grow.

Want to grow your newsletter, too?

Here’s the fun part:
These weekly stories? They’re also your newsletter content.

Conservation donors and supporters are tired of generic updates.
They want a connection.

And newsletters are one of the most effective tools to build that, if you write like a human.

Add a short intro to your weekly story. Include a simple CTA like:

• “Want to support more stories like this? Here’s how.”

• “Know someone who’d love this? Forward it to them.”

Your newsletter doesn’t need to be long. It needs to be felt.

Let’s try it together

Here’s your prompt for the week:

🌱 Tell me about a time someone changed because of your work.

Ask your team. Ask yourself. Ask your volunteers.

Pick one moment, and tell it simply.

If you write one, I’d love to read it. Hit reply or tag me on LinkedIn.

Final thought

In a world of climate overwhelm and data fatigue, stories remind us what’s still possible.

And they remind your supporters why your mission matters.

If you’re a conservation nonprofit doing good work on the ground, and struggling to be seen, I’d love to help.

🌎 You protect the planet.
Let your stories protect your mission.

Want to go deeper?

This is exactly what we do inside the Outreach Lab.

But even if you’re not ready to join, I hope this gave you a solid starting point.

Because the future of science doesn’t belong to those who work in silence, it belongs to those who show up with clarity, purpose, and a plan.

Share your Science with the World.

It’s ready to listen!

See you next week,

— Sílvia Pienda-Munoz, PhD — Climate Ages’ Outreach Lab

Want to build a visible, fundable, and purpose-driven science brand?

Join the Outreach Lab waitlist and be the first to know when doors open this September.

Join the Waitlist

I smiled.

Because yes. And no.

We help researchers, nonprofits, and mission-driven teams show up clearly online with a voice that builds trust.

But it’s not about becoming an influencer. It’s about becoming recognizable and fundable.

Not because of a flashy logo, but because people finally understand what you do — and why it matters.

That’s why today I want to talk about something I see way too often:

Nonprofits and research teams trying to grow with a solo communication strategy.

The problem? It doesn’t scale. It burns out one person. And the rest of the team becomes invisible.

Let’s fix that.

Why team-wide storytelling changes everything

Most nonprofits and research labs already have the most valuable outreach asset:

→ A team full of people who care deeply and do meaningful work.

But when only one person handles comms, this is what happens:

❌ You get rushed, generic updates.

❌ You miss out on real-time insights from the field.

❌ You look like an institution, not a community.

What if everyone pitched in just 1–2 hours a week?

Here’s what that could look like.

Try this rhythm for one week

We teach this inside the Outreach Lab, and I know it works because it has worked amazingly well for Climate Ages, as well as for many other nonprofit organizations and research labs.

1. Each team member writes one long-form post per week.

Cap it at 1 hour. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Just done.

Tell a story. Reflect on a challenge. Show the mission through a human lens.

2. Repurpose that story across Medium, Substack, and LinkedIn.

Don’t waste good content.

Stretch its reach. Invite conversation. Make it easy to find.

3. Each person shares 3–5 short posts per week.

Think quotes, behind-the-scenes, or lessons learned.

This builds a rhythm your community can recognize, and remember that a picture is worth a thousand words.

4. Everyone engages with each other’s posts.

This isn’t just social. It’s strategic.

Comments = reach. Collaboration = retention.

Additionally, people appreciate seeing a united team with a strong mission in common.

5. Track momentum by trust, not just clicks.

Who reached out? What sparked interest? Where did the story go next?

You don’t need a new hire. You need a sustainable system that builds momentum without burning anyone out.

And once the rhythm becomes part of your week? You’ll wonder how you ever did without it.

✍️ Want to try?

Pick one week.

One shared topic or goal.

One hour per person.

At the end, meet and ask:

– What stories emerged?

– What felt good to write?

– What could we do again next week?

This is the kind of work that compounds over time.

And it starts with your team showing up, as they are.

Let me know if you try it, and I’ll share your posts across my social media platforms. Your mission deserves to be seen.

Want to go deeper?

This is exactly what we do inside the Outreach Lab.

But even if you’re not ready to join, I hope this gave you a solid starting point.

Because the future of science doesn’t belong to those who work in silence, it belongs to those who show up with clarity, purpose, and a plan.

Share your Science with the World.

It’s ready to listen!

See you next week,

— Sílvia Pienda-Munoz, PhD — Climate Ages’ Outreach Lab

Want to build a visible, fundable, and purpose-driven science brand?

Join the Outreach Lab waitlist and be the first to know when doors open this September.

Join the Waitlist

So, after giving it provably too much thought, I joined the Founder OS community to get professional insight from Matt Gray and his legendary team.

Today, to say that I’m grateful that I joined would be a huge understatement. They are the very reason why my “crazy idea” is becoming a reality, and why I’m now able to deliver all this information to you, so that we can together grow the impact of our research.

Yesterday, I was talking to one of the instructors (yes, you can talk to them all day long, this is how awesome the program is). I mentioned to Ben, who was excited to see my progress, that I would need to take it slowly for a few weeks. I have some important deadlines on the horizon, as well as a family vacation.

To this, he replied: “Slow is Smooth. Smooth is Fast.”

And that’s when it hit. All the progress I’ve made in just over a year since I started writing was due to that: finding a smooth path that allows me to grow quickly.

So, in today’s post, I’m eager to talk about how my slow but smooth pace is bringing amazing results so fast that my newsletter brought in $26k in its first year.

Here’s the whole secret sauce.

During my time in academia, I couldn’t imagine that a newsletter could become a reliable source of income or a tool to attract aligned opportunities. I thought newsletters were for “influencers,” not researchers.

But here’s the secret: writing a newsletter isn’t about becoming an influencer.

It’s about becoming a go-to person for a particular topic you’re passionate about.

It’s about making your science easier to find, easier to support, and easier to apply in the real world.

If you’re curious how you can make this work without adding more chaos to your schedule, here’s the method I teach in my program broken down so that even with just two hours a week, you can build something that grows.

Step 1: Choose your five topics

This isn’t about picking a niche that locks you in. It’s about making it easier to show up consistently.

Here’s the formula I use:

• 3 topics related to your work, research, or mission.

• 2 personal themes that reflect your values, story, or what brought you here.

Why this works: People don’t follow abstract topics. They follow people who make those topics feel relevant and real. Mixing your professional and personal lens builds trust: the foundation of any sustainable audience.

Example:

• Professional: climate change, science communication, paleontology

• Personal: motherhood, being an international scientist in the US

Once you have your five themes, you’ll stop wondering what to write and start noticing story ideas everywhere.

And I mean EVERYWHERE. So have a piece of paper or a notes app handy all the time.

Step 2: Start writing on Medium

I always start my students on Medium. Why?

✅ Built-in monetization even from day one

✅ High SEO: your stories can get found by people outside your bubble

✅ Boost program: stories that follow best practices can earn hundreds (even thousands) of dollars

✅ Momentum: There’s something powerful about seeing your first $1. It makes the whole thing feel real.

And if you’re wondering, “But what would I write about?” Just go back to your five topics. Choose one. Write about a time you learned something, struggled with something, or changed your mind.

If you can write 1 story per week, you’re already ahead of 98% of people.

Step 3: Repurpose on Substack and LinkedIn

Once your Medium post is live, don’t start from scratch again.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Substack: Turn your Medium story into a newsletter. Add a short intro or reflection if needed, but don’t overthink it. Most of your audience didn’t see your Medium post, and if they did, they’ll appreciate the reminder.

• LinkedIn: Post the same story in a LinkedIn newsletter and share it with a short version. You can use the story’s first 3–4 lines, or extract one insight and invite conversation. End with a question.

And don’t forget: activate Substack monetization. Even if you’re not planning to launch paid, turning on the option lets readers support your work. In my case, I keep it all for free, and I let people decide whether they want to support independent science writing.

Step 4: Show up on social 3x a week

This isn’t about going viral.

It’s about showing up with consistency. My rule of thumb:

🗓 Pick 3 days a week

🕘 Post at similar times each day

💬 Write short, useful posts connected to your five themes

A good post could be:

• A metaphor you use to explain a tricky concept

• A quote from your research or a recent paper

• A question or insight from a conversation you had that week

You can find more ideas in this post.

If you’re using Threads, Bluesky, or X, the same idea. Repurpose, keep it light, don’t overthink. This is how your personal brand unfolds in public.

I personally like using Buffer (not sponsored). With a free plan, you get up to three accounts, which makes repurposing content super easy and smooth.

Step 5: Engage, don’t just broadcast

Here’s where the magic happens.

Spend a few minutes engaging with people who share your values or interests. Not just to “grow your following” but to connect with peers, potential collaborators, and readers who care.

Reply to their posts.

Send DMs when something resonates.

Comment with genuine insights, not generic praise.

This is how you build visibility without shouting. Without trying to be louder than others. Just more relevant.

Oh, and it’s also how you discover new ideas or formats to share.

But isn’t all this… a lot?

Yes… if you try to do it all at once.

But here’s the thing:

You don’t have to sprint.

“Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.”

Start with one Medium post per week.

Once posting on Medium becomes natural, which will happen fast, add your Substack. After all, it’s the duplicate content with some tweaks; you have to learn the ins and outs of the platform.

Then post on LinkedIn.

Then experiment on another platform if you feel like it.

Momentum builds naturally when your work starts being seen, shared, and supported.

And like in science, experimentation is key.

Not every post will resonate. That’s normal. You’re not just building a newsletter, you’re building clarity. You’re learning what your audience cares about, what stories move them, and what problems you’re uniquely suited to help solve.

Here’s what 2 hours a week can look like:

🧠 30 min: jot down ideas for the week’s story

✍️ 60 min: write & publish on Medium

📤 15 min: repurpose to Substack + LinkedIn

💬 15 min: comment and connect with others

You can do this from your office. Or the park. Or the couch after dinner.

And within a few weeks?

You’ll stop wondering how to “get visibility”

and start receiving messages like:

“I love what you shared last week.”

“We’d love to feature your work.”

“Can we talk about funding support?”

“Would you be open to a paid talk on this topic?”

Want to go deeper?

This is exactly what we do inside the Outreach Lab.

But even if you’re not ready to join, I hope this gave you a solid starting point.

Because the future of science doesn’t belong to those who work in silence.

It belongs to those who show up with clarity, purpose, and a plan.

Your science matters.

The world deserves to hear it.

See you next week,

— Sílvia Pienda-Munoz, PhD — Climate Ages’ Outreach Lab

Want to build a visible, fundable, and purpose-driven science brand?

Join the Outreach Lab waitlist and be the first to know when doors open this September.

Join the Waitlist

A few years ago, I sat on a panel about climate change’s effects on ecosystems and biodiversity. We were trying to find adaptation and mitigation solutions. I was the only scientist in the room.

That should’ve been exciting. But instead, I felt… invisible.

Not because I didn’t have something to say. I did. I had spent years working on the exact issue we were discussing. But the funders, partners, and policymakers on that panel didn’t know that. I had never shown them what my science was about.

When I started outlying what the latest literature had to say with facts that made sense, they all looked at me as if an alien had landed on Earth: Where did all that knowledge come from?

Up to that point, I believed that if I just did good work, someone would eventually notice. That merit would somehow speak louder than visibility. That they would go and just “read my papers” and somehow that would be enough.

But in reality?

No one knew I existed outside my immediate academic circle.

That moment was a turning point. It made me ask myself a question that might sound familiar:

What if I’ve been hiding behind my science?

Not out of shame. Out of training.

Academia teaches us to prioritize the work (aka the data, the papers, the grants). It tells us that anything that smells like self-promotion is vanity. It teaches us that speaking directly to the public makes us less rigorous.

But here’s the thing:

Visibility isn’t vanity.

It’s a skill. It’s a practice. It’s a strategy. One that can help fund the work, grow your impact, and build a resilient career beyond the academic hamster wheel.

Why Visibility Matters More Than Ever

We’re in a moment where science desperately needs public trust.

And scientists? We need systems of support that aren’t so brittle. More and more researchers are turning to newsletters, online communities, fellowships, and creative collaborations to sustain their work.

But none of that is possible if people can’t find you.

Here’s what visibility actually does for you:

• It helps funders understand your work (and your values).

• It helps collaborators find you, often in surprising ways.

• It gives students, peers, and allies a reason to believe in what you’re doing, and helps you carry it forward.

• It helps you make the case for why your research matters in the world.

And no, it doesn’t require turning yourself into an influencer.

It starts with showing up.

But What Do You Show Up With?

This is the part that used to stump me.

I’d open LinkedIn or Substack or even an email draft and think:

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Who am I to talk about this?”

“This isn’t good enough yet.”

The blinking cursor became my biggest critic.

Until I realized something: most people aren’t looking for polished genius. They’re looking for a connection. They want to see real people doing meaningful things and explaining them in ways they can understand.

Because when they understand, they start the care, and when they care, they can act in an informed manner.

That’s when I started writing posts that sounded more like me. More like:

“Here’s something I’m figuring out.”

“Here’s a challenge I hit this week.”

“Here’s what I wish I had known five years ago.”

That’s when things changed.

A Visibility Exercise (That Won’t Make You Cringe)

If the idea of “putting yourself out there” still makes you squirm, here’s a way to reframe it:

Don’t start with what you want to say.

Start with what you want to attract.

Take 10 minutes today and write down answers to these 3 questions:

1. What kind of opportunities would I love to receive in the next year?

   (Think: collaborations, fellowships, interviews, speaking invites, funding, new roles.)

2. Who would need to know about me in order for that to happen?

   (A program officer? A journalist? Another researcher? A curious funder? A student?)

3. Where do those people spend time, and am I showing up there at all?

   (If not, what would be the lowest-effort way to start?)

You don’t need to be everywhere. But you do need to be somewhere.

What Visibility Actually Looks Like

Let’s bust a myth:

Visibility isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about creating signals that the right people can pick up on.

Here are a few examples of what that might look like in practice:

• Sharing one insight from your research on LinkedIn every couple of weeks

• Writing a short monthly newsletter for peers or allies outside your discipline

• Starting a Notion page or website that explains your work clearly

• Posting a single photo from your fieldwork with a caption that says why it matters

• Reaching out to someone you admire with a question and starting a conversation

None of these requires hundreds of hours. But they compound over time.

A one-hour effort this week might become your next collaboration, your next student, or your next grant partner.

My Story, Briefly

When I began writing Climate Ages, I didn’t have a strategy.

I just wanted to tell science stories with more heart and less jargon.

To my surprise, it worked.

My newsletter grew. People started reaching out. I got invited to speak and consult and write in ways I had only dreamed of in my academic days.

But the best part?

Other scientists started saying: “This feels possible now.”

That’s what Outreach Lab is for.

To give you permission and practical support to share your work in a way that feels human, honest, and aligned with your values.

✍️ This Week’s Prompt

Write down three things you wish more people knew about your work.

Then choose one of them and say it, in your own words, somewhere public.

A sentence. A photo. A post. A paragraph.

Tag me or reply to this email. I’d love to cheer you on and share it with my network.

Because you can’t be funded if you’re not found.

But once you’re findable, everything starts to shift.

Let’s Bridge our Science with the World.

It’s ready to listen.

Are you a scientist in academia, a nonprofit, or a research-driven institution, and want to start sharing your research for visibility, impact, and purpose?

Sharing your experience and expertise can help advance your career, clarify your direction, or reignite your passion for your field.

Ready to begin?

💬 Book a free call—I’d love to hear your story and your vision.

Book a Free Clarity Call

Three years ago, I decided to leave academia.

After my children were born, I had less and less time to dedicate to a professorship. My peers often confessed to working 60-hour weeks. As a new mom, I barely had 40 hours to give.

At the same time, a voice inside me kept yelling: “This isn’t what you’re meant to be doing.”

I became a biologist to help address Earth’s crises, but my job felt too theoretical to move the needle.

At 36, I knew it was the right time for a change.

But leaving academia wasn’t easy. It wasn’t just a job—it was my life, my identity.

All my networks were academic. Most of my friends still are.

I hadn’t written a résumé since before finishing my bachelor’s. I had no idea how to translate a 10-page CV into a story someone outside academia would care about.

With patience, dedication, and more than a few heartbreaks, I finally landed my first job outside the lab.

Since then, I’ve worked across the nonprofit and public sectors—and even experimented with entrepreneurship. I’ve discovered I love life outside the lab.

Still, I missed the intellectual joy of reading new papers, connecting ideas, and sharing discoveries.

That’s how Climate Ages was born.

I put all my fears and insecurities in a box and started writing publicly—on Medium—about what I knew: climate change, ecology, paleontology, and how these pieces fit together.

To my surprise, some of those pieces went viral.

That gave me the confidence to keep going.

And now, nearly a year and a half later, I’ve accidentally built a five-figure platform: a newsletter with 11,000+ subscribers and growing visibility across platforms.

That’s when I found my life purpose—my Ikigai:

To bridge science with the world.

This mission has become my greatest dream. But as one scientist working alone, I can only do so much.

That’s why I created Outreach Lab.

Because if I can teach other scientists how to do what I’ve done—how to communicate their work with clarity and confidence—then we can build a real bridge.

A bridge where science and society are not separate, but connected.

Where they care for one another.

Introducing Outreach Lab’s Mission:

Why does this matter?

Because when people understand, they care.

And when they care, they take action.

But first, they must be able to understand—and that depends on us, the scientists, learning how to communicate.

But I can’t do it alone. I’m not an expert in all sciences. I don’t have everyone’s skills. I’m not a videographer or designer. And I don’t have time to tell every important story out there.

But you do.

That’s why I’m now teaching my systems—step by step—to empower more scientists to show up, communicate their work, and even monetize their content in ways that create opportunities for their careers and their missions.

Once we all start showing up, the bridge gets built. Together.

Let’s connect society with the wonder, power, and urgency of science-driven decision-making. For humankind. For the planet.

Are you a scientist in academia, a nonprofit, or a research-driven institution, and want to start sharing your research for visibility, impact, and purpose?

Sharing your experience and expertise can help advance your career, clarify your direction, or reignite your passion for your field.

Ready to begin?

💬 Book a free call—I’d love to hear your story and your vision.

Book a Free Clarity Call

And writing? Well, it all started when, as a teenager, I started experiencing depression episodes. I saw the characters in certain cartoons writing in their diaries, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Twenty-five years and countless notebooks filled with scribbles later, writing is not just my most important career skill; it’s my therapeutic outlet and something I look forward to doing every day.

The good news? Scientists need to write to succeed. A lot.

During my PhD years, I put all my hard-earned skills into practice to publish in peer-reviewed journals that only technical audiences would read. However, after transitioning out of my academic career, I started experimenting with what else I could accomplish with my writing. From grants to policy documents, the world was my arena.

Quitting My Academic Career Was the Toughest Decision of My Life
Understanding the painful realities of career transitionsthe-science-blogger.com

Eventually, my writing adventures took me to Medium. I soon realized that this was the best platform to combine my two passions, science and writing, while fulfilling my call in life: bridging science with non-technical audiences.

I started experimenting with tone and topics until I found myself making good side-hustle money writing on the side. How on Earth was I hitting $2,000 or even $3,000 in months?

Can You Make Money Writing Online? Here’s How I Did It!
I know it can look impossible at first, but with the right strategy, it’s possible and so much fun!medium.com

If you’re a scientist or someone with a good understanding of how science works, and you’re thinking about dipping your toes into the world of science communication, I have something for you.

Maybe you’ve seen colleagues posting on social media about their research, or perhaps you’ve read a captivating article that explained a complex topic in a way that even your aunt could understand. And now, you’re wondering: Can I do that, too?

Spoiler alert: Yes, you absolutely can. And you should!

Communicating science isn’t just about making your or other scientists’ research accessible; it’s about connecting with people, sharing your passion, and, let’s be honest, boosting your career.

The best part? You don’t have to be the most experienced writer to start. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write your first science communication article with ease so that you can decide whether science communication is something worth exploring either as a side hustle or as a career on its own.

1. Start with Your “Why”

Before you pick up a pen (or open a Word document), ask yourself: Why do I want to write a science communication article?
Is it to share your research with a broader audience? To advocate for a cause? To practice simplifying complex topics? Knowing your “why” will help you focus your article and connect with your audience.

For example, if you’re passionate about climate change, your “why” might be to explain how small policy changes can make a big difference. Or, if you or any of your students have made a cool discovery in your lab, maybe you want to showcase how it impacts everyday life.

See the article below for some reasons scientists and academics may want to give science communication a go.

I’m a Former Academic. This Is How I’d Use Medium If I Had a Lab Again
If used strategically, platforms like Medium can help Academic labs as much as peer-reviewed researchthe-science-blogger.com

2. Pick a Topic You’re Excited About

This is probably the most important ingredient here. Write about something that excites you. Enthusiasm is contagious, and it shows in your writing.

That said, you should keep your audience in mind. You’re not writing for other scientists (this isn’t a journal article, and you don’t need to please reviewer #2). You’re writing for people who might not know what a polymerase chain reaction is, or why it’s important. Choose a topic that’s relevant, relatable, and timely. For example:

• Why a recent discovery matters.

• How a common misconception is wrong.

• What can people do to solve a problem in their everyday lives?

Here’s an example of a story showcasing why a recent discovery matters.

Microbes Strike Back and Join Us in the Climate Battle
How microbes in glacial waters are quietly fighting climate changemedium.com

3. Know Your Audience

Speaking of your audience, who are they? Are you writing for parents curious about how climate change will affect their kids? Potential students interested in STEM careers? General readers who want to understand the science behind their morning coffee?

Knowing your audience will guide your tone, examples, and level of detail. Think of it like explaining your work to a friend.

You wouldn’t say, “The empirical data supports the null hypothesis.” You’d say, “The experiment showed we were on the right track.” Doesn’t it sound a lot more engaging and relatable?

4. Find Your Hook

Every good article starts with a hook that grabs your reader’s attention. It could be a surprising fact, a personal anecdote, or a question.

For example:

• Did you know the Sahara Desert was once a lush, green paradise?

• Imagine walking through a forest and seeing a tree older than the pyramids.

• Did all dinosaurs go extinct 66 million years ago?

Your hook sets the tone for your article and invites readers to keep going. Remember when you are reading a story yourself. Are you staying if the first 2 to 3 paragraphs don’t interest you?

By the way, this applies to all articles, not just science communication!

5. Break It Down

Science can be complicated, but your article doesn’t have to be. Break down your topic into bite-sized chunks. Use simple language, analogies, and examples. With science communication, more isn’t always better. Find a sweet spot.

For example, let’s say you’re explaining CRISPR (the gene-editing tool). Instead of diving into molecular biology, you could say, “CRISPR is like a pair of scissors that lets scientists cut and paste DNA, kind of like editing a Word document.”

Using day-to-day examples helps readers feel more connected to the science they are reading. Plus, when they understand something, they are more likely to care and even tell others about it.

6. Add Some Personality

People want to hear your voice. Again, reviewer #2 doesn’t matter anymore here. Don’t be afraid to add humor, share personal experiences, or use conversational language. This isn’t a lab report; it’s a story. This is the one time you are welcome to share your passion in your work; seize it!

For example, instead of saying, “The data were inconclusive,” you might say, “Turns out, my experiment didn’t go as planned. Science can be messy, and that’s okay.”

Doesn’t that sound more human and approachable?

7. Keep It Short and Sweet

The average reader’s attention span is… well, short. On that note, thank you for sticking around if you’re still reading.

But back to the topic of this story, stick to one main idea per article and keep your sentences clear and concise. A good rule of thumb: Don't write if you wouldn’t say it in conversation. Once again, more isn’t necessarily better in science communication.

8. Get Feedback

While this is somehow optional, I recommend that you do this at least in the beginning of your science communication journey.

Before hitting “publish,” ask a non-scientist friend to read your article. If they understand and enjoy it, you’re on the right track.

Further, be open to hearing criticism; this is one of the most valuable pieces of information that you’ll hear in this journey. A friend can let you know what your blind spots are; you can either get resentful or learn from this and work on your weaker skills.

Mastering what could initially be considered a weakness is one of the most powerful changes you can implement in your career.

9. Choose Where to Publish

You’ve written your article — now what?

Well, there are plenty of places to share it. Here are some recommendations:

• Medium: Great for building your writing portfolio.

• Blog platforms: Perfect if you want to control your content.

• Science-focused sites: Many accept guest contributions from new writers.

That said, I’d recommend that you stick with Medium until you find out what works best for you. Medium is a very friendly platform with an already built-in community eager to provide you with actionable feedback.

10. Take the Leap

Publishing your first science communication article might be scary; I’ve been there. You may fear that people won’t care or that your peers will judge you for writing non-technical pieces.

But here’s the truth: people are eager to learn more about science, and your peers will be in awe of your efforts, especially if you also talk about their research. At least, this has been my experience.

Besides, remember that everyone starts somewhere. The more you write, the better you’ll get.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, you can check out my course, “Publish Your First Science Communication Article.” It’s designed specifically for scientists and science enthusiasts who need a little guidance in turning their knowledge into engaging content.

Ready to Start?

Science communication is a lot more than just explaining your research. It can help build bridges between science and society. Between technical reports and the right policy-maker.

Your voice matters, and your stories can make a difference. So, what are you waiting for? Start writing, and let’s make science accessible to everyone. Now, more than ever, the whole world needs to hear what science has to say, and you could be one of these important voices.

I spent hours crafting posts I thought would catch people’s attention, only to be met with silence… no shares, no comments, nothing. It felt frustrating as if I was shouting into a void, and my message wasn’t reaching anyone besides my mom, who doesn’t even understand English (thanks, Mom, for your support), and my best friends.

So, I did what any scientist would do: I started digging into the data. I studied what worked (and what didn’t) for other scientists online, analyzed engagement trends, and tested different strategies myself. What I found completely changed the way I approach social media.

The key to standing out online isn’t chasing likes, followers, or virality. It’s about clarity, consistency, and engagement. And the best part? You don’t need a massive audience to make an impact.

Let me explain what I learned and give you actionable tips to help you build your online presence without feeling overwhelmed.

Focus on Clarity

One of the most significant barriers for scientists online is that we’re used to speaking in technical terms. But if your audience doesn’t understand what you’re saying, they won’t engage. And we all know that algorithms don’t push content that doesn’t get any engagement.

Clarity is the foundation of good communication. Your posts don’t need to be groundbreaking; they just need to be clear and informative.

Do you want some examples?

• Example 1: Instead of saying, “This research analyzes anthropogenic impacts on ecosystem dynamics,” try: “We studied how human activity affects ecosystems.”

• Example 2: Use analogies to explain complex ideas: “A cell membrane works like a bouncer at a club—it decides what gets in and what stays out.” (I love this one)

When your audience understands your message, they’re more likely to interact with it—and with you.

At the same time, if they understand, they care, and if they care, your message will have a bigger impact, which is what we are ultimately chasing with science outreach.

Consistency Beats Virality

Virality might give you a moment of fame, but consistency builds trust. Showing up regularly—whether it’s once a week or every other week—keeps your audience engaged over time.

Here’s what consistency looks like:

1. Pick a schedule you can stick to. Start small. I’d recommend that you post once a week and grow from there. Once you get used to your systems, your content creation will be smoother, allowing you to increase frequency.

2. Create a recognizable tone or format. Whether it’s sharing quick tips, funny lab moments, or thought-provoking questions, make it your own. Aim to have people recognize your content without the need to see your name.

3. Repeat your core message. It might feel redundant to you, but most people need to hear something multiple times before it sticks. Besides, remember that many are seeing each of your posts for the first time, so you need to remind everyone new who you are each time.

Think of it like science itself—progress is made through steady, consistent effort, not random bursts of activity. Your h-index didn’t reach those numbers overnight!

Engagement Matters More Than Reach

It’s easy to get caught up in numbers: How many likes did I get? How many people saw my post? But reach doesn’t matter if those people aren’t engaging with your content. Engagement tells you that your content is resonating with people.

Engagement is where the magic happens. It’s what turns casual viewers into followers, collaborators, or even supporters of your work.

How to Boost Engagement: Practical Tips

Here are a few strategies to help you connect with your audience:

1️⃣ Start Conversations

Instead of just broadcasting information, invite your audience to participate.

• Example: “What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about climate change? Here’s mine: trees communicate through underground fungal networks!”

2️⃣ Share Relatable Moments

People connect with people, not perfection. Share the ups and downs of your work—it’s what makes you human. Bonus if, besides being relatable, it’s funny.

• Example: “That feeling when you realize you’ve spent an hour running the wrong analysis. Science is humbling, isn’t it?”

3️⃣ Ask for Input

Engagement doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes, just asking a question is enough.

• Example: “I’m working on a post about how scientists can explain their work to kids. What’s the best science question a kid has ever asked you?”

4️⃣ Celebrate Your Audience

Shine a light on your followers by engaging with their content or responding to their comments. Social media is a two-way street—people appreciate when you take the time to acknowledge them.

Comment, repost, and praise. Remind them that you see them as much as they see you. Doing this will inspire you and teach you!

The Takeaway

Standing out online isn’t about shouting the loudest or chasing viral moments. It’s about building genuine connections through clarity, consistency, and engagement.

Your work as a scientist already matters. Bringing it online amplifies your ability to make an impact—one clear, thoughtful post at a time. And having the right tools and tips can make a huge difference.

So, start small. Show up regularly. And most importantly, focus on connecting with the people who care about your work. They’re out there, waiting to hear from you.

P.S. Want more tips and tools to make your online outreach effortless? Subscribe to Climate Age’s Outreach Lab and join a community of 6,000+ scientists and science enthusiasts making waves online.

Together, we’ll grow your voice—and your impact.

From the beginning of humanity, science has changed the world—but only when the world heard about it.

That’s correct. Every new technology, from the food we have on the table, to the sanitary infrastructure in our houses, to the phone we have in our pocket, or the satellite that keeps us connected, are all products of scientific research and discovery.

Outreach Lab is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

But we don’t have to dream so big. As a scientist, your work has the power to improve people’s lives and make the world a better place. You can help inform policy, inspire the next generation, and tackle global challenges like climate change and public health crises.

But there’s a caveat: if your findings are buried in a peer-reviewed journal, you only reach a fraction of the people who could benefit from your expertise.

Going online as a scientist isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about building bridges between your work and the broader public. And it can have surprising benefits for your career, too.

Even more, going online can offer financial benefits that may help you or your students fund another experiment, attend another conference, or extend the fieldwork season. In a world where grant funds can be limited, every little bit matters.

The Value of Being Online

Do you need more examples of the power that giving your science visibility can have? Here’s why creating an online presence as a scientist matters:

1️⃣ Amplify Your Impact

By sharing your research on platforms like LinkedIn or BlueSky, you can make complex ideas accessible to policymakers, educators, journalists, and the general public.

I live and work in DC, so trust me when I say that your voice could help someone make an informed decision. For instance, I know plenty of university professors called to testify on the importance of a particular ecosystem in front of Congress.

How did they find them? Through their social media engagement.

2️⃣ Boost Your Career

A strong online presence can attract collaborators, funding opportunities, and invitations to speak at conferences.

Funding agencies and institutions increasingly seek scientists who can effectively communicate their work. In fact, increasingly so, most grants require you to include a section on how you plan to do science outreach.

Having something already started can help you gain credibility with these grant donors who want to ensure their names appear on the right platforms.

3️⃣ Shape Public Perception

Let’s face it: misinformation spreads fast online.

However, when they take the communication lead, scientists can counteract false narratives with accurate, engaging content. Just like conspiracy theorists recruit their followers online, scientists can create communities of well-informed citizens.

It’s easier to trust the words of scientists you see show up often on your feed, proving experience and expertise.

This may be a topic for another day, but how many of you became scientists because of a science communicator or activist like Dr. Jane Goodall or Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson?

How to Start Without Feeling Overwhelmed

I know what you’re thinking; I was there not long ago, too. How do I get started?

Getting started might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some proven systems to help achieve quick wins to build your online presence:

1. Start Small

Pick one platform. Don’t try to master them all at once. In my case, I started with Medium, which is great for long-form content and comes with tons of monetization potential. Did I mention I once made it to $5,000 writing on the side in my spare time between my kids and my own bedtime?

Not a fan of long-form content? Here are some other options:

• LinkedIn: Great for connecting with professionals and sharing research updates.

• BlueSky: Ideal for quick updates, threads, and engaging with the science community.

• YouTube: Perfect for visual content and behind-the-scenes lab work. We all follow a fun-to-watch scientist on YouTube!

Whatever platform you use, I recommend spending 15 minutes a day browsing posts, engaging with others, and experimenting with your content.

2. Share What You Know

You don’t need to create groundbreaking content right away. Here’s the thing: a lot of the content you take for granted is exactly what people don’t know yet and are eager to learn. We tend to overlook our potential because we’re always surrounded by people with a similar background.

But trust me, outside your lab, very few people know what a PCR is or how to calculate satellite trajectories.

If you need somewhere to start, here are some ideas:

• Explain one aspect of your research in simple terms.

• Share an article or paper you found interesting and add your thoughts.

• Highlight a “day in the life” moment from your lab or fieldwork (these are my favorite :) )

3. Be Consistent

Consistency is more important than frequency. Whether you choose to post every other day, once a week, or every two weeks, stick to that schedule.

Ensure you set a schedule that works for you. While it’s true that more posts will help you grow faster, you need to avoid burnout. And for that, you need to set realistic goals.

You can always increase frequency once posting becomes second nature for you.

The Takeaway

Your work as a scientist is already impactful, but going online amplifies that impact.

You have the tools, the knowledge, and the passion to inspire change, but first, the world needs to hear you. Leave that impostor syndrome behind, and believe in the value the world can’t wait to get from you and your expertise!

Start small. Pick one platform. Share one idea. Stick to this for a year, and watch how your voice can make a difference.

P.S. Want more actionable tips and templates to make your online outreach effortless?

Subscribe to Outreach Lab and join a community of scientists sharing, engaging, and growing online.

Outreach Lab is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

That’s where Outreach Lab comes in.

I created this newsletter to help scientists like you confidently share your work, engage audiences, and grow your impact through social media, newsletters, and beyond. If you’ve ever wondered:

• Should I be posting on LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, or something else?

• How do I explain my research in a way non-scientists understand?

• What do I even post?

• How can I grow an audience without feeling like I’m shouting into the void?

You’re in the right place.

🔬 What You’ll Get in Outreach Lab

Each issue delivers practical, actionable tools designed for busy scientists who want to improve their online presence without wasting time. Expect:

✅ Templates & Swipe Files – Ready-to-use post formats, headlines, and structures.

✅ Content Prompts – Never run out of ideas for engaging posts.

✅ Real-World Case Studies – Learn from scientists successfully building their online presence.

✅ Engagement & Growth Strategies – How to get more eyes on your work.

✅ Step-by-Step Tutorials – Clear guides on writing, posting, and growing.

✅ Checklists & Content Calendars – Plan smarter, post easier.

Some content will be free, but paid subscribers will unlock exclusive resources like advanced growth strategies, in-depth case studies, and premium templates to make social media effortless.

🔹 Who Is This For?

• Scientists, researchers, and educators who want to communicate their work more effectively.

• Early-career academics and PhDs looking to build credibility online.

• Science communicators and outreach professionals who want to expand their reach.

You don’t need to be an expert in marketing or social media—just curious and ready to experiment.

🚀 Let’s Get Started

If you’re ready to grow your online presence in a way that feels natural, engaging, and impactful, subscribe to Outreach Lab today!

Let’s make science more accessible, one post at a time. 🌍🔬