CAN is proud to support Science, Stand-Up & Song!
https://www.drmarissalithopoulos.com/science-stand-up-song
“Science, Stand-Up, & Song” is a new and innovative science outreach initiative for the Vancouver public. The event is founded and hosted by Dr. Marissa Lithopoulos, a neuroscientist dedicated to making science fun and accessible to everyone. “Science, Stand-Up, & Song” focuses on exciting, leading-edge developments in neuroscience, as well as science more broadly. The format involves a panel of scientists at the forefront of academia and private industry, engaging with one another and most importantly, with the audience. The panel discusses a variety of interesting topics, including the panelists’ own research, their career trajectories, and equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations in science. Dr. Lithopoulos “gamifies” certain questions, creating an interactive environment with the audience. The event also features a variety of local stand-up comedians, who entertain and discuss science topics using their unique comedic styles. Dr. Lithopoulos guides the panel discussion, presents her own science-themed stand-up comedy, and performs her educational, original science songs throughout the event. Having listened, laughed, and learned, audiences leave “Science, Stand-Up, & Song” with a greater appreciation for science and a newfound connection to scientists within their community.
Dr. Marissa Lithopoulos is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of British Columbia and an active Canadian Association for Neuroscience (CAN) Trainee Member. Dr. Lithopoulos recently won a CAN and Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Brain Star Award for her high impact neuroscience discovery, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Outside of the lab, Dr. Lithopoulos is a musician with 3 self-published singles about her scientific research (over 50,000 streams on Spotify) . Dr. Lithopoulos is also a stand-up comedian, who performs her comedy to teach people about science in an entertaining and light-hearted fashion at a variety of different shows around Vancouver, such as, “Science Slam” and “Jokes Please!”.
Dr. Lithopoulos gained expertise in organizing, hosting, and leading scientific education outreach initiatives by devoting herself to science outreach programs during her graduate studies. Dr. Lithopoulos volunteered as a Let’s Talk Science Team Leader and StemCellTalks National Advisory Committee Co-Chair, developing the confidence and effective science communication skills required to successfully start an outreach initiative of her own.
Andrew Johnston is a co-organizer of the event, bringing business and operational expertise to the initiative. Andrew is a Professional Engineer and Certified Project Management Professional, who leads the development and implementation of multi-million-dollar manufacturing systems. Andrew is also a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) advocate, who has taught fundamentals of robotic design and programming to children at various extracurricular and summer camp programs. Andrew ensures that all logistical requirements for the event are handled with care and professionalism.