There were certain points in my education when my natural interest in science fiction veered into interest in actual science. There were even times when I toyed with the idea of a job in genetics or virology. But at all those same points I was dissuaded from pursuing my interest by fear. A fear of math, in fact. I was surprised in a conversation with a friend who makes their living as a scientist that she struggled with the physics requirement class. That’s a topic heavy in c

[The almost-11 stops her drawing and comes over to me to ask a question.] Mom, can I ask you something? Sure I saw a thing on a a computer and there was a word that the boys told me it was bad when I said it out loud. They were all, whoooa. What was the word? Promise you won’t get mad. Don’t be silly. It’s words. It was N-G or N-I or something. Ohhhhh, I know what word that is. What? This requires some explanation if you want to understand it. Okay. Okay. So. You know how br

When a family movie features science and technology I look forward to taking the eldest to see it as much as she looks forward to going to the movies. We loved Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Unfortunately, there’s a core problem with these movies and the latest one I took her to see was no exception. These movies send the message that you have to be a genius to consider a job in certain fields, like physics or engineering. I’d like to see my girls grow up to be the first

There are a lot of physicians in my family and perhaps that’s why I’ve befriended doctors, their children, and worked for a number of them. Doctors are amazing people. Most of them take self sacrifice and community service to an extraordinary height. I’m in awe of people who can manage the grueling physical and mental gauntlet required to become a doctor. For the average person, their family doctor or specialist represents the voice of education, experience, and science. Unfo