Becca Mellema
@beccmel2.bsky.social
PhD in Immunology and Microbiology. Science communicator. BLM 🍉 🧬She/her
Website: www.rebeccamellema.com
Blog: gettingthesciencewrite.com
Website: www.rebeccamellema.com
Blog: gettingthesciencewrite.com
Reposted by Becca Mellema
Hey, #SciWri26 attendees—hope to see you first Thurs in Oct at 10 a.m. Pacific to talk about the conference! What did you learn? Who’d ya meet? What did you like best? Come meet other #SciComm #Freelancers and keep the conversations going!
IN TWO WEEKS: The NASW Freelance Committee is hosting a Networking Social focused on ScienceWriters2026. All NASW members are invited to participate, whether or not you attend the conference.
Join the Oct 1 event: www.nasw.org/events/...
Register SciWri26 virtual sessions: sciencewriters2026.org
Join the Oct 1 event: www.nasw.org/events/...
Register SciWri26 virtual sessions: sciencewriters2026.org
Freelancer Meetup: Networking Social
The NASW Freelance Committee virtual meetup on October 1 will be a networking social with small-group discussions in breakout rooms, sharing learnings from the ScienceWriters2026 in-person events.
www.nasw.org
September 27, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Hey, #SciWri26 attendees—hope to see you first Thurs in Oct at 10 a.m. Pacific to talk about the conference! What did you learn? Who’d ya meet? What did you like best? Come meet other #SciComm #Freelancers and keep the conversations going!
Reposted by Becca Mellema
Did you know? A group of beavers is called a colony or a family. I like to think of #SciWri26 science writers as a family. Today's topics: #SciPolicy, #AI for social good, funding science, and more! Thanks for providing cookies for us, @oregonstate.edu
September 26, 2026 at 11:48 PM
Did you know? A group of beavers is called a colony or a family. I like to think of #SciWri26 science writers as a family. Today's topics: #SciPolicy, #AI for social good, funding science, and more! Thanks for providing cookies for us, @oregonstate.edu
September 24, 2026 at 7:51 PM
For my primary my #scicomm work, I write a blog where I examine fantasy and scifi tropes through a scientific lens.
Welp, that blog eventually turned into a fun side project during my PhD, which then blossomed into a full on science fantasy comedy #book! Cover by @llysaan.bsky.social!
Welp, that blog eventually turned into a fun side project during my PhD, which then blossomed into a full on science fantasy comedy #book! Cover by @llysaan.bsky.social!
September 18, 2026 at 3:14 AM
For my primary my #scicomm work, I write a blog where I examine fantasy and scifi tropes through a scientific lens.
Welp, that blog eventually turned into a fun side project during my PhD, which then blossomed into a full on science fantasy comedy #book! Cover by @llysaan.bsky.social!
Welp, that blog eventually turned into a fun side project during my PhD, which then blossomed into a full on science fantasy comedy #book! Cover by @llysaan.bsky.social!
September 18, 2026 at 2:35 AM
For my primary my #scicomm work, I write a blog where I examine fantasy and scifi tropes through a scientific lens.
Welp, that blog eventually turned into a fun side project during my PhD, which then blossomed into a full on science fantasy comedy #book! Cover by @llysaan.bsky.social!
Welp, that blog eventually turned into a fun side project during my PhD, which then blossomed into a full on science fantasy comedy #book! Cover by @llysaan.bsky.social!
A behind-the-scenes look at my most recent animation of hyaluronan heavy chain formation! #sciart
There is a part 2 coming up of this animation, as we have to have those heavy chains degraded! (This refraction process was foundational to my PhD research!
Made in procreate.
There is a part 2 coming up of this animation, as we have to have those heavy chains degraded! (This refraction process was foundational to my PhD research!
Made in procreate.
September 4, 2026 at 3:54 PM
A behind-the-scenes look at my most recent animation of hyaluronan heavy chain formation! #sciart
There is a part 2 coming up of this animation, as we have to have those heavy chains degraded! (This refraction process was foundational to my PhD research!
Made in procreate.
There is a part 2 coming up of this animation, as we have to have those heavy chains degraded! (This refraction process was foundational to my PhD research!
Made in procreate.
Another #scienceanimation, this time on the molecule I studied for my PhD! Hyaluronan (HA) is a sugar on the outside of your cells that can, during inflammation, form heavy chains that reach out into the bloodstream. These heavy chains can act as landing sites for infiltrating immune cells! #science
September 2, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Another #scienceanimation, this time on the molecule I studied for my PhD! Hyaluronan (HA) is a sugar on the outside of your cells that can, during inflammation, form heavy chains that reach out into the bloodstream. These heavy chains can act as landing sites for infiltrating immune cells! #science
Everyone needs to read this!
September 1, 2026 at 10:51 PM
Everyone needs to read this!
Reposted by Becca Mellema
Excellent; well worth a read. 🧪
www.insidehighered.com/opinion/care...
www.insidehighered.com/opinion/care...
Grad Students Wonder if Academia Is Worth Saving (opinion)
It’s not just the federal government that’s telling grad students their work doesn’t matter.
www.insidehighered.com
September 1, 2026 at 9:54 PM
Excellent; well worth a read. 🧪
www.insidehighered.com/opinion/care...
www.insidehighered.com/opinion/care...
Reposted by Becca Mellema
We are casting!
We're looking for 2 new cast members to join us for Season 2 (and beyond) of Deck of Many Aces!
We're casting 2 global majority players. More info can be found at the link below.
Deadline is Friday 11th September. Please share this far and wide!
forms.gle/sLK4uQthhUmW...
We're looking for 2 new cast members to join us for Season 2 (and beyond) of Deck of Many Aces!
We're casting 2 global majority players. More info can be found at the link below.
Deadline is Friday 11th September. Please share this far and wide!
forms.gle/sLK4uQthhUmW...
Deck of Many Aces Casting Call
Hello! We're looking for 2 global majority players to join our all aromantic and asexual podcast as season regulars! Please read on for more information. This is an unpaid position. Need an audio…
forms.gle
August 28, 2026 at 8:39 PM
We are casting!
We're looking for 2 new cast members to join us for Season 2 (and beyond) of Deck of Many Aces!
We're casting 2 global majority players. More info can be found at the link below.
Deadline is Friday 11th September. Please share this far and wide!
forms.gle/sLK4uQthhUmW...
We're looking for 2 new cast members to join us for Season 2 (and beyond) of Deck of Many Aces!
We're casting 2 global majority players. More info can be found at the link below.
Deadline is Friday 11th September. Please share this far and wide!
forms.gle/sLK4uQthhUmW...
New #sciart! I evolved from a little flask to a beaker for my #animation! #science #sciencesnimation
August 29, 2026 at 4:42 AM
New #sciart! I evolved from a little flask to a beaker for my #animation! #science #sciencesnimation
Learning #animation for future #scienceanimation! (Do I see some swirling flasks and beakers in my future?)
August 25, 2026 at 7:41 PM
Learning #animation for future #scienceanimation! (Do I see some swirling flasks and beakers in my future?)
August 25, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Reposted by Becca Mellema
I just submitted my comment in opposition to the NSF procedure changes. You can do so here: www.regulations.gov/document/NSF...
Don't forgot to submit your comment today before 11:59 PM EST. I also wrote all my congressional representatives letting them know how it will hurt our state. 🧪
Don't forgot to submit your comment today before 11:59 PM EST. I also wrote all my congressional representatives letting them know how it will hurt our state. 🧪
August 24, 2026 at 9:47 PM
I just submitted my comment in opposition to the NSF procedure changes. You can do so here: www.regulations.gov/document/NSF...
Don't forgot to submit your comment today before 11:59 PM EST. I also wrote all my congressional representatives letting them know how it will hurt our state. 🧪
Don't forgot to submit your comment today before 11:59 PM EST. I also wrote all my congressional representatives letting them know how it will hurt our state. 🧪
Reposted by Becca Mellema
We were yelling about the destructive OMB rule for future awarded #NIH grants.
It doesn't stop there. NSF capitulated. How would you if a ground breaking grant was rejected arbitrarily?
Today is the last day to comment.
2026 is the year when your voice is crucial!
🧪 blog.ucs.org/kei-koizumi/...
It doesn't stop there. NSF capitulated. How would you if a ground breaking grant was rejected arbitrarily?
Today is the last day to comment.
2026 is the year when your voice is crucial!
🧪 blog.ucs.org/kei-koizumi/...
August 24, 2026 at 9:47 PM
We were yelling about the destructive OMB rule for future awarded #NIH grants.
It doesn't stop there. NSF capitulated. How would you if a ground breaking grant was rejected arbitrarily?
Today is the last day to comment.
2026 is the year when your voice is crucial!
🧪 blog.ucs.org/kei-koizumi/...
It doesn't stop there. NSF capitulated. How would you if a ground breaking grant was rejected arbitrarily?
Today is the last day to comment.
2026 is the year when your voice is crucial!
🧪 blog.ucs.org/kei-koizumi/...
Reposted by Becca Mellema
Please consider taking action..
#ScienceSky #TechSky #EngieeringSky #MedSky #MathSky #GreenSky #PhysicsSky #AstronomySky #ChemistrySky #BiologySky #VirologySky #VaccineSky 🧪🦠
#ScienceSky #TechSky #EngieeringSky #MedSky #MathSky #GreenSky #PhysicsSky #AstronomySky #ChemistrySky #BiologySky #VirologySky #VaccineSky 🧪🦠
The OMB Rule will put all federal grant funding in the hands of political appointees, not experts. We need MoCs to permanently #RevokeTheRule. Visit the link to contact your MoCs: zurl.co/JayNi
#OMB #Vought #Science #StandUpForScience
#OMB #Vought #Science #StandUpForScience
August 23, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Please consider taking action..
#ScienceSky #TechSky #EngieeringSky #MedSky #MathSky #GreenSky #PhysicsSky #AstronomySky #ChemistrySky #BiologySky #VirologySky #VaccineSky 🧪🦠
#ScienceSky #TechSky #EngieeringSky #MedSky #MathSky #GreenSky #PhysicsSky #AstronomySky #ChemistrySky #BiologySky #VirologySky #VaccineSky 🧪🦠
#sciencecommunication
#Science
Setting up an art tutorial for scientists (and others) who are just starting out!
#Science
Setting up an art tutorial for scientists (and others) who are just starting out!
August 23, 2026 at 4:53 PM
#sciencecommunication
#Science
Setting up an art tutorial for scientists (and others) who are just starting out!
#Science
Setting up an art tutorial for scientists (and others) who are just starting out!
Reposted by Becca Mellema
Insulin does more than control blood sugar—it also acts in the brain.
New research in JNP finds it can quiet brain-cell signals tied to appetite & energy use, with implications for diabetes and obesity: APS Publications
https://ow.ly/ZXT650ZzAKy #ArticlesInPress #APSselect #BrainHealth 🧪
📷: iStock
New research in JNP finds it can quiet brain-cell signals tied to appetite & energy use, with implications for diabetes and obesity: APS Publications
https://ow.ly/ZXT650ZzAKy #ArticlesInPress #APSselect #BrainHealth 🧪
📷: iStock
August 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Insulin does more than control blood sugar—it also acts in the brain.
New research in JNP finds it can quiet brain-cell signals tied to appetite & energy use, with implications for diabetes and obesity: APS Publications
https://ow.ly/ZXT650ZzAKy #ArticlesInPress #APSselect #BrainHealth 🧪
📷: iStock
New research in JNP finds it can quiet brain-cell signals tied to appetite & energy use, with implications for diabetes and obesity: APS Publications
https://ow.ly/ZXT650ZzAKy #ArticlesInPress #APSselect #BrainHealth 🧪
📷: iStock
August 18, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Reposted by Becca Mellema
'...– maybe it falls
straight through, being so dense, so heavy–
falls through the hardwood, through
the foundation slab, through the ground
beneath, falls through just as if the Earth
were cloud- its atoms so loose,
so far apart, before the falling in.'
#NeutronStarWeek 🧪 🔭 #PoetrySky
straight through, being so dense, so heavy–
falls through the hardwood, through
the foundation slab, through the ground
beneath, falls through just as if the Earth
were cloud- its atoms so loose,
so far apart, before the falling in.'
#NeutronStarWeek 🧪 🔭 #PoetrySky
August 17, 2026 at 6:05 PM
'...– maybe it falls
straight through, being so dense, so heavy–
falls through the hardwood, through
the foundation slab, through the ground
beneath, falls through just as if the Earth
were cloud- its atoms so loose,
so far apart, before the falling in.'
#NeutronStarWeek 🧪 🔭 #PoetrySky
straight through, being so dense, so heavy–
falls through the hardwood, through
the foundation slab, through the ground
beneath, falls through just as if the Earth
were cloud- its atoms so loose,
so far apart, before the falling in.'
#NeutronStarWeek 🧪 🔭 #PoetrySky
New illustration practice! A turtle illustration with a watercolor/cutout style! #sciart #ilistration #scienceillustration #marineart
August 16, 2026 at 3:41 PM
New illustration practice! A turtle illustration with a watercolor/cutout style! #sciart #ilistration #scienceillustration #marineart
Reposted by Becca Mellema
The NIH just released a proposal that will apparently hide peer reviewers’ impact scores and percentiles from the research team, their institution, and NIH program officers.
All the better to obscure how funding decisions will be made primarily via political review, I’m guessing.
All the better to obscure how funding decisions will be made primarily via political review, I’m guessing.
NOT-OD-26-088: Request for Information (RFI) on Proposed Changes to Reporting Outcomes from NIH Peer Review
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts: Request for Information (RFI) on Proposed Changes to Reporting Outcomes from NIH Peer Review NOT-OD-26-088. NIH
grants.nih.gov
August 14, 2026 at 9:38 PM
The NIH just released a proposal that will apparently hide peer reviewers’ impact scores and percentiles from the research team, their institution, and NIH program officers.
All the better to obscure how funding decisions will be made primarily via political review, I’m guessing.
All the better to obscure how funding decisions will be made primarily via political review, I’m guessing.
Reposted by Becca Mellema
🧪 The next few years are going to be exhausting, but we don’t want to give any ground. Remember that comments can help provide evidence for future lawsuits, it is important to leave yours.
rfi.grants.nih.gov?s=6a2b1c22c3...
#AcademicSky
rfi.grants.nih.gov?s=6a2b1c22c3...
#AcademicSky
August 15, 2026 at 1:43 PM
🧪 The next few years are going to be exhausting, but we don’t want to give any ground. Remember that comments can help provide evidence for future lawsuits, it is important to leave yours.
rfi.grants.nih.gov?s=6a2b1c22c3...
#AcademicSky
rfi.grants.nih.gov?s=6a2b1c22c3...
#AcademicSky