What are Echo Chambers? Why Do False Information Keep Spreading? | SHE-ensya’s Corner Episode 26

Hello Science Fans!

Who succeeded in convincing you to live a healthy lifestyle?
How were you convinced to take up your high school track or college degree?
What convinced you to vote for or support a political candidate?

In this video, we talk about echo chambers — what they are and how they can become dangerous. We also look at the reasons as to why we can be convinced to change our minds by some people, but not by others. And from there, we jump off to discussing the reasons why false information continue to spread — and be believed — even after they’re shown to be wrong. We talk about a lot of frustrating human tendencies and biases, but all of these are very important if we want to be effective (science) communicators!

Watch this video and learn how to be convincing!

Thank you so much for dropping by!

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, your resident Filipina scientist, in the comments section below.
And remember, when in doubt, always use your (con)science!

Why are Facts Not Enough to Change People’s Minds? How Does this Affect Science Communication? | SHE-ensya’s Corner Episode 25

Hello Science Fans!

Have you rolled your eyes at Viber messages from family that are obviously fakes news?

Have you ever gotten angry trying to explain scientific facts to others?

Have you ever felt confused as to why people would prefer to believe in inaccurate information over scientific discoveries?

Well, today’s post is dedicated to you!

In this video, we talk about one reason why facts do not change people’s minds. Based on existing theories in behavioral science, we look at social evolution and how it has shaped how we pick and choose our beliefs. It’s actually quite surprising how the survival of our ancestors is actually linked to this mental habit that might lead to our extinction,

And though some of the facts presented in this video may end up frustrating you, we also provide an alternative tactic we can take when trying to convince people to trust in science.

After all, science communication is not about forcing our scientific thoughts on others. It’s about welcoming more people in our tribe!

So, if you want to take a peek behind the curtain of the human psyche, please watch our video for today!

Thank you so much for dropping by!

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, your resident Filipina scientist, in the comments section below.

And remember, when in doubt, always use your (con)science!

What is SHE-ensya? Who is Your Resident Filipina Scientist? What is this Channel All About?

Hello Science Fans!

We’re almost ready with new content for you, here at SHE-ensya. But what is SHE-ensya? Who is your resident Filipina scientist? What is the SHE-ensya channel all about?

SHE-ensya started last March 2020, as a creative project on how some science lessons can be simplified and shown to a wider audience. It has since evolved to become a science advocacy and science communication channel were your resident Filipina scientist talks about science topics ranging from molecules to space travel.

As for your resident Filipina scientist, I am Chona Camille VinceCruz-Abeledo. I’m a teacher, a scientist, a geek, and cat mom from the Philippines. I study processes within the cell and out in the environment to help create practical technologies for fishers and farmers. I’m also a fan of computer games, movies, and books within the science fiction and fantasy genres.

SHE-ensya is a channel that’s all about sharing my love for the sciences, and talking about things that science affects (so pretty much everything)! We also want to highlight and empower the contributions of women in the field of science and promote gender equality in STEM!

Please like our videos, subscribe to our channel, and share our fascination and love for science! 

Thank you so much for dropping by!

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, your resident Filipina scientist, in the comments section below.

And remember, when in doubt, always use your (con)science!

Why is LGBTQ+ representation important in the STEM community? | SHE-ensya Why and What’s It Like Series

Hello Science Fans!

The celebration of Pride Month is a protest — it’s a call-to-action for recognition and respect of the existence of the gender spectrum.

In this video, we look at the science and the data that indicates the existence of a sex and gender spectrum in our species. We also look at why this struggle for recognition is important, as we dream of a future where our children will not need to hide their identity for fear of judgement and discrimination.

And most importantly, we talk to courageous XHEroes – representatives of the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippine STEM community — about their experiences as scientists, students, and educators.

This video features the following amazing humans:

1. Anne Agu – Research Associate
2. Kenneth Jay Solis – Educator
3. Bismark Oliver Lemana – PhD student

I hope they can show you how an inclusive community – STEM or otherwise – is more vibrant, is more stronger, and is more wonderful!

Thank you so much for dropping by!

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, your resident Filipina scientist, in the comments section below.

And remember, when in doubt, always use your (con)science!

What is it like to study STEM during a global pandemic? | SHE-ensya What’s It Like Series

Hello Science Fans!

Ever since the global lockdowns, a lot of us have been stuck at home. We are now braving a strange new world, where a lot of things — including learning — must adjust to maintain our safety.

In this video, we look at the reasons why education must still continue, despite existing challenges in our basic needs and the shocks that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to us physically and psychosocially. And more importantly, we talk to SHEroes who have courageously decided to continue their STEM education, and educate others, during these trying times.

This video features two SHEroes who are both STEM students and educators:

1. Ms. Renee Jane Ele
2. Ms. Yokimiko D. Torrejos

I hope they can show the value of education, and its continuity, despite disruptions in the world!

Thank you so much for dropping by!

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, your resident Filipina scientist, in the comments section below.

And remember, when in doubt, always use your (con)science!

What is it like to study the unseen world of Microbiology? | SHE-ensya What’s It Like Series

Hello Science Fans!

Our imagination is often captured by the stars, but I believe the unseen world around and within as is equally as captivating. There are millions of unseen organisms living around us, in uncountable forms and features.

In this video, we look at the history and importance of the study of organisms too small to be seen by the naked eye, also known as Microbiology. And most importantly, we talk to SHEroes who have taken the path to understand further the unseen, and the motivations they had for taking this journey.

This video features two SHEroes who study microorganisms:

1. Dr. Esperanza Cabrera
2. Dr. Llewelyn Moron

I hope they can inspire you to study the unseen worlds around us!

Thank you so much for dropping by!

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, your resident Filipina scientist, in the comments section below.

And remember, when in doubt, always use your (con)science!

What is it like to study the stars? | SHE-ensya What’s It Like Series

Hello Science Fans!

Did you ever want to be an astronaut? That was my ultimate dream as a kid. Eventually, I fell in love with the spaces within our cells instead, but a part of me still wonders what it would have been like to study outer space instead.

In this video, we look at the disciplines involved in studying astronomy. We describe the different professions that an astronomy graduate can take up. And most importantly, we talk to SHEroes who have taken the path to the stars, and the motivations they had for taking this journey.

This video features two SHEroes who study the stars:

1. Dr. Reina Reyes – Astrophysicist
2. Ms. Nicfreida Gomez – Astronomy student

I hope they can inspire you too, that we can all reach for the stars!

Thank you so much for dropping by!

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, your resident Filipina scientist, in the comments section below.

And remember, when in doubt, always use your (con)science!

What is it like to do Science Communication in the Philippines? | SHE-ensya What’s It Like Series

Hello Science Fans!

To inspire the next generation to love science, we need role models from all walks of life. And we seem to have less personalities and icons that people know about in the field of STEM.

It’s hard to look at ourselves as potential role models… But the thing is, sometimes we need to at least let our voices be heard to start a movement, to catalyze change.

I’m re-sharing one of my favorite “What’s It Like” episodes, because it features my idol, my role model, in the field of Sci Comm. I met her as a volunteer for this amazing organization that teaches science to kids, and she ignited a fire in me, that forced me out of my comfort zone to advocate for the popularization of science — that eventually led to the creation of this channel.

In this episode, I’m proud to feature Ms. Cari Laroza, one of the founders of AghamJuan.

I hope she can inspire you, too, to share your love for science!

Thank you so much for dropping by!

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, your resident Filipina scientist, in the comments section below.

And remember, when in doubt, always use your (con)science!