Information Inequality in the Age of AI: Who Gets to Be Seen?
Inspired by Sandi Toksvig’s Darwin Lecture: ‘Eve’s Byte of the Apple’.
Read MoreApril is passionate about bridging the gap between scientific research and the public. She takes lead in initiatives that promote understanding of complex scientific concepts and has been recognised for her aptitude in science communication.
April played a key role in planning and delivering outreach events, developing communication strategies, and engaging diverse audiences through public forums, lectures, and educational activities. Collaborating with the University's Public Engagement team, she organised events as part of the Cambridge Festival, attracting over 2,000 members of the public to the Department.
As the lead organiser of Immunology Art Day, April designed and implemented a hands-on outreach initiative that combined science and creativity. Working with a team of PhD students, she guided primary school children in creating immune system-inspired sculptures, which were later showcased at the Department’s Open Day. The project received highly positive feedback for its engaging and accessible approach to science communication, inspiring young minds to explore immunology in a fun and interactive way.
At the 2023 British Society of Immunology conference, April presented her research to 200 immunologists and virologists in the Co-evolution of Viruses and the Immune System session. Her talk focused on a newly identified vaccinia virus gene. She explored the potential evolutionary origins of this gene and its role in modulating host immune responses, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms of viral adaptation. Her findings contribute to a deeper understanding of host-virus interactions and their implications for viral evolution and immune system dynamics.
April has presented her research through scientific posters at multiple symposia, demonstrating her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact. Her engaging presentation style, strong visual design, and public speaking skills have earned her recognition, including Best Flash Talk and Poster Presentation at the 2023 MRC-DTP Student Symposium and Best Student Flash Talk and Poster Presentation at the 2022 Department of Pathology Research Symposium. Through these presentations, she effectively translates intricate scientific concepts into accessible and compelling narratives for her audiences.
April was awarded a prize for her presentation at the 2022 Murray Edwards Graduate Symposium, where she successfully communicated her research to a general, non-science audience. This experience highlighted her ability to simplify complex scientific concepts, making them accessible and engaging for individuals without a scientific background. Her clear, concise, and relatable communication style ensures that even the most intricate ideas are understood by diverse audiences, showcasing her talent for bridging the gap between science and the public.
April was awarded funding to attend and present her research at the European Workshop on Cell Death 2022 in Italy, where she addressed an audience of 180 leading cell death experts. This opportunity allowed her to engage with specialists in the field, exchange insights on cell death mechanisms, and further refine her ability to communicate complex scientific findings to an expert audience.
Check out April's blog, a collection of articles that bring science to life.