Martina Efeyini
Founder
The NEXT Scientist
I am the Founder of an original science digital communication service with over 100 resources to educate online audiences about science content to make it accessible, engaging, and inclusive. I produce original content for social media posts (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube) using Canva and CapCut to engage audiences with science. I speak on panels, podcasts, and presentations focusing on civic science, diversity, and science communication. I design innovative digital products for campaigns, panels, podcasts, and presentations for a variety of users, including the Aspen Institute’s Science & Society Our Future is Science Program, the National STEM Festival and the Walton Family Foundation.
I love my work because it connects STEM, education, communication, outreach, and mentoring to support the next generation of students. I enjoy talking to students about STEM, careers, college, and finding ways to make STEM more accessible to students. I love interviewing scientists across disciplines who are doing amazing things and changing the STEM narrative. My work gives me the opportunity to use my passions, collaborate, work with different organizations, and surround myself with people who support the greater mission of broadening participation in STEM.
The beauty of my work is that every day is different! Depending on the day and what I am doing I have meetings with the central team members, university members, organizations, professionals, and students. Sometimes, I meet with people to share programming updates, receive feedback, inquire about collaborations, design curriculum, and plan events. Also, I read scientific papers, interview STEM professionals, share resources, create content, edit and write about science careers. I love every stage of the process and it keeps me on my toes because every day is different.
When I was younger, my first mentor was my aunt, who is an electrical engineer. Hearing her talk about her career and being naturally curious inspired me to pursue a science career. My goal was to make an impact in the world and science was the way. I went to Pennsylvania State University (I earned the Gates Millennium Scholarship for a full-ride) and I majored in toxicology. I had several research experiences and I enjoyed working in a laboratory. After undergrad, I went to St. John's University to earn a Master's degree in toxicology with the intention of being a vaccine researcher. I realized that I wanted to support the next generation of scientists. After working as a Science Career Columnist, a CivicSciTV Network Contributing Correspondent , and Science News Civic Science Fellow for some time, I realized that I am looking for a more hands-on approach to STEM outreach. This has evolved into creating The NEXT Scientist, a digital platform with a mission of making science accessible. My varied roles have given me the opportunity to create my own career pathway that intersects STEM, education, communication, and outreach to support the next generation of scientists.
I am currently exploring all of the possibilities! There are many opportunities out there and I am looking for ones that match my passions, skills, and purpose. As long as it meets that criteria, I will consider it. I am grateful for my mentors and excited about my next steps!
I love taking walks, reading books, and trying new plant-based recipes. Also, I enjoy mentoring students who are interested in STEM careers and learning about science.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne Williamson