Hey there, I'm Mads!

I am a science communicator and journalist.  My science communication practice focuses on identity, community-building, and behavior-change research. 

As a young nerd, I decided to become a scientist after doing fieldwork with hellbender salamanders (it was the mucus for me). I earned my Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Rochester in 2016. During graduate school, I realized I was more interested in communicating science than doing experiments in a lab. 

I joined NPR as an intern in 2016. Three years later, I became the founding host of NPR’s daily science podcast “Short Wave”. I reported stories on racism in academia and public health, community-centered science,  as well as the biology of some of the earth’s most fascinating creepy-crawlies. I had the immense personal privilege of telling stories that prioritized queer audiences.

These days, I consult, teach science communication workshops, and travel the country to mentor scientists and journalists. In 2024, Ciencia Puerto Rico selected me for the Inclusive Facilitation Fellowship Program.

When I’m not working, I cook, read nerd books, and frolic in the mountains with my big queer family. My pronouns are they/them.