Ep. 13: Kristen Kroll on the Intersection of Science, Academia, and Politics

In this episode of 'We Made This Political,' hosts Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall engage in an enlightening conversation with Kristen Kroll, a developmental biologist at the University of Washington in St. Louis. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the complexities and challenges of conducting cutting-edge scientific research, the evolving landscape of academia, the impact of recent political changes on scientific funding and integrity, and the importance of diversity and equity in STEM fields. Kristen also shares her personal journey and passion for bridging the gap between science and public understanding. Tune in for a riveting exploration of how politics and science intersect in today's world.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:48 Meet the Hosts and Guest

01:43 Kristen Kroll's Academic Journey

02:40 Advancements in Developmental Neurobiology

04:19 Challenges in Research Funding

06:47 The Impact of Federal Funding Cuts

07:53 Public Perception and Misinformation

10:44 The Role of Advocacy in Science

12:59 The Complexity of Modern Science

16:54 The Threat to Academic Integrity

20:21 The Future of Scientific Research

35:41 The Complexity of Modern Research

36:41 Challenges in Healthcare Policy

37:28 The Issue of Paywalls in Scientific Publishing

37:58 The Financial Burden of Publishing

40:27 The Role of NIH Public Access Policy

42:23 Diversity and Access in STEM

43:28 The Future of Academia and Career Advice

45:35 The Impact of Politics on Science

48:19 The Importance of Representation in Science

48:57 Kristen's Advocacy and Outreach Efforts

51:29 Closing Remarks and Future Discussions

01:09:56 Dismantling Expertise in American Institutions

01:11:53 Political Motivations Behind Budget Cuts

01:13:13 The Rise of Techno-Fascism

01:15:15 Challenges in Communicating Science

01:19:01 Complexity in Modern Science and Academia

01:28:33 The Predatory Nature of Scientific Publishing

01:33:28 Advice for Women and Marginalized Groups in STEM

01:39:16 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

Additional Resources

Kristen’s Substack is Democracy, Social Justice, Education, and the Common Good

You can find her research and academic work on the Washington University website.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wemadethispolitical.substack.com