| Abstract: The landscape of academic science has changed significantly in recent decades and is poised to change even more in the future. We can leverage these cultural changes to create an environment that is both inclusive to more people and more effective in preparing students (science majors and non-majors alike) for a wider variety of careers and more broadly defined success. I’ll share my own path to science and a variety of science projects I have been involved in along the way to becoming tenured faculty at the City University of New York, including: planetarium shows, parody music videos, media appearances, an concept-oriented lab manual, Astronomy on Tap public outreach events, STARtorialist science fashion blog and shop, the AstroCom NYC research mentorship program, and last but certainly not least, the BDNYC brown dwarf research group. The implicit mission that connects these eclectic projects is to expand support for, participation in, and even the definition of science. Link to the Event Video |