Melissa Jacquart
LightNews LightNews
banner
mjacquart.bsky.social
Melissa Jacquart
@mjacquart.bsky.social
1.9K followers 280 following 35 posts
Assistant Prof @UCincinnati | Philosopher of Science & Astrophysics | Role of Philosophy in SciEd. | Philosophy Pedagogy & SoTL | she/her
Posts Media Videos Starter Packs
Pinned
mjacquart.bsky.social
Melissa Jacquart @mjacquart.bsky.social · Jan 28
Very excited to share that @apotochnik.bsky.social and my element on Public Engagement with Science is out (+ open-access)) I'm really proud of this work of ours. It puts in writing much of the work + thinking done over the last several years @ucpews.bsky.social... www.cambridge.org/core/element...
Public Engagement with Science
Cambridge Core - Life Science Professional Development - Public Engagement with Science
www.cambridge.org
2 15 37
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
apaphilosophy.bsky.social
American Philosophical Association @apaphilosophy.bsky.social · 1d
APA members @mjacquart.bsky.social and Thomas Polger's course on Taylor Swift and Philosophy challenges students to explore the deeper meanings behind the singer's lyrics and public persona as well as broader questions about love, identity, and ethics. www.uc.edu/news/article...
Swiftie in school
UC’s Taylor Swift class gained attention on Oct. 2, when Local 12 reporter Chelsea Sick visited campus to cover the course the day before the release of Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl.
www.uc.edu
1 2
mjacquart.bsky.social
Melissa Jacquart @mjacquart.bsky.social · 27d
Nearly all collaborator challenges I have had stem from some diverging norm about academic work, methods, or personal individual process/work habits. And this compact forces that conversation. I swear by ‘em. I think I have a list of questions that make up the compact. Email me if curious to see it!
3
mjacquart.bsky.social
Melissa Jacquart @mjacquart.bsky.social · 27d
Just like I try to do “compacts” — a collection of norm setting for collaboration questions we talk about — with my student workers, I’m also moving towards this with peers/other faculty collaborators.
1 3
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
seanmcarroll.bsky.social
Sean Carroll @seanmcarroll.bsky.social · Sep 2
Physicists will spend $10 billion on a particle accelerator to understand why there is an "unnatural" hierarchy between the Planck scale and the weak scale, then insist that philosophy has no role and we should shut up and calculate.
seanmcarroll.bsky.social Sean Carroll @seanmcarroll.bsky.social · Sep 2
Today in #PhilosophyOfCosmology we talked about fine-tuning and naturalness, and introduced inflation and eternal inflation.

So many juicy philosophical questions that physicists don't take as seriously as they should! What does it mean for parameters/initial conditions to be "unnatural," anyway?
6 12 120
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
ucphilosophy.bsky.social
University of Cincinnati, Department of Philosophy @ucphilosophy.bsky.social · Aug 28
Professor Melissa Jacquart (@mjacquart.bsky.social) was the keynote speaker this summer at The Hamilton College Summer Program in Philosophy (HCSPiP) Conference in Pedagogical Innovation!

academics.hamilton.e...
1 3
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
hanner.bsky.social
Hannah Waters @hanner.bsky.social · Aug 20
Seeking science journalists: @quantamagazine.bsky.social is hiring a physics editor!

A rare opportunity to join this great team and lead coverage of this foundational vertical. Please reach out with any questions and share widely

simonsfoundation.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/simons...
Physics Editor, Quanta Magazine
POSITION SUMMARY Quanta is seeking an editor to contribute to the magazine’s award-winning physics coverage. This editor will be tasked with finding the most exciting developments in the world of the ...
simonsfoundation.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
1 54 65
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
ucpews.bsky.social
Center for Public Engagement with Science @ucpews.bsky.social · Aug 20
PEWS is highlighting UC student opportunities for 2025–2026 - from internships to communication training, all designed to connect STEM with the broader community.

🔗 ucengagingscience.org/2025/08/18/uc-student-opportunities-2025-2026/

#UCincy #UCPEWS #STEMEducation #CommunityEngagement
UC Student Opportunities 2025-2026
UC graduate and undergraduate students are invited to get involved with the Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS) this year by applying for a paid internship, registering for the Sharing…
ucengagingscience.org
1 1
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
shobitap.org
Shobita Parthasarathy @shobitap.org · Aug 20
Did you know Bluesky's founder has an #STS degree? In a new article, Erin Burkett and I explain why, despite current threats to humanities and social science, "STEM-in-Society programs" like STS are more important than ever. And we guide funders and university leaders how to better support them.
STEM-in-Society Programs Deserve Institutional Support
STEM-in-society programs have proven their utility and have never been more needed—but they are in jeopardy nationwide.
issues.org
3 24 46
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
astrokatie.com
Katie Mack @astrokatie.com · Aug 5
Every reputable expert I know considers mRNA vaccine technology to be one of the most revolutionary advances in medicine in our lifetimes. Its inventors won the Nobel Prize in 2023. Shutting it down now is pointless self-harm to humanity.
ericmgarcia.bsky.social Eric Michael Garcia @ericmgarcia.bsky.social · Aug 5
Release from HHS: HHS will wind down its development of the mRNA vaccine development activities under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).
HHS Winds Down mRNA Vaccine Development Under BARDA WASHINGTON, DC—AUGUST 5, 2025—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the beginning of a coordinated wind-down of its mRNA vaccine development activities under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), including the cancellation and de-scoping of various contracts and solicitations. The decision follows a comprehensive review of mRNA-related investments initiated during the COVID-19 public health emergency. “We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “BARDA is terminating 22 mRNA vaccine development investments because the data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu. We’re shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate.”
550 6.8K 18K
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
bfishbfish.bsky.social
Rebecca Fishbein @bfishbfish.bsky.social · Aug 6
I believe one of the new mRNA vaccines was expected to treat colon cancer, and another had the potential to keep pancreatic cancer from recurring. That’s what they’re taking away.
350 4.5K 9.4K
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
apaphilosophy.bsky.social
American Philosophical Association @apaphilosophy.bsky.social · Jul 9
APA member @mjacquart.bsky.social of the University of Cincinnati is quoted in an @undark.org article on new dark energy findings. www.uc.edu/news/article...
Shifting Forces: The evolving debate around dark energy
In an article in Undark Magazine, a new device has the scientific community questioning whether established theories on dark energy are still valid. Science philosopher Melissa Jaquart weighs in on…
www.uc.edu
2 3
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
padilla.senate.gov
Senator Alex Padilla @padilla.senate.gov · Jun 17
🗣️REMINDER: Trump and Republicans are still trying to pass their 3 TRILLION dollar spending bill that would kick 16 million people off of their health insurance and literally take lunches away from school children. 
 
We can’t let them get away with it.
81 340 1.1K
mjacquart.bsky.social
Melissa Jacquart @mjacquart.bsky.social · May 8
Traditional essays (typically 5000–8000 words, but any length is permitted) as well as Short personal reflections (1,500–3,000 words, akin to Hypatia's Musings). Website CFP has details on potential topics for exploration! ... (3/3)
mjacquart.bsky.social
Melissa Jacquart @mjacquart.bsky.social · May 8
Deadline is June 2, 2025! We're approaching this from two perspectives: (1) teaching graduate students how to teach, and (2) teaching of graduate students and enhancing graduate student learning. Two types of articles are welcomed for this volume: ... (2/3)
1
mjacquart.bsky.social
Melissa Jacquart @mjacquart.bsky.social · May 8
Last Call! Philosophers consider submitting to this @theaapt.bsky.social Studies in Pedagogy Special Issue on Teaching Graduate Students. This special issue is one of (if not the?) first big efforts to think more intentionally about how we as a discipline teach our graduate students ... (1/3)
Calls for Abstracts and Essays
Current Calls: Volume 11CALL FOR PAPERSAre We Having Fun Yet?Joy and Playfulness in Teaching & Learning Philosophy Edited ByRebecca Scott Paper Submission Deadline: Monday, January 13, 20...
aaptstudies.org
1 5 3
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
jelliedsours.bsky.social
Jodie Russell @jelliedsours.bsky.social · Mar 12
We have another great post on the #projectEPIC blog today from @apotochnik.bsky.social that summarises her fantastic new Element co-authored with @mjacquart.bsky.social on public engagement and science: epistemicinjusticeinhealthcareproject.blogspot.com/2025/03/what...

#science #philsky
What is Public Engagement with Science?
epistemicinjusticeinhealthcareproject.blogspot.com
6 11
mjacquart.bsky.social
Melissa Jacquart @mjacquart.bsky.social · Feb 25
“We are DEI” Go undergrads go! #NoSB1
1 2
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
carlbergstrom.com
Carl T. Bergstrom @carlbergstrom.com · Feb 22
Any talk you hear from the current administration about making the US more competitive in science and technology is utter bullshit. What they are doing is sabotaging our country for years if not decades to come.
36 570 1.9K
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
profgalloway.com
Scott Galloway @profgalloway.com · Feb 22
740 12K 60K
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
georgetakei.bsky.social
George Takei @georgetakei.bsky.social · Feb 22
He nails it.
1.5K 25K 100K
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
aoc.bsky.social
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez @aoc.bsky.social · Feb 22
It may not be cool or hip in some circles, but we legitimately do need a massive amount of people to run for office.

Flood the school boards, councils, county seats, state legislatures, Congress, etc.

Big changes at the top happen when the ground shifts at the bottom. And that can start now.
2.1K 23K 110K
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
lethalityjane.bsky.social
ex-Lethality Jane @lethalityjane.bsky.social · Feb 15
The measles outbreak in Texas is reminding me of the public letter Roald Dahl wrote about losing his daughter to measles in 1962, just before the vaccine was publicly available.
Excerpt from a public letter Roald Dahl wrote encouraging people to vaccinate their children. Olivia, my eldest daughter, caught measles when she was seven years old. As the illness took its usual course I can remember reading to her often in bed and not feeling particularly alarmed about it. Then one morning, when she was well on the road to recovery, I was sitting on her bed showing her how to fashion little animals out of coloured pipe-cleaners, and when it came to her turn to make one herself, I noticed that her fingers and her mind were not working together and she couldn’t do anything. “Are you feeling all right?” I asked her. “I feel all sleepy,” she said. In an hour, she was unconscious. In twelve hours she was dead. The measles had turned into a terrible thing called measles encephalitis and there was nothing the doctors could do to save her. That was twenty-four years ago in 1962, but even now, if a child with measles happens to develop the same deadly reaction from measles as Olivia did, there would still be nothing the doctors could do to help her. On the other hand, there is today something that parents can do to make sure that this sort of tragedy does not happen to a child of theirs. They can insist that their child is immunized against measles. I was unable to do that for Olivia in 1962 because in those days a reliable measles vaccine had not been discovered. Today a good and safe vaccine is available to every family and all you have to do is to ask your doctor to administer it.
410 12K 27K
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
williamthomas.bsky.social
Will Thomas @williamthomas.bsky.social · Feb 14
The American Institute of Physics is looking for an associate director who will lead our new policy research and analysis function, which is within my portfolio. We will be busy. americaninstituteofphysics.applicantstack.com/x/openings
1 11 18
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
hps-aaas.bsky.social
HPS @ AAAS @hps-aaas.bsky.social · Feb 14
@hanneand.bsky.social kicking off Historical & Philosophical Literacy As Core Elements of Scientific Proficiency session at #AAASmtg #HPS on how to retool our courses in history & philosophy of science for aspiring scientists & how HPS courses are part of required science curriculum in Denmark.
Hanne giving tLm with slide text "Teaching history and philosophy of science Reflections on literacy and proficiency • Traditional introductory courses in history and philosophy of science (HPS) • Structured as introduction to history and philosophy of science as academic disciplines, often focussed on key concepts, positions and theories, how they differ, and how they have developed as seen from within these disciplines • Goal to intrigue and attract students and to prepare them for futher studies in HPS • Proficiency in history and philosophy of science • Courses in history and philosophy of science for aspiring scientists • Structured instead around challenges that scientists commonly face and which call historical and/or philosophical reflection • Goal to be enable students in their future careers as scientists to critically their own practices, and to engage in conversations with policy makers as general public on the role of science and scientific knowledge Hanne Ven diagram slide
4 11
Reposted by Melissa Jacquart
hps-aaas.bsky.social
HPS @ AAAS @hps-aaas.bsky.social · Feb 14
Third talk in Historical & Philosophical Literacy As Core Elements of Scientific Proficiency session at #AAASmtg #HPS is @williamthomas.bsky.social on importance of researching, teaching documenting, & preserving (!) recent history of efforts to diversify the sciences.
Will & slide text "A Half-Century of Efforts to Diversify the Physical Sciences Journalist declares 'one-man war against critical race il halog an tnd the United States wal be the global leader in STEA VISION theory' after nuke lab holds white privilege training This is really racism masquerading as anti-racism' Baild Streng Foundations for STEM Literac By Victor Garca FeuNirm Increase Diversity, Equiry, and Inclusion in STEM О aAn 12. 3020 11 58am EDT Updated August 17, 2029 7.57pm €0 Prepare the STEM Workforce for the Future 00000 ADVANCING AMERICA'S GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HIGHLIGHTS: 2017-2020 plan's vision and goals. NUCLEAR LAB EXECS SENT TO "WHITE PRIVILEGE" CAMP
4 8