Author | Lightnews

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Mar 11

This is one of my favs!

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Mar 7

what a clever, sad & on point cartoon satire…

Dr. Rebecca Barnes (she/her) @waterbarnes.bsky.social · Mar 7

Political cartoon from the Chattanooga times free press - cartoonist signature: Bennett

Cartoon shows a box of Crayola crayons with 8 crayons that are white (four in the box, four outside the box). The yellow and green box is labeled: "now diversity, equity, and inclusion free! No DEI"

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Mar 7

Nancy Tuchman is the absolute best! My undergraduate mentor. Enjoy your visit to my alma mater.

1

Reposted by Romi Burks

Ethan White @ethanwhite.weecology.org · Mar 6

Every US scientist needs to 100% clear that this is a fundamental attack on the process of science itself. If allowed to stand it will be the end of US science as we know it. Staying quiet because it does not (yet) target your work is not an option.

www.nature.com/articles/d41...

Exclusive: NIH to terminate hundreds of active research grants

Studies that touch on LGBT+ health, gender identity and DEI in the biomedical workforce could be terminated, according to documents obtained by Nature.

www.nature.com

66 110

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Mar 3

So nice to see some good news on the feed. Congratulations!

1 1

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Mar 2

It’s a lovely afternoon to soak in some sun #SouthwesternU #dogsoncampus #puppers

2

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Mar 2

Agreed. Lots of premature cancellations

Julia Willett @jlewillett.bsky.social · Mar 1

"downsizes" is a weak way of saying "forced to cancel dozens of programs, which jeopardizes future STEM careers of talented undergrads" @science.org www.science.org/content/arti...

NSF downsizes summer research program for undergraduates

Many participants are from groups underrepresented in science

www.science.org

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Mar 1

Next round of #BurksLab #undergraduateresearchers @txacsci.bsky.social #TAS2025 - good work from only bring in the lab since August! My first #TAS was 20+ yrs ago! Crazy how long I’ve been doing this!

2 2

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Mar 1

Nice big group of young scientists from #SouthwesternU attending @txacsci.bsky.social 2025 - molecular ecologists, physiologists, neurobiologists, chemists, engineers, computer scientists. It’s good to #celebratescience

1 3

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Mar 1

who knew there were that many freshwater jellyfish?? Cool topic & poster!

Reposted by Romi Burks

Texas Academy of Science @txacsci.bsky.social · Feb 28

Next up in the science education section, @profromi.bsky.social discusses a CURE based on micro plastic study in freshwater systems #TAS128

1 2

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Feb 28

now this is the #truth

Christina Toms @christinatoms.bsky.social · Feb 27

I don’t have words for what’s happening to my friends and colleagues at NOAA right now… absolutely reckless destruction of one of the world’s premier science-driven, public-serving organizations.

2

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Feb 28

There’s so many REU programs that are cancelling “prematurely” or in anticipation of budget cuts. It’s criminal and demoralizing all around.

1

Reposted by Romi Burks

George Takei @georgetakei.bsky.social · Feb 26

The BBC is quite correct.

490 3K 16K

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Feb 27

9 pm - Just drove to & from Austin airport down Tollway 130. Passed “Tesla” Dr. and office building monstrosity lit up enough to see from space! This is a reflection of who is improving efficiency? #dogeisBS #turnthelightsoff #focusonyourworld

1

Reposted by Romi Burks

Matthew Herron @matthewherron.bsky.social · Feb 25

"Undermining the NSF is not just a threat to universities and researchers — it is a threat to the well-being of every American."
www.chronicle.com/article/the-...

The Rise (and Fall?) of the National Science Foundation

In the ’50s, America declared science an “endless frontier.” We may be reaching the end of it.

www.chronicle.com

21 43

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Feb 26

This would be devastating to a lot of endowments inc Southwestern

1

Reposted by Romi Burks

Dr. Jack Brown @drjackbrown.bsky.social · Feb 20

610 5K 26K

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Feb 20

couldn’t imagine a better colleague - would be lucky to work w @jolatimore.bsky.social

Jo Latimore @jolatimore.bsky.social · Feb 20

Job: Come work with me! Please repost!

We're seeking a faculty colleague whose research, teaching, and outreach focuses on water quality and freshwater ecosystems in the context of climate change. Review of applications will begin April 15, 2025.

careers.msu.edu/jobs/assista...

An image of a tree-lined lake with the text, "We are hiring. Assistant Professor: Water Quality and Impacts of Climate Change. Visit careers.msu.edu. Job No. 1023203. Michigan State University."

1 1

Reposted by Romi Burks

itsperfectlysafe.bsky.social @itsperfectlysafe.bsky.social · Feb 19

#USpolitics #NSF

Geoff Brumfiel @gbrumfiel.bsky.social · Feb 19

NEW: NSF has lost about 10% of its workforce. @jonlambert.bsky.social reports on the impact at the science agency.

"These arbitrary firings and failure of leadership directly impact the agency's ability to evaluate and fund good science," says Mary Feeney, at ASU.
www.npr.org/2025/02/18/n...

National Science Foundation fires roughly 10% of its workforce

NSF fired 168 employees, leaving the agency less equipped to fund a wide range of scientific research.

www.npr.org

1 1

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Feb 19

Just reaching out w-o a personal connection. Wish it was easy to say “it’s their loss” & better things will come, but empty platitudes don’t help. I only hope 4 reversals of fortune in your future & stitching back together of shattered dreams. At least file for unemployment & wrongful termination.

2

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Feb 19

100% this. No words to thank staffers enough - Except there are other words to describe the situation w science & treatment of #NSF & #NIH in general that I’m no longer allowed to use in social media. Here I provide some alternatives:
#tragic #criminal #shortsighted #dystopic #heartbreaking

Ameet Pinto @watermicrobe.bsky.social · Feb 18

Devastated to hear what’s happening at #NSF. Dear colleagues, program managers, affected by this, there are no words to thank you for your service and dedication - always advocating for excellence in research & demonstrating committment to uplifting the nations scientific enterprise. #nowords

1

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Feb 19

None of the research I do now would occur if not for past opportunities provided by #NSF #IRES expanded my thinking and scientific toolkit. Transformative is not just an adjective - it’s actionable. 2014: apple snails from #Uruguay. 2024-2025: now able to explore diversity in #Belize.

1

Romi Burks @profromi.bsky.social · Feb 19

Not the way to tighten the belt of the federal government. Even if, any short term gain will be exponentially lost by the long term cost of devaluation of the scientific process. #leaveNSFalone #letsciencework #protectpotential #fostercuriosity #valuediveristy

Matthew A. Barnes @drbarnes.org · Feb 18

It's almost as if none of these draconian cuts are about saving money. Or the price of eggs, for that matter.

Prosanta Chakrabarty @prosanta.bsky.social · Feb 18

From NSF’s website: ‘Our investments account for about 25% of federal support to America's colleges and universities for basic research: research driven by curiosity and discovery.’

More than 95% of NSF’s budget goes back out the door to fund science. Cutting staff won’t save much tax payer money.

Reposted by Romi Burks

Dr. Rebecca Barnes (she/her) @waterbarnes.bsky.social · Feb 18

nearly 11% of the NSF workforce was fired today.
this WILL slow scientific progress.
this is hurting families.

we need to educate folks about all the GOOD that the gov't can do! To help @500womensci.bsky.social has made social media cards for what #NSF funds in each state: bit.ly/NSF_bystate

25 38