Rachel S.
@rayezilla.bsky.social
STEM educator | Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship 18-19 @ NASA Aero | PAEMST Awardee 2023 |Climate Change Research Initiative 24-25 @ GSFC.
Sometimes I lift heavy things, and I like cheese. “Like a TED talk with a sprinkle of catnip.”
Sometimes I lift heavy things, and I like cheese. “Like a TED talk with a sprinkle of catnip.”
Pinned
Rachel S.
@rayezilla.bsky.social
· Nov 16
Hi BlueSky! I’m a high school teacher/STEM coordinator at an independent school. I’m also a Climate Change Research Initiative associate researcher/educator at NASA. I’m here for community, science, corgis, and STEM education. Here’s a photo of my students and I in Costa Rica last summer. #EduSky
Reposted by Rachel S.
I subscribe to the federal register to look at proposed federal rules (because I'm fun), and I saw that the EPA is having a virtual public hearing on August 19-20 on the repeal of greenhouse gas emission standards for vehicles and engines. @lizneeley.bsky.social Do folks know about this?
www.federalregister.gov
August 1, 2025 at 8:54 PM
I subscribe to the federal register to look at proposed federal rules (because I'm fun), and I saw that the EPA is having a virtual public hearing on August 19-20 on the repeal of greenhouse gas emission standards for vehicles and engines. @lizneeley.bsky.social Do folks know about this?
Reposted by Rachel S.
💡Apply for AGU travel grants, travel fellowships and research grants!
📚 These programs provide support for students, helping cover costs and educational expenses associated with attending #AGU25 or participating in early career-building activities.
➡️ Apply by 13 August: buff.ly/RWwTRvl
📚 These programs provide support for students, helping cover costs and educational expenses associated with attending #AGU25 or participating in early career-building activities.
➡️ Apply by 13 August: buff.ly/RWwTRvl
August 1, 2025 at 2:26 PM
💡Apply for AGU travel grants, travel fellowships and research grants!
📚 These programs provide support for students, helping cover costs and educational expenses associated with attending #AGU25 or participating in early career-building activities.
➡️ Apply by 13 August: buff.ly/RWwTRvl
📚 These programs provide support for students, helping cover costs and educational expenses associated with attending #AGU25 or participating in early career-building activities.
➡️ Apply by 13 August: buff.ly/RWwTRvl
Reposted by Rachel S.
“We’re scared of retaliation. We huddle in the bathroom and look under the stalls to make sure that no one else is there before we talk.
I’m already at risk of losing my job, and I’d rather speak out and try to save something at NASA, rather than just hide under my desk until I get laid off.”
I’m already at risk of losing my job, and I’d rather speak out and try to save something at NASA, rather than just hide under my desk until I get laid off.”
Hundreds of NASA Employees, Past and Present, Sign Letter of Formal Dissent
www.nytimes.com
July 21, 2025 at 3:16 PM
“We’re scared of retaliation. We huddle in the bathroom and look under the stalls to make sure that no one else is there before we talk.
I’m already at risk of losing my job, and I’d rather speak out and try to save something at NASA, rather than just hide under my desk until I get laid off.”
I’m already at risk of losing my job, and I’d rather speak out and try to save something at NASA, rather than just hide under my desk until I get laid off.”
Reposted by Rachel S.
Hey, #iTeachChem! Who else will be at @chemed2025co.bsky.social ? Come to my workshop at 2:30 on Wednesday (why is my calendar on PDT??)
Also, why are there so many other talks I want to see during this time slot??
Also, why are there so many other talks I want to see during this time slot??
July 5, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Hey, #iTeachChem! Who else will be at @chemed2025co.bsky.social ? Come to my workshop at 2:30 on Wednesday (why is my calendar on PDT??)
Also, why are there so many other talks I want to see during this time slot??
Also, why are there so many other talks I want to see during this time slot??
Reposted by Rachel S.
NEW: The FDA's new top vaccine official overrode the decision of staff on the approval of two new Covid vaccines. Staff signed off on approval for all 12+. Dr. Vinay Prasad changed it to 65+ and under 65 w/medical condition, citing "known and unknown" risks.
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/02/h...
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/02/h...
Top F.D.A. Official Overrode Scientists on Covid Shots
www.nytimes.com
July 2, 2025 at 5:43 PM
NEW: The FDA's new top vaccine official overrode the decision of staff on the approval of two new Covid vaccines. Staff signed off on approval for all 12+. Dr. Vinay Prasad changed it to 65+ and under 65 w/medical condition, citing "known and unknown" risks.
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/02/h...
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/02/h...
Reposted by Rachel S.
Good news: the Senate parliamentarian removed the terrible provision that would have opened millions of acres of public lands to fossil fuel interests from the Republican's Big Ugly Bill. 🧵
June 25, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Good news: the Senate parliamentarian removed the terrible provision that would have opened millions of acres of public lands to fossil fuel interests from the Republican's Big Ugly Bill. 🧵
Reposted by Rachel S.
You have FOUR (4) more days to order a Biology is Bigger than Binaries shirt, designed by the lovely and talented @franzanth.bsky.social.
In this nightmare of a year, merch is keeping @skypeascientist.bsky.social afloat. Even if you don't order, RT's help so much!
Get 'em: squidfacts.bigcartel.com
In this nightmare of a year, merch is keeping @skypeascientist.bsky.social afloat. Even if you don't order, RT's help so much!
Get 'em: squidfacts.bigcartel.com
May 28, 2025 at 2:21 PM
You have FOUR (4) more days to order a Biology is Bigger than Binaries shirt, designed by the lovely and talented @franzanth.bsky.social.
In this nightmare of a year, merch is keeping @skypeascientist.bsky.social afloat. Even if you don't order, RT's help so much!
Get 'em: squidfacts.bigcartel.com
In this nightmare of a year, merch is keeping @skypeascientist.bsky.social afloat. Even if you don't order, RT's help so much!
Get 'em: squidfacts.bigcartel.com
Reposted by Rachel S.
NEW: Under Trump, the National Science Foundation is awarding grants at the slowest pace in decades. We took a detailed look at every area of science affected by the funding lag. Here's a gift link: www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
May 22, 2025 at 1:21 PM
NEW: Under Trump, the National Science Foundation is awarding grants at the slowest pace in decades. We took a detailed look at every area of science affected by the funding lag. Here's a gift link: www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Rachel S.
9 people were killed in a tornado last night in KY. The NWS office responsible for that area has faced some of the most extreme cuts by the Trump administration, including the loss of overnight forecasting.
Last night, they were rushing to find help for the office.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/16/w...
Last night, they were rushing to find help for the office.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/16/w...
After Cuts, a Kentucky Weather Office Scrambles for Staffing as Severe Storms Bear Down
www.nytimes.com
May 17, 2025 at 1:24 PM
9 people were killed in a tornado last night in KY. The NWS office responsible for that area has faced some of the most extreme cuts by the Trump administration, including the loss of overnight forecasting.
Last night, they were rushing to find help for the office.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/16/w...
Last night, they were rushing to find help for the office.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/16/w...
Empower Your STEM Teaching with NASA Resources
Join STEM education leaders Dr. Ryan Miller and Rachel Stagner for an immersive, hands-on professional development experience centered on NASA’s Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI). #PD #EduSky #ClimateChangeEducation
RSVP via bit.ly/3Gjrqik
Join STEM education leaders Dr. Ryan Miller and Rachel Stagner for an immersive, hands-on professional development experience centered on NASA’s Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI). #PD #EduSky #ClimateChangeEducation
RSVP via bit.ly/3Gjrqik
May 14, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Empower Your STEM Teaching with NASA Resources
Join STEM education leaders Dr. Ryan Miller and Rachel Stagner for an immersive, hands-on professional development experience centered on NASA’s Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI). #PD #EduSky #ClimateChangeEducation
RSVP via bit.ly/3Gjrqik
Join STEM education leaders Dr. Ryan Miller and Rachel Stagner for an immersive, hands-on professional development experience centered on NASA’s Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI). #PD #EduSky #ClimateChangeEducation
RSVP via bit.ly/3Gjrqik
Reposted by Rachel S.
Another scoop from Jeff Mervis (@policyhound.bsky.social): NSF's ~1400 grant terminations have disproportionately affected PIs from groups underrepresented in science: women, racial & ethnic minorities, & those with disabilities. 1/3
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
Trump officials take steps toward a radically different NSF
Efforts to shrink staff, budget, and focus have alarmed members of Congress
www.science.org
May 13, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Another scoop from Jeff Mervis (@policyhound.bsky.social): NSF's ~1400 grant terminations have disproportionately affected PIs from groups underrepresented in science: women, racial & ethnic minorities, & those with disabilities. 1/3
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Rachel S.
NEW: US weather forecasting is in worse shape than previously known, with 30 NWS forecast offices missing meteorologists-in-charge and about a dozen offices at risk of no longer serving their communities 24/7. www.cnn.com/2025/05/02/w...
US weather forecasting is more crippled than previously thought as hurricane season nears | CNN
Several current and former agency meteorologists and staff told CNN they are concerned warnings won’t be issued in time as hurricane season nears.
www.cnn.com
May 2, 2025 at 1:47 PM
NEW: US weather forecasting is in worse shape than previously known, with 30 NWS forecast offices missing meteorologists-in-charge and about a dozen offices at risk of no longer serving their communities 24/7. www.cnn.com/2025/05/02/w...
Excited to share that I'll be cohosting a NASA CCRI STEM PD Event on May 24 at American University. There is also the option to attend virtually. Please share with your networks, and we hope to see you there! Check the flyer for the sign up link and more details. #PD #STEM #EduSky
May 2, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Reposted by Rachel S.
NASA is canceling the lease of its NYC climate center, made famous when its first-floor diner, Tom's, appeared o̶n̶ ̶"̶S̶e̶i̶n̶f̶e̶l̶d̶"̶ in a Suzanne Vega song.
Staff are expected to work remotely until a new space is found.
🎁🔗 with @lorengrush.bsky.social :
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Staff are expected to work remotely until a new space is found.
🎁🔗 with @lorengrush.bsky.social :
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
NASA Cancels Columbia University Lease for Climate Science Unit
NASA is canceling the lease of its New York City climate science unit that has occupied the same Columbia University-owned building since the 1960s.
www.bloomberg.com
April 25, 2025 at 1:17 AM
NASA is canceling the lease of its NYC climate center, made famous when its first-floor diner, Tom's, appeared o̶n̶ ̶"̶S̶e̶i̶n̶f̶e̶l̶d̶"̶ in a Suzanne Vega song.
Staff are expected to work remotely until a new space is found.
🎁🔗 with @lorengrush.bsky.social :
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Staff are expected to work remotely until a new space is found.
🎁🔗 with @lorengrush.bsky.social :
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Rachel S.
If you're a DC/MD/VA STEM Educator, we're starting a group to support and foster collaboration and networking! Our inaugural event is on May 9th at American University. See the attached flyer, and please forward to any friends! @drsullivan.bsky.social #EduSky
April 13, 2025 at 5:12 PM
If you're a DC/MD/VA STEM Educator, we're starting a group to support and foster collaboration and networking! Our inaugural event is on May 9th at American University. See the attached flyer, and please forward to any friends! @drsullivan.bsky.social #EduSky
If you're a DC/MD/VA STEM Educator, we're starting a group to support and foster collaboration and networking! Our inaugural event is on May 9th at American University. See the attached flyer, and please forward to any friends! @drsullivan.bsky.social #EduSky
April 13, 2025 at 5:12 PM
If you're a DC/MD/VA STEM Educator, we're starting a group to support and foster collaboration and networking! Our inaugural event is on May 9th at American University. See the attached flyer, and please forward to any friends! @drsullivan.bsky.social #EduSky
Reposted by Rachel S.
#ICE can now enter K-12 schools. A legal scholar details what educators should know about student rights and privacy: buff.ly/rjPiXIg #immigration #edusky
Brian Boggs @umich.edu
Brian Boggs @umich.edu
ICE can now enter K-12 schools − here’s what educators should know about student rights and privacy
Educators must obey the law, meaning schools cannot impede a criminal investigation. But students and teachers have rights, too.
buff.ly
April 12, 2025 at 12:07 AM
#ICE can now enter K-12 schools. A legal scholar details what educators should know about student rights and privacy: buff.ly/rjPiXIg #immigration #edusky
Brian Boggs @umich.edu
Brian Boggs @umich.edu
Reposted by Rachel S.
Val Edward Kilmer, the charismatic actor whose baritone voice and range propelled him to stardom in roles, has died at the age of 65, according to the Associated Press on Wednesday.
Kilmer died of pneumonia, his daughter told the AP.
Kilmer died of pneumonia, his daughter told the AP.
Val Kilmer, who portrayed Batman and starred in ‘Top Gun,’ dies at 65
Val Kilmer died of pneumonia, his daughter told the AP. He had a previous bout with throat cancer, which took away his voice and much of his ability to speak.
www.washingtonpost.com
April 2, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Val Edward Kilmer, the charismatic actor whose baritone voice and range propelled him to stardom in roles, has died at the age of 65, according to the Associated Press on Wednesday.
Kilmer died of pneumonia, his daughter told the AP.
Kilmer died of pneumonia, his daughter told the AP.
Reposted by Rachel S.
A really cool new study on the impact of climate activism has just dropped! Some highlights:
1) "There is strong evidence that climate activism shifts public opinion and media coverage in a pro-climate direction, but this varies by context and the tactics employed."
1) "There is strong evidence that climate activism shifts public opinion and media coverage in a pro-climate direction, but this varies by context and the tactics employed."
The impacts of climate activism
We review 50 studies on the impacts of climate activism. We present the existing evidence in a map of what we know about climate activism and its impa…
www.sciencedirect.com
March 27, 2025 at 7:15 PM
A really cool new study on the impact of climate activism has just dropped! Some highlights:
1) "There is strong evidence that climate activism shifts public opinion and media coverage in a pro-climate direction, but this varies by context and the tactics employed."
1) "There is strong evidence that climate activism shifts public opinion and media coverage in a pro-climate direction, but this varies by context and the tactics employed."
Reposted by Rachel S.
Elon Musk says that no one has died because he slashed humanitarian aid. I went to South Sudan to check if that's true. It's not. Meet Peter, Achol and Evan, ages 10, 8 and 5. The reckless actions of the world's richest men are killing the world's poorest kids www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Opinion | Musk Said No One Has Died Since Aid Was Cut. That Isn’t True. (Gift Article)
A journey through the front lines of global poverty shows that when the world’s richest men slash aid for the world’s poorest children, the result is sickness, starvation and death.
www.nytimes.com
March 15, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Elon Musk says that no one has died because he slashed humanitarian aid. I went to South Sudan to check if that's true. It's not. Meet Peter, Achol and Evan, ages 10, 8 and 5. The reckless actions of the world's richest men are killing the world's poorest kids www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Rachel S.
I am truly honored to be joining this fantastic group of individuals tomorrow, all of whom will join me at the Lincoln Memorial* in Washington DC to #StandUpForScience!
standupforscience2025.org/dc-rally/
____
*Lincoln--the very first Republican President--created the National Academy of Sciences
standupforscience2025.org/dc-rally/
____
*Lincoln--the very first Republican President--created the National Academy of Sciences
March 7, 2025 at 1:58 AM
I am truly honored to be joining this fantastic group of individuals tomorrow, all of whom will join me at the Lincoln Memorial* in Washington DC to #StandUpForScience!
standupforscience2025.org/dc-rally/
____
*Lincoln--the very first Republican President--created the National Academy of Sciences
standupforscience2025.org/dc-rally/
____
*Lincoln--the very first Republican President--created the National Academy of Sciences