Julia Krolik is an information designer, data scientist, artist and entrepreneur. Her diverse background enables a rare cross-disciplinary empathy and she continuously advocates for effective research communication with the public. Formally educated in the sciences, her work includes published research in microbiology, geospatial analytics, public health, and groundwater quality. As an award-winning artist, Julia fuses scientific methodology into her creative process. Julia is the founder of Art the Science, a non-profit organization facilitating artist residencies in scientific research laboratories across Canada to foster public engagement in art and science. Through her consulting agency Pixels and Plans, Julia and her team work with private and public organizations, helping them with information design, data visualization, communication strategies and knowledge mobilization.

Alex Pedersen is a critical scholar and social scientist. During her degrees, Alex recognized a dearth of knowledge transfer between the academy and the general public. To address this gap, she extends her empirical research through multiple mediums including: publications, formal lectures, public speaking events, radio, theatre and photography. In diversifying access to her research, Alex honed a unique set of skills to plan, design and produce events for a wide variety of audiences. To date, she was responsible for several successful lecture series, community events and fundraisers across diverse settings. Most notably, Alex organized and implemented the 2015 Chancellor Dunning Trust Lectureship and was an advisor for the “Free Queen’s” Steering Committee (an initiative encouraging graduates to bring their work to the wider public). In addition, she has written numerous successful grant applications. An activist at heart, Alex advocates for critical thinking in and beyond academic institutions.

Catherine Lau is a science communicator. Despite being formally trained as a behavioural neuroscientist, Catherine has let her artistic side flourish in an effort to communicate science in a creative manner. Drawing inspiration from neuroscience and her own research, she has created mixed media pieces that were winning entries at Laurentian University’s ICEBATS (art and science) competition and Newfoundland & Labrador’s Arts and Letters Awards Program. Catherine has harnessed a diverse skill set through experiences in science writing, educational programming, exhibit design/prototyping and digital media production. Her interest in using art to communicate science has inspired her research in Canadian art-science organizations and programs. Ultimately, she hopes to develop resources that will contribute to the growth of art-science collaborations and science culture.

Liam Rémillard is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in infectious disease epidemiology at Queen’s University. Liam’s research interests involve the use of spatial-temporal methods to inform geographically-targeted interventions in Ontario. Although Liam has published peer-reviewed journals and presented research at various academic venues, he has realized that these common methods of knowledge translation do not always reach the intended audiences. Liam was drawn toward Art the Science because he sees this organization as an innovative and novel means to connect scientific research with a broader audience. As the Development & Partnerships Officer, Liam is dedicated towards seeking strategic partnerships, pursuing funding opportunities, and growing the network of advisors.

Diana Gore is a graduate of Queen’s University and the University of Toronto and has spent the last decade in Kingston working and volunteering her time with organizations like the Kingston Association of Museums and Art Galleries, Modern Fuel Artist Run Centre, Museum of Health Care, Union Gallery and Agnes Etherington Art Centre. Diana got involved in the Kingston arts community upon completion of her Masters of Museum Studies at the University of Toronto and found a supportive environment where she could develop her skills and interests. She is currently the Administrative and Communications Officer at the Kingston Arts Council. As the Media Relations Officer for Art the Science, Diana helps develop and manages external communication strategies.

Alice Fleerackers is a researcher and lab manager at the ScholCommLab, Vancouver. She holds a master’s in Publishing from Simon Fraser University (SFU), a bachelor’s in Psychology and English Literature from the University of British Columbia (UBC), and hopes to pursue a PhD in Communication at SFU in Fall 2019. A writer and editor, Fleerackers has worked in research, book publishing, journalism, and marketing communications. In both her academic work and her writing, she is passionate about bringing research into everyday life. As a journalist at SAD Mag, she’s had the pleasure of interviewing media specialists, psychologists, anthropologists, and others on everything from cat videos to astrology.