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Dr. Cynthia Chang

@drcynthiacchang.bsky.social
768 followers 1.4K following 3 posts

she/her/hers | Mom | Ecologist | Associate Professor @UWBothell | thinks about plant community assembly and succession; inclusion in STEM

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Reposted by Dr. Cynthia Chang
Liz Neeley @lizneeley.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Each Friday, I summarize what is happening to American science & higher ed. 🧪 (Failed to post here this weekend) Week 36: - Reinstatement of UCLA funding - analysis of H1B visa impacts - pocket rescissions, "domestic terrorism" & so much more buttondown.email/liminalcreat...
buttondown.email
Meeting the Moment
Hi! I’m Liz Neeley and I’m glad you’re here. Each Friday evening, I write a summary of the week’s events in science and higher education. I pull together roughly three bulleted paragraphs about what ...
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Bailey Bowcutt @baileybowcutt.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
I'm a current Harvard graduate student and I found out today that I had my NSF GRFP terminated without notification. I was awarded this individual research fellowship before even choosing Harvard as my graduate school
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Dave Baltrus 🦦 @surtlab.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
All NSF GRFPs to students choosing to attend Harvard in the Fall were just terminated
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Dr. Lucky Tran @luckytran.com · 20/05/2025
Under its new leadership — who spread misinformation throughout the pandemic — the FDA announced it will limit all Covid vaccines to adults over 65 and those with certain medical conditions. Covid continues to spread and cause harm. This an anti-science move that will kill more Americans.
F.D.A. Poised to Restrict Access to Covid Vaccines
Agency leaders said there was evidence to justify approval only for older people and those with medical conditions. Many others may not be able to get the shots.
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Kingfisher & Wombat @tkingfisher.com · 20/05/2025
Takes five seconds, and might mean you can still get COVID boosters.
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Kate Clancy @kateclancy.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
Our uni has good policies for this on campus but I'm not sure they're prepared to do anything if our colleagues are snatched around town. Vulnerable folks: please don't go anywhere alone right now. If you live in CU I'll drive you door to door if you don't have a buddy.
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Niko Bowie @nikobowie.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
From 91 professors at Harvard Law School: a letter to our students. tinyurl.com/letter-to-ou...
A LETTER TO HARVARD LAW SCHOOL STUDENTS
March 29, 2025
To our students:
We are privileged to teach and learn the law with you. We write to you today—in our individual capacities-because we believe that American legal precepts and the institutions designed to uphold them are being severely tested, and many of you have expressed to us your concerns and fears about the present moment.
Each of us brings different, sometimes irreconcilable, perspectives to what the law is and should be. Diverse viewpoints are a credit to our school. But we share, and take seriously, a commitment to the rule of law: for people to be equal before it, and for its administration to be impartial. That commitment is foundational to the whole legal profession, and to the special role that lawyers play in our society. As the Model Rules of Professional Conduct provide: "A lawyer is ... an officer of the legal system and a public citizen having special responsibility for the quality of justice."
The rule of law is imperiled when government leaders:
• single out lawyers and law firms for retribution based on their lawful and ethical representation of clients disfavored by the government, undermining the Sixth Amendment;
• threaten law firms and legal clinics for their lawyers' pro bono work or prior government service;
• relent on those arbitrary threats based on public acts of submission and outlays of funds for favored causes; and
• punish people for lawfully speaking out on matters of public concern.
While reasonable people can disagree about the characterization of particular incidents, we are all acutely concerned that severe challenges to the rule of law are taking place, and we strongly condemn any effort to undermine the basic norms we have described.
On our own campus and at many other universities, international students have reported fear of imprisonment or deportation for lawful speech and political activism. Whatever we might each think about particular conduct under particular facts,…
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AG Andrea Joy Campbell @massago.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
What's happening to Rumeysa Ozturk is devastating and unjust - we should ALL be concerned about the federal government detaining law-abiding civilians off the street. My office continues to be in touch with Rumeysa's attorneys about how we can be supportive.
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Chanda Prescod-Weinstein 🌌 @chanda.blacksky.app · 11/03/2025
This is much more worrisome than the attack on Columbia because public universities, especially in poor states, do not have an endowment to help keep the institution running.
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Gillian Branstetter @gbbranstetter.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
They have to review and respond to every unique comment by law, so every message you send below supports efforts to block this policy from further harming trans people.
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Dr. David Miller 🏳️‍🌈 @davidimiller.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
🧪🚨 NSF's Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) has halted making nearly all new awards since inauguration day. Among *many* other things, EDU runs the Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). We need to protect the education & training of the next gen of scientists #StandUpForScience Thread👇🧵
Graph between 1/20 and 2/28 of fiscal year 2024 and 2025 new awards in the EDU directorate.
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Kim Komatsu @drkimkomatsu.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
There is a lot of misinformation going around about the mass firing of federal employees. If you were laid off, please share your story (anonymously) here: peopletrumpfired.com We aim to have thousands of stories, more than the media could hope to cover, publicly available in a neutral space.
peopletrumpfired.com
People Trump Fired – A place for workers to speak.
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Stand Up for Science! @standupforscience.net · 12/02/2025
Welcome to the Bluesky account for Stand Up for Science 2025! Keep an eye on this space for updates, event information, and ways to get involved. We can't wait to see everyone #standupforscience2025 on March 7th, both in DC and locations nationwide! #scienceforall #sciencenotsilence
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Usha Lee McFarling @usha.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
NEW: Trump actions on science may affect a generation as pauses + cuts in graduate admissions begin. “We had just flown them out, we told them we love you, we want to admit you, and then everything just stopped." "It's freezing everybody into inaction." www.statnews.com/2025/02/19/t...
statnews.com
Graduate student admissions paused and cut back as universities react to Trump orders on research
In response to Trump science policies, universities are accepting fewer graduate students than normal and freezing positions, STAT has learned.
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Dr. Cynthia Chang @drcynthiacchang.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
The committee on Science, Space, and Technology are collecting testimony of Federal employees fired in the past days. Please share with your colleagues and friends. The more testimony, the better we can argue against this injustice.
democrats-science.house.gov
Were you fired by President Trump? | House Committee on Science, Space and Technology
The House Committee on Science, Space and Technology
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Climate Science Legal Defense Fund @csldf.org · 19/02/2025
With science under attack in all areas of research, including climate change, repro health, & public health, political advocacy is more important than ever. @csldf.org offers free legal resources for scientists to engage safely & effectively in political advocacy. www.csldf.org/political-ac...
Photo of lots of people at a pro-science rally. Text overlay reads "Scientists: Learn how to speak out for science safely and effectively"
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Jacquelyn Gill @jacquelyngill.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Firings are happening right now at the National Science Foundation. Essential staff are being cut. This isn’t about the budget. If it was, they’d be going after the military (17%) or state appropriations (38%). NSF is 0.7% of the federal budget. All federal employees make up only 4% of the budget.
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Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 18/02/2025
1/ Within one week of releasing our action alert, almost 10k UCS supporters have sent emails to their members of Congress to support the passing of the Scientific Integrity (SI) Act. Looking for a quick way to add your voice and support for Scientific Integrity? Use the link below!
secure.ucsusa.org
Urge Congress to Institute Scientific Integrity Protections for Federal Scientists
Scientists working for the federal government need safeguards to do evidence-based work and to inform our nation’s policymaking without political interference. Urge Congress to support the Scientific ...
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Crystal Fleming is on sabbatical @alwaystheself.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
An inspiring article on courageous community college leaders who are *publicly* organizing and standing up against DEI attacks.. www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
insidehighered.com
Grassroots college leader group resists anti-DEI legislation
Education for All, a grassroots network of mostly community college leaders, is spreading strategies for how to resist anti-DEI bills and rhetoric.
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Jonathan Lambert @jonlambert.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
I'm starting to hear that NSF firings have begun. If you're affected and want to talk, please reach out via signal @jonlambert.12
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Leslie Rissler @ljrissler.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Colleagues, including my partner, with years of service at the agency. Some Permanent POs reclassified as Probationary. Exceptional scientists who were former professors at major institutions, and came to NSF to serve the community and ensure science thrives in the US.
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Leslie Rissler @ljrissler.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Firings happening right now at the NSF.
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Jonathan Lambert @jonlambert.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Is your NSF grant on this list? Reach out if so! Ted Cruz released a list of grants flagged for DEI or "neo-Marxist class warfare propaganda" from his Oct. report. NSF is using keywords from that report for their review, though Cruz's list is likely larger. www.commerce.senate.gov/2025/2/cruz-...
commerce.senate.gov
Cruz-Led Investigation Uncovers $2 Billion in Woke DEI Grants at NSF, Releases Full Database
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Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️ @napaaqtuk.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
If you have an undergrad that will graduate this year but who needs a little more research experience before their next step, encourage them to apply to the UConn RAMP program. genome-postbac.biology.clas.uconn.edu. The application deadline for the 2025 cohort is February 21st. 🧪 1/2
genome-postbac.biology.clas.uconn.edu
Home | Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates
Welcome to the UConn RaMP on Genomic NoveltyUConn RaMP is the yearlong Research Training Program for recent graduates with a primary focus on first generati ...
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Josh Eyler @josheyler.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Dear @hhmi.bsky.social: As a private organization with billions of available dollars, you should have been exactly the kind of organization to resist government overreach. There is no earthly reason why IE3 should have been shut down. So many are saddened and angry.
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Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️ @napaaqtuk.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
🌿 Over 50 Indigenous Peoples from around the world collaborated on this groundbreaking book (including me!), now available for preorder. 📚 Use code S25 for 20% off and free shipping through June 30, 2025. #NativesInSTEM #IndigenizeSTEM #NativesInAcademia osupress.oregonstate.edu/book/indigen...
osupress.oregonstate.edu
Indigenous Critical Reflections on Traditional Ecological Knowledge
With more than fifty contributors, Indigenous Critical Reflections on Traditional Ecological Knowledge offers important perspectives by Indigenous Peoples on Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Indig...
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Long Term Ecological Research Network (United States) @uslter.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
REU programs are starting to come out across the LTER Network! See all the postings below. REU opportunities will continue to come out through the winter, so check back often for the most up-to-date postings. lternet.edu/education-an...
lternet.edu
Undergraduate Research Opportunities - LTER
NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites Program. The REU program allows for active research partic...
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Felix Javier @felixjavier.bsky.social · 23/10/2024
I started gathering a list for REUs/Summer research opportunities for undergraduate students in Ecology/Conservation/Evolutionary Biology. Feel share to share with any undergraduate students who may be interested in participating in *PAID* research. docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
docs.google.com
REUs/Summer Research 2024 List (Ecology and Evolution)
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DisabledInSTEM @disabledinstem.bsky.social · 20/10/2024
It's time to start organizing the 2025 #DisabledInSTEM Mentorship Program! Feel free to reach out with any questions! Mentee application: forms.gle/Xgha7wf6vrwa... Mentor application: forms.gle/mc5a8Bc6mXJX...
A graphic made on Canvas stating that the DisabledInSTEM 2025 Mentorship Program is now open and that applications are due December 7th. It also states this is going to be the fifth year of the program. On the pink ombre background, there are colored test tubes and glasses in the corners.
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Ally C., PhD 🧠🔬 @acara333.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
Scientists who study sex variables ("differences")- now more than ever you need to be extremely specific and careful when you discuss sex in your work and with the public. Our language can be weaponized against sex and gender minorities, and justify policy trying to restrict them from public space.
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Jonathan Huie, PhD @jmhuie.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
I want to follow more Asian EEB scientists but I’m drawing blanks. I know there are so many more us out there. Please repost (re-skeet?), make suggestions, or proudly ask to be added!! 🧪 🐟 🦎 go.bsky.app/E1ppJra
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Michigan Sea Grant @miseagrant.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Wake up babe, new Robin Wall Kimmerer just dropped:
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Andy Lee, PhD @andylee.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
coming down to the wires on #LGBTQSTEMDay to share a little starter pack of QPOC EEB scientists!! help grow this community and nominate your fave QPOC EEBer! CCmment/DM if you'd like to be added, I would love to connect :) go.bsky.app/S5fpXWm
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Dr. Sara L Middleton @saralilplants.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
Aloe there 👋🏽 Here is a starter pack with Black researchers, practitioners & orgs working with plants in the broadest sense (botany, forestry, plant ecology, crop science, herbaria, botanic gardens) Hoping this will help set seed for a nurturing community! Reply 🔽 to be added go.bsky.app/7Gn2NCb
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Holly Moeller @mixotrophe.bsky.social · 10/01/2024
As Prof. Priyanga Amarasekare's heartbreaking saga at UCLA drags into another year, I've compiled a thread of articles written about the situation. My sardonic take: Some people didn't like to be accused of racism and decided to destroy her career over their hurt feelings. 1/21
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CoreyWelch_STEM @coreywelch.bsky.social · 27/11/2023
Grads of color proportionately carry large amounts of student loan debt, among other disparities. Good data set. Also, as is typical, Native PhDs do not appear to be included in the study. Trying get to the study...embedded link not working.
insidehighered.com
New report finds disparities for Black STEM Ph.D.s
A new report finds they disproportionately carry large amounts of student loan debt, among other disparities faced by STEM doctoral grads of color.
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Kevin Nguyen @knguyen.bsky.social · 25/10/2023
A year of reporting, and maybe the scariest story I’ve ever worked on—the cyber-stalker targeting Asian Americans www.theverge.com/c/features/2...
theverge.com
The obsessive tormenter who made professors’ lives miserable
It didn’t matter if she knew you — if you were a professor and Asian American, you were a potential target.
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Tristan Gray @eidyngray.scot · 03/10/2023
Folks, this is a usability game-changer. Turn it on! In your settings -> Thread Preferences. Turns the threading of post replies into a reddit-like structure instead of twitter-like. *SO* much easier to navigate and read without having to backtrack and re-click replies to unlock threads.
Screen cap of Threaded Mode experimental setting turned on
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Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️ @napaaqtuk.bsky.social · 11/10/2023
It blows me away that the way Universities solve budget crises is to not hire faculty or instructors. Like, what is a University without people to teach classes and lead labs? Fewer faculty means more service and teaching time on the remaining faculty, less time for research, and increased burnout.
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Allison Horst @allisonhorst.bsky.social · 23/08/2023
Teaching intro data science or stats in environmental sciences / ecology this fall? The lterdatasampler package is now on CRAN, with curated real world datasets from the US Long Term Ecological Research program! Check it out: lter.github.io/lterdatasamp...
A hexagonal design with the words lterdatasampler at the top. Within the border are plants, animals and weather patterns representing the different datasets currently in the package.
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Jacob Clifton @jacobclifton.com · 10/10/2023
A great story about my friends who were forced out of Texas, written by -- gasp! -- a trans writer who actually knows what they're talking about. The difference between this story and most coverage are night & day. Made me cry.
seattletimes.com
A family fled to WA to protect their trans child. Here’s how their life changed
One year after relocating to the Seattle area, a family reflects on why their difficult move from Austin was worth it to protect their trans daughter.
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Dr. Sabine Hermisson 🦋 @sabinehermisson.bsky.social · 10/10/2023
"When you debate a person about something that affects them more than it affects you, remember that it will take a much greater emotional toll on them than on you."
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Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️ @napaaqtuk.bsky.social · 06/10/2023
#IndigenousPeoplesDay is Monday. My challenge to non-Natives: dig into the history of the people who were displaced from your land, learn about the history of how they were displaced, find out where they are now, and support them financially or by protesting with them. Go beyond platitudes.
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Terry McGlynn @hormiga.bsky.social · 09/10/2023
What kind of tradeoff might exist between using equitable educational practices and preparing students to thrive in places that are more problematic? open.substack.com/pub/sciencef...
open.substack.com
How much should we prepare students for The Inequitable Stuff after graduation?
What kind of tradeoff might there be in providing an equitable education and preparing students for bias and inequities in cultural capital?
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Donnell Wyche @donnell.bsky.social · 09/10/2023
Scholastic asks, "Do you want to opt out of 'diverse' books at your school's next book fair?" Your participation in white supremacy has never been easier, just uncheck the 'diverse' books box– poof, no problems. 🙄
themarysue.com
Scholastic Under Fire for Allowing Schools to Opt Out of ‘Diverse Books’ for Book Fairs
Scholastic has been accused of bending to right-wing pressure, making having diverse books optional for school book fairs.
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