Navigating chronic illness and disability in STEM; Plus, the Weekly News Reel!

Imagine you’re a scientist, doing research in the middle of the ocean. But instead of collecting data, you’re confined to your own quarters with debilitating illness. This is the lived experience of former scientist now turned Moab-based science journalist, Amanda Heidt. Today on the news, we speak to her about a new essay collection titled ‘Uncharted: How Scientists Navigate Their Own Health, Research and Experiences of Bias.’ Essayists from a variety of STEM fields document their own experiences of navigating isolation and ableism in academia.

// Plus, the Weekly News Reel! Sophia Fisher of The Times-Independent discusses the tenth birthday of the controversial La Sal mountain goat herd and has updates on the future of WabiSabi as their lease agreement comes to a close. Alison Harford of the Moab Sun News talks about her ongoing investigation into Grand County Sheriff’s dispatch calls and previews the upcoming Moab Festival of Science.

// Show Notes:

// Photo: Moab-based science journalist Amanda Heidt is one of the contributors to a new essay collection documenting first-person experiences with chronic illness and disability in STEM fields. Courtesy Amanda Heidt.

Show Notes:

// The Times-Independent: 10 years in, La Sal mountain goats remain a lightning rod
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/10-years-in-la-sal-mountain-goats-remain-a-lightning-rod/

// The Times-Independent: WabiSabi is on the hunt for new location
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/wabisabi-is-on-the-hunt-for-new-location/

// Moab Sun News: 911, What’s your emergency?
https://moabsunnews.com/2023/09/07/911-whats-your-emergency/

// Moab Sun News: Accessible local science: Moab Festival of Science returns Sept. 13-17
https://moabsunnews.com/2023/09/07/accessible-local-science/