#345 How To Talk About DNA Without Losing People: Strategies Part 1

The co-founders of The Science Underground join our host Kira Dineen for an in-person episode to discuss the importance of effective science communication in genetics and approaches to achieve this. 

The Science Underground was founded by former NIH’s National Human Genome Research Institute communicators Jenny Montooth, Sarah Alex Bates, and Britny Kish. 

Topics Discussed:

• Strategies for making complex genetics concepts accessible to the public

• The role of humor, memes, and social media in building engagement and trust

• Challenges of communicating abstract genetic topics and foundational genomics knowledge

• Reflections on progress in public genomic literacy since the Human Genome Project

• Disparities in genetics understanding across different socioeconomic and educational backgrounds

• The critical role of storytelling in science communication

• Using creative media to preemptively address misconceptions

• Building public trust in genetics by acknowledging historical injustices and systemic biases

• Importance of transparency, community collaboration, and ethical considerations in genomic research

• Engaging underrepresented and Indigenous communities in genetic research conversations

• Evolving role of research participants: from subjects to true partners in science

• Cultural sensitivity around ancestral DNA and the emotional weight it carries

• The misconception that complex science can't be simplified for broader audiences

• Practical advice for scientists: use analogies, creativity, and empathy to communicate effectively

The Panel:

Alex Bates is a science communications expert with 20 years of experience leading national, metric-driven campaigns across government, nonprofit, and startup sectors. She is co-founder of The Science Underground, LLC, which crafts culturally competent, science-backed communications for early-stage startups and major consortia. Most recently, she served as Communications Director at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), where she led award-winning outreach on topics like the history of eugenics and helped establish NHGRI’s global reputation for innovative public engagement—work that ended with the April 1 HHS layoffs. Alex previously led communications for the National Science Foundation’s Engineering Directorate and BRAIN Initiative, earning Director’s Awards for both Excellence Pioneer and Diversity and Inclusion, and managed BrainFacts.org, a $1.2M science education initiative. She holds master’s degrees in journalism and astronomy, and a bachelor’s degree in physics and English.

Britny Kish is co-founder of The Science Underground, leading administrative and financial operations to support the development of culturally aware, results-driven communications strategies for scientific organizations. Most recently, she served as Deputy Director of Communications at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), where she oversaw operations, budgeting, and campaign implementation, and played a key role in advancing equitable science communication and digital outreach. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare administration and communications, Britny specializes in program management, team leadership, and strategic communications, with additional expertise in virtual and exhibit event planning and management within the biomedical research space.

Jenny Montooth is a science communications professional with a decade of experience making complex research engaging and accessible through innovative, culturally relevant strategies. She holds a master’s degree in public history from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she developed a passion for translating scholarship for broader audiences. As co-founder of The Science Underground, LLC, and former Lead Public Affairs Specialist at the National Human Genome Research Institute, Jenny has led nationally recognized outreach campaigns—including on the first complete human genome sequence- and earned multiple awards for her dynamic use of social media to bring science into the public conversation.

Resources/Links Mentioned:

• Kira Dineen’s Invited NIH Talk: “Mastering the Mic: Interview Strategies for Science Communicators”

• “Public Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Genetics and Genetic Testing” in Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers 

• Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T)

• The Star Wars meme that started it about clarifying T2T 

• NHGRI symposium confronts difficult pasts of eugenics and scientific racism

• Dorothy Roberts’ Books 

• Informing the Navajo Public about Genetic Research and Policy

• “Weaving the Strands of Life (Iiná Bitł’ool): History of Genetic Research Involving Navajo People” in Human Biology 

• NHGRI’s Human Genome Fact Sheet 

• “Haunting the Human Genome Project: A Question of Consent” in Undark Magazine

• “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” By Rebecca Skloot 

• The Tuskegee Syphilis Study  

• NIH’s Tribal Health Research Office 

• BRAT Summer Meme aka Bring RNA Attention Today

DNA Today Referenced/Relevant Episodes: 

• #34 Henrietta Lacks Relatives Interviewed About Their Grandmother’s Cells’ Impact

• #182 Eric Green on the Complete Human Genome Project

• #183 Dr. Miga and Dr. Phillippy on the Telomere to Telomere (T2T) Consortium

• #214 2022 Genetics Wrapped with Eric Green

• #260 PhenoTips: Population Genomics in Clinical Practice (with Dr. Eric Green) 

• #266 Genetics Wrapped 2023 with Dr. Eric Green

• #287 Familial Hypercholesterolemia with Jess and NIH’s Julie Sapp

• #306 NIH’s Dr. Francis Collins’ Leadership in the Human Genome Project and COVID-19

• #318 Genetics Wrapped 2024: Top Advances in Genomic Medicine (with Dr. Eric Green)

Most importantly check out The Science Underground! If you have genetics research or a project you are trying to inform people about Britny, Jenny and Alex are THE people to work with. They have already been helping us out at DNA Today and our new podcast network, Gene Pool Media. You can follow them on social media @TheScienceUnderground, including on Instagram, BluSky, and LinkedIn.

Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops next Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 

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DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 

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