In a dynamic celebration of emerging scientific communicators, BioOne has unveiled the recipients of its prestigious 2025 BioOne Ambassador Award. This accolade, now in its eighth remarkable year, recognizes early-career researchers who not only exhibit excellence within their respective biological, ecological, and environmental disciplines but also possess a rare aptitude for transmitting complex scientific ideas with clarity and impact. The award underscores the essential role of effective science communication in bridging the gap between scholarly research and public understanding, crucial in an era where scientific literacy shapes policy and societal progress.
The 2025 cohort of BioOne Ambassadors exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary approaches and innovative dissemination of research. These distinguished authors represent a spectrum of ecological and organismal biology fields, each advancing knowledge with a commitment to conservation, disease understanding, and the ecological ramifications of human activities. Nominated by esteemed scientific societies affiliated with BioOne’s broad publishing network, each ambassador embodies the promise of science not only to explain but also to inspire.
Among the honorees is Mya Daniels-Abdulahad, whose research centers on Humboldt Penguins, an emblematic species facing a conservation crisis due to climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Her work, featured in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases, elucidates the epidemiological challenges faced by these birds, deploying rigorous field data alongside molecular diagnostics to clarify pathogen impacts on wild populations. Daniels-Abdulahad’s ability to translate these findings for both the scientific community and broader audiences highlights the urgency of preserving vulnerable avian species in rapidly changing marine ecosystems.
Amarjeet Kaur’s contribution sheds light on the global conservation narrative through her study of Amur Falcons. Published in The Journal of Raptor Research, her work integrates behavioral ecology with international conservation frameworks, revealing migration patterns that cross multiple geopolitical boundaries. By engaging both scientific and public spheres, Kaur’s communication strategies emphasize the interconnectedness of species conservation and global environmental policy, reinforcing how migratory species serve as indicators of planetary health.
Dr. Sydney Kinstler Tuckwiller advances the understanding of disease mechanisms in avian species, contributing critical insights published in Avian Diseases. Her research applies molecular and immunological techniques to unravel host-pathogen interactions, focusing on the epidemiology of viral infections with implications for both wild and domestic bird populations. Her capacity to demystify complex biomedical concepts for varied audiences demonstrates the pivotal role of translational science communication.
The examination of anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems by Dr. Jessica Pruett offers a vital retrospective on the Mississippi Oyster Fishery, detailed in the Journal of Shellfish Research. Her analytical framework combines historical catch data with contemporary ecological assessments to assess long-term sustainability and guide restoration efforts. Pruett’s narrative effectively balances scientific rigor and accessible storytelling, underscoring the intricate relationship between human livelihoods and marine biodiversity.
Highlighting mammalian ecology, Aquetzalli Nayelli Rivera Villanueva presents groundbreaking research on the activity patterns of the nectar-feeding bat Leptonycteris yerbabuenae on the Baja California Peninsula, as published in the Journal of Mammalogy. Using advanced biotelemetry and nocturnal observational techniques, her study deciphers behavioral adaptations critical for pollination ecology and ecosystem resilience. Rivera Villanueva’s compelling visualization and articulation of bat ecology elevate public appreciation for lesser-known but ecologically vital species.
The BioOne Ambassador Award not only honors the scientific achievements of these early-career researchers but also acknowledges their exceptional ability to engage diverse audiences through innovative communication. By melding data-driven research with narrative techniques, ambassadors propel scientific discourse beyond academia, fostering an informed public capable of supporting evidence-based decisions. This is increasingly vital as science navigates complex societal issues ranging from biodiversity loss to emerging diseases.
Lyndell Whyte, Communications Officer for the Wildlife Disease Association, emphasizes the transformative impact of highlighting emerging scientific voices. According to Whyte, empowering young scientists with communication skills nurtures a generation capable of conveying the significance of their work, ultimately enriching public discourse and policy formulation. This cultural shift towards proactive science engagement is fundamental in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing global ecosystems.
Lauren Kane, President and CEO of BioOne, articulates the broader vision underpinning the award. Kane posits that these ambassadors are not only leading researchers but also catalysts for societal change through their ability to articulate scientific realities compellingly. Their stories serve as a beacon, inspiring future scientists and informing public narratives that shape environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
BioOne’s continued commitment to championing scientific communication represents a strategic investment in the interface between research and society. With its extensive network of over 150 global scientific societies and nonprofit publishers, BioOne ensures that high-quality, peer-reviewed science reaches millions of researchers and institutions worldwide. The Ambassador Award amplifies this mission by spotlighting individuals who exemplify excellence both in discovery and communication.
The 2025 BioOne Ambassador Award recipients each receive a monetary award of $1,000 and a prominent feature in the BioOne Ambassador Award showcase, a platform designed to extend their reach and influence. This recognition serves not just as an accolade but as a springboard for amplifying the societal impact of their work. Their efforts epitomize how early-career scientists can harness the dual roles of investigator and communicator to address pressing ecological and biological challenges.
Fundamentally, the BioOne Ambassador Award reaffirms a central tenet of modern science: advancing knowledge is inextricably linked to sharing knowledge. In a world increasingly reliant on scientific insight to navigate environmental and health crises, the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively is as imperative as rigorous research methods. The 2025 ambassadors embody this synergy, illuminating pathways for science to inform, inspire, and instigate meaningful change.
About BioOne
BioOne stands as an innovative nonprofit collaborative dedicated to aggregating and disseminating biological, ecological, and environmental science content. Since its inception in 2001, BioOne has facilitated the equitable sharing of research output, returning more than $73 million in royalty payments to participating societies and publishers. This endeavor supports over 3,500 institutions globally, sustaining access to high-impact research and promoting equitable scientific communication.
Media Contact:
Christine Orr
BioOne
Email: christine@bioone.org
Office: 202-540-9973
Cell: 631-335-6336
Subject of Research:
Science communication and early-career researcher recognition across biological and ecological sciences, including conservation biology, disease mechanisms, and ecological studies.
Article Title:
2025 BioOne Ambassador Award Winners Propel Science Communication in Biology and Ecology
News Publication Date:
April 24, 2025
Image Credits:
Photo by Ricardo Quirino, depicting Aquetzalli Nayelli Rivera Villanueva releasing a lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae) at a cave.
Keywords:
Science communication, Animal research, Birds of prey, Scientific journals, Shellfish, Mammals, Research organizations, Wildlife, Ecology, Organismal biology, Animal science, Marine biology, Life sciences, Ecosystems, Ecological processes, Aquatic ecology, Veterinary medicine, Academic publishing, Science careers, Scientific publishing, Animals
