Society staff share their favorite moments of 2025
It’s been quite a year at Society for Science. From moving into our new headquarters in Washington, D.C., to debuting Science News’ first-ever podcast and welcoming our first Scientific Integrity Officer, 2025 has been a year of milestones. As the year draws to a close, we asked Society staff to share some of their favorite moments from 2025. Here’s what they had to say.
Daryl Anderson, Senior Media Sales Manager
“One of my favorite moments was the opportunity to sing and enjoy karaoke with some of my Science News colleagues.”
Brandy Boyd, Database Administrator
“One of my favorite moments this year has been engaging with the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair held in Columbus, Ohio, particularly witnessing the impressive science projects presented by the young participants. Additionally, the transition as we move into the Society’s new building has been a significant and memorable milestone.”
Nicolien Buholzer, Volunteer Manager
“This year was my first year with the Society, and it’s really been such a fun ride learning all the ins and outs of our programs. From chaperoning Regeneron STS and Thermo Fisher JIC finalists to coordinating hundreds of volunteers in Columbus for Regeneron ISEF, it’s been a great chance to learn on the ground with an awesome team. And truly, that’s been my highlight: getting to know everyone across the organization and coming together to pull off once-in-a-lifetime programs for all our different audiences.”
Liam Chambers, Education Programs Systems Specialist
“A highlight of 2025 was hearing an audience of 200 educators cheer for the new Graph of the Week lesson plan for Science News Learning at the Research Teachers Conference. I do not often see educators’ reactions to our content. I support behind the scenes to produce the materials and webpages, so it was incredibly affirming to witness their appreciation for Science News and this new lesson plan format. We produced 30 Graphs of the Week items this year, and I think about this moment each time I publish a new lesson plan.”
Shannon Giorgianni, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships
“One of my 2025 highlights was working the Society booth at the Appalachian State University Academic Innovation Conference in western North Carolina. First of all, I’m from North Carolina and basking in those warm and welcoming accents felt like coming home. But what made the experience so memorable was how thrilled the teachers were by what our STEM Outreach Programs had to offer — the Science News content, the resources, the professional development and the community. They were giddy with excitement as they took magazines and signed up for programming. I really felt like I was giving back to my community. Even now, I feel teary-eyed just thinking about it.”
Rory Kemp, Advancement Specialist, Operations
“I met a young man at ISEF 2025 who showcased his research on different uses for soybeans. I found his enthusiasm delightful. His goal was to create a faster-growing, more affordable food source for people in need. I found his breadth of knowledge about soybean farming fascinating and his push to help create reliable, healthy food for people in need inspiring. This small interaction stayed with me during the whirlwind that was ISEF 2025.”
Demian Perry, Digital Director, Science News
“One standout memory from 2025 was working with the Science News Learning and publishing teams to improve the login experience of the Science News and Science News Explores websites and iterating on ways to make educator resources and relevant materials easier to find.
“I recently picked up my middle schooler at the bus stop, and she was glowing after a conversation with her science teacher, who said Science News is the best source for learning about new science. That moment showed how much equity our learning team has built up with teachers through steady outreach to incorporate our reporting into curricula across the country. I am looking forward to further extending that partnership in 2026.”
Maria Temming, Assistant Managing Editor, Science News
“My favorite projects this year were stories for the Science News Explores’ Technically Fiction column, where we investigate real science related to tropes in sci-fi and fantasy. I had so much fun writing about fictional languages, Rudolph’s glowing nose and the physics of levitation. This column offers a unique opportunity to indulge my curiosity about weird and whimsical topics and connect with Science News Explores’ young readers through pop culture they are familiar with.”
