DR. TAYLOR CAMPBELL
Welcome to Dr. Taylor Campbell's personal website. Dive into a world of science and creativity.
About
My name is Taylor Campbell
I have a PhD in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience from the University of Delaware. I am powered by Haribo sour gummy bears and milk duds— the true powerhouses of the cell. My passions lie in promoting women in science and making scientific research accessible to everyone.
I enjoy using art and design techniques to make science engaging. I would call myself an amateur graphic designer, except I was Yearbook Editor in high school, so you might say I’ve actually had extensive, on-the-job training. The seed for my ‘art in science passion’ was officially planted when I was a young graduate student sitting at a conference excited to learn from experts in the field. As the speakers, who can only be described as the original fathers of science (respectfully with all the love in the world), presented basic bullet point slide after bullet point slide in a voice eerily similar to the teacher from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, I found myself locked in. Only problem was I was locked in on fighting off a nap. I wonder how much I could have learned that day if I wasn’t battling the hibernation spell being cast upon me. This remains one of the world’s many mysteries.
Some people (okay, my mom) think it’s super impressive that I have a PhD, but I think I see it a little differently. I simply made the (delusional) decision— before my prefrontal cortex was totally online, I might add— to spend my 20s working overtime for basically no money. My magic 8 ball cannot confirm if I made the right choice (I have to “ask again later”). Either way, I am excited to play an important role in science innovation and leadership.
Before I leave you to explore, here are some fun (that's debatable) facts about me:
Like most adults in the 21st Century, I can’t be trusted until I’ve consumed my daily caffeine ration. Consequently, I do not trust people that function without caffeine. I have yet to successfully use my Revlon heated round brush (props to hair stylists— you’re the real heroes). My worst toxic trait is watching one documentary and subsequently feeling like an expert on the topic. I know, I know but the first step is admitting you have a problem (I’m at step 0; I do not see a problem here).
Don’t trust me; I’m just a Dr.
Events & Outreach
I love STEM outreach more than Michael Scott loves paper (hopefully you've watched The Office; if not I apologize for my sense of humor). I am proud to be involved with some key outreach and women in STEM events here in Delaware. Opportunities like these didn't exist when I was growing up, motivating me to change that for younger generations. Although, if I am being super honest, even if these opportunities were available to my child-self, I would not have gone because I really did not like science. Seriously, I wanted to be an actor. I even got a D in high school geometry (not a joke).
Today, still living for the drama, I channel this energy into developing and promoting programs and events aimed at boosting the next generation of scientists. It took time to find my place in STEM and supporting up-and-coming scientists and future generations of STEM innovation drivers is my favorite thing to do.
Project Brain Light Blog
Check out blog posts I've written for Project Brain Light, a STEM outreach organization for middle and high school students.
Taylor Campbell
October 2021
Presenting
Science
I often spend an absurd amount of time crafting designer presentations. Some may consider this an obsession, but I don't have a Clinical Psychology degree, so I can't say for sure. In any case, I believe artistic presentations make talks more engaging, especially for broad audiences. The more people actively engage with your presentation, the more they take away with them; this really should be the ultimate goal.
It goes without saying (I hope) that rigorous scientific methods and ethics are the backbone of STEM research. Working on the ground floor of scientific discovery and innovation, we have fantastic power. But, as scientists, we also have a responsibility to share findings with the very people we hope to impact in a way that is accessible and digestible to everyone.
If a scientist shouts her findings to a crowd and no one around understands her, did she really make a sound?
Samples of my work coming soon!
(Unfortunately, this is not a paid advertisement for PowerPoint)
Talk Science to Me
As a PhD student, I enjoyed presenting my research at regional & international conferences. These opportunities not only allowed me to share my research findings & meet inspiring scientists from around the world, but to also dedicate time to crafting innovative & engaging presentations.
Check out my dissertation defense here!
