Time: 28 minutes
“I was always interested in the storytelling element. I was really interested in how people create a place where people can just be themselves and talk.”
– Crystal Ngo
Episode host: Camila Pardo Uribe, Dr Heather Bray
Episode Guest: UWA Master of Science Communication alumnus, Crystal Ngo
Episode Credits
Episode Hosts: Camila Pardo Uribe, Dr Heather Bray
Special Guest: Crystal Ngo
Producers: Camila Pardo Uribe, Dr Heather Bray
Editing: Ke Yuan
Audio Engineering: Matthew Gill
Show notes: Ke Yuan
Audiogram: Adobe Podcast
Keywords:
science communication, inclusive science communication, science podcasting, science podcaster motivations, The SciComm Collective, the deficit model, participatory science communication, equity, disability support, science communication careers, community engagement
Welcome to the final episode of our Winter Shorts series 2026! In this special wrap-up, Camila and Heather chat with UWA Master of Science Communication alumnus Crystal Ngo, whose journey has taken her from nutrition, public health, and being a model to science communication in the disability sector. She reflects on navigating career uncertainty, discovering science communication as a creative home for art and science, and conducting research on the motivations of Australian science podcasters as part of her Masters degree. She shares what she learned about the identity of the science podcasters, the persisting deficit-model thinking, and the importance (and absence!) of strategic audience engagement.
Crystal also shares how her current role at Kiind supporting families raising children with disabilities has deepened her passion for community, equity, and inclusion. Joined by Camila and Heather, together they break down what inclusive science communication looks like in practice and explore how individual positionality shapes the way we communicate.
“I just really appreciate community and the strength and power of community, and how that makes such a big difference in people’s lives.”
– Crystal Ngo
Episode links:
UWA Master of Science Communication
Read Crystal’s article (Open Access) here: “It’s having conversations that I like with people I like”: Exploring the motivations of Australian science podcasters
Learn more about Kiind and their podcast, Kiind Conversations
Find out what motivates The SciComm Collective
Catch our previous episode about how we approach podcasting
Listen to our student roundtable discussion about the deficit model
Revisit Camila’s reflection about positionality and community
Read Dr Ann Grand’s reflection about inclusive science communication
Further Reading:
Marjadi et al., (2023). Twelve Tips for Inclusive Practice in Healthcare Settings.
We love hearing everyone’s stories of how they got into science communication. What about you? What brought you here? Feel free to share in the comments!
All opinions on this website are representative of individuals and are not representative of The University of Western Australia. The University of Western Australia is not liable for content herein.
