SACNAS Life Member Talithia Williams Co-Host of New NOVA Series

A new 6-part series exploring the biggest questions on the frontiers of science premiers on April 25, 2018. One of the three scientists leading us on this journey as co-host is Dr. Talithia Williams, a life member of SACNAS, an alum of our Linton-Poodry SACNAS Leadership Institute, and former Board treasurer.

NOVA Wonders takes viewers to the frontiers of science, where researchers are tackling some of the biggest questions about life and cosmos. Topics include the mysteries of astrophysics to the secrets of the body to the challenges of inventing technologies that could rival the abilities of the human mind.

“I love how the show doesn’t actually answer the questions,” says Dr. Williams, a professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd College. She co-hosts alongside neurobiologist André Fenton and computer scientist Rana El Kaliouby. “Rather,” she continues, “the show sparks the curiosity of the viewers, shares the exciting research that has been done thus far, and leaves us with a feeling that there is more work to be done and future contributions to be made.”

Williams remarks that NOVA shows make a big impact on shaping the next generation of scientists and she appreciates their intentionality regarding how they represent the diversity of science and scientists. “NOVA Wonders shows the country who really is doing science.”

“I was excited about the opportunity to co-host the show,” says Williams. “I especially wanted kids of color and girls from all backgrounds to see me, as a black woman, doing science. I want to be that example for them.”

Williams further comments that her time at SACNAS serves as an inspiration in her work. “When I am at a SACNAS conference, I am affirmed to be in a space that is focused on people of color in STEM. I feel that participating as a co-host of NOVA Wonders is helping build the SACNAS pipeline. Hopefully this show will inspire our future scientists, and when they are ready, SACNAS will be there on their journey.”

View Dr. Williams on NOVA Wonders! Learn more: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/wonders/