Highlighting local scientists in North Philly

Lack of representation is a major barrier to science. While murals are very popular in Philadelphia, relatively few have been painted in North Philly compared to other neighborhoods. We want to showcase scientists that have come from this neighborhood to show that science is accessible to this community. Artist Jaye Gardiner, a cancer biologist & artist, & scientists Corina Newsome & Kory Evans, are creating public art with a purpose.

Jaye Gardiner has created many scientist portraits and we can't wait to see what she comes up with for this mural!


Research has shown that seeing someone like yourself represented in a career has a profound effect on the careers we choose. Media representations of scientists often lack people of color, presenting a barrier to STEM access for youth from under-represented groups. North Philly is an ideal neighborhood for a project highlighting the diversity of scientists, as it is an underserved area in a city that values public art. A number of Black scientists have come from Philadelphia in the last decade, including fish biologist Kory Evans. Our mural will depict Kory and other scientists from this community. We will bring life to diversity in STEM by focusing on active scientists, which we believe will be relatable to North Philly youth.




What is the context of this project?

Skype Scientist is a 501(c)3 non-profit that connects scientists with the public all over the world. We serve about 10,000 classrooms a year online by matching them with scientists for Q&A sessions. In addition to online science communication, we run science engagement events at bars and community centers on the East Coast of the US. Skype a Scientist wants to expand to public art focused around science in 2020.

Skype a scientist's goals are:

1) Meeting people where they are with science
2) Showcasing science’s diversity
3) Producing science content that is unpretentious and extends past its current community

We feel that producing a mural in a community highlighting Black scientists in the neighborhood they grew up in will accomplish our goals.