Raven Baxter, known to her 200,000-plus followers as Dr. Raven the Science Maven, will speak at the Nebraska Union’s Swanson Auditorium at 3:30 p.m. April 3.

The event is free and open the public.

Trained as a molecular biologist and science educator, Baxter is on a mission to democratize science, foster curiosity and bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and the public. After her hip-hop science videos made her a viral sensation, she launched the Black in SciComm and Black in STEM Education movements. She now serves as executive director of the Science Haven, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming science into engaging experiences for everyone, regardless of their scientific knowledge or background.

Baxter will join Jocelyn Bosley, research impact coordinator in the Office of Research and Economic Development, for an informal conversation about her STEM journey; challenges and opportunities for creating a more diverse and inclusive STEM community; and creative strategies for making science engaging and relevant to a wider audience.

The event is sponsored by Nebraska EPSCoR, with additional support from the School of Biological Sciences, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and the Center for Science, Math and Computer Education.