My name is Nada Salem, and I’m thrilled to be joining Evidence for Democracy as the new Communications and Campaigns Coordinator.
Hi! I'm Nada – E4D's Communications and Campaigns Coordinator
In the summer of 2020, I graduated from the University of Calgary with a BSc. in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology. I went into university curious about micro-scale biology, and came out the other side even more starstruck by nano-scale biology (if you’re wondering, that’s 1000 times smaller than the width of human hair)! I’m particularly interested in the intersection of nanotechnology and genetic medicine. These are the very same tools that made the first Covid-19 vaccines possible, so it’s been fascinating to watch these technologies come to life over the last few years.
Alongside my degree, I also did a Philosophy minor with a focus on evidence and bioethics. Exploring the philosophy of science and evidence gave me the chance to take part in a wider conversation about science — one that goes beyond the lab — and discover the many factors that play a role in making scientific innovation possible, including policy and effective communication.
I have since been involved in science communication as a way to create more engagement within the scientific community, and learn how to use storytelling to make technical information accessible to everyone. I started my communications journey as a videography Science Ambassador at the UCalgary Faculty of Science, filming videos for the campus community. Currently, I’m a chemistry editor with Science Borealis, and the Director of Community Development at Emerging Health Leaders (EHL). I joined the Calgary node of EHL in early 2021 to help create a space for early-career health professionals to connect, grow, and develop into the leaders of the future. I’ve also written for various platforms about topics ranging from autoimmune disorders and genetic medicine, to the challenges facing women in STEM.
I’m excited to bring together my experiences in science communication to advocate for evidence-based decision-making at Evidence for Democracy.