Regina G. Barber, ‘02, B.S., physics, Western’s STEM Inclusion and Outreach specialist, has joined the staff of “Short Wave,” NPR’s daily science podcast.
Barber, an astrophysicist, will contribute original reporting and serve as occasional host as the podcast’s first Scientist in Residence. She’s no stranger to podcasting: She hosted and produced her own, “Spark Science,” for seven seasons.
“I like to say I am a Mexican-Chinese-American-female Conan O’Brien,” Barber told NPR. “I admire how ‘Short Wave’ has successfully combined smart and silly by not taking itself too seriously but highlighting weighty topics with humor. I have spent the last decade of my life trying to combine racial and gender equity, science and pop culture into one career.”
Barber also taught physics and astronomy at Western and continues as the STEM Inclusion and Outreach Specialist, organizing programs to recruit and retain underrepresented faculty and students in STEM fields.