Title: Using New Tech to Push the Boundaries of Science and Communication - From Drones to Scans of Ancient Burial Mounds

Description: Scientists are harnessing technology in ways that defy imagination. Imagine using drones to spot ancient burial sites hidden deep in the woods, or sending pulses into the ground to find hidden Nazi treasures. I've done both. But once we've made these amazing discoveries, the real question is: how do we share them with everyone? As both a scientist and educator, I've been diving deep into using cool new tech to not only crack open the past's mysteries but also to let everyone in on the secrets. Today, I want to chat about how we can use this tech for the greater good, and also ponder a bit on where we might need to draw the line to avoid going too far.

Speaker Bio: Ron Nelson is a biologist who has focused his research on two primary areas: the Hawaiian shrimp goby complex and the white squirrel phenomenon. However, his most significant contributions to the field lie in science communication. He wrote his master’s thesis on effective methods for sparking classroom students' interest in science and went on to create over 400 science shorts for Pearson Publishing. Ron also worked to teach science through his website, Untamed Science, and other online platforms.

Although he has hosted more than 30 television shows as a biologist, his true passion is collaborating with fellow biologists to share their stories online. He frequently gives presentations and leads workshops at scientific institutions, helping researchers improve their ability to convey their work through visual storytelling. As part of this mission, Ron authored a book on science communication and created roughly 200 instructional videos for the Science Filmmaking Tips and Tricks YouTube channel.
Though his primary skill as a storyteller lies in his work as a director and host, Ron has also gained extensive experience behind the camera, as an editor, and as an animator. This diverse skill set proves invaluable in directing larger productions, as it allows him to collaborate more effectively with talented crews.