There is nothing quite like being at a conference full of people who both love science and understand the value of solid communication. As soon as I walk into Science Talk, I can see that everyone here is curious, smart, and approachable. Even though I don’t know a single person, it’s easy to start a conversation.

When I sit down next to Tszula, a postdoctoral researcher in Physics at the University of New Mexico, I ask, “is this your first time coming to Science Talk?”

“No, I actually came to the very first one six years ago.”

“What was that like?” I ask. “Was it super tiny?”

“It was completely sold out!” Tzula says emphatically. “At the end of the conference, the organizers said, ‘wellllll that was a smashing success. I guess we should do it again!’”

I think about the demand for this type of knowledge and expertise. It’s affirming to realize that I am not alone in my quest to become a better science communicator.