kikifinch

History

Member for

1 year 18 weeks

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Personal Information

Your website

http://www.kirstensanford.com

State

CA

Bio

I've been interested in science for as long as I can remember, but it was somewhere in the middle of graduate school that I realized I didn't want to be a scientist for the rest of my life. Somebody could have told me that a little earlier! But, nevertheless, the journey I have been on that allowed me such a realization also helped me to recognize that I am good at teaching, and that my experience in science research enhances my capacity for helping others to understand it. I want to help inform people about science and the important place it holds in our society. So, I have decided to become a science journalist and media personality, and in doing so infiltrate print, broadcast, and internet mediums with science.

In 1999, I started a radio show called This Week in Science with a good friend. The friend has since moved on to different pastures, but I have maintained the program and brought it to more people than ever before by turning it into a podcast. I have even more plans in store for this little radio show. Can you say video-cast?

In 2006, I worked at WNBC-TV in NYC as a producer for the medical/health reporter, Dr. Max Gomez. TV is quite a different world from radio, but my whistle is whetted. I'm definitely going to pursue more science television programming employment options in the future. I started this blog this year as well so that I could practice and sharpen my writing skills, and share my thoughts with others.

I finally received my PhD in Physiology with an emphasis in neurophysiology in December of 2006 from UC Davis. My area of specialization is avian leaning and memory, and my dissertation topic was on spatial memory in non-storing songbirds. Don't tell me any jokes about bird brains, please. I have heard them all. In my spare time, I also study tae-kwon-do, and received my black-belt in 2005. When I'm not kicking or looking at brains, I enjoy hula hooping to dance music turned up loud. Occasionally, I will even add fire to the mix with my extra-special fire hoop. I am a six year veteran of Burning Man, and will be making the annual pilgrimage to the desert again this year.

What's your favorite public radio show?

This American Life followed closely by Fresh air.

What's your secret talent?

fire-hooping (that's hula-hooping with fire)

What song is stuck in your head right now, you know, a music wedgie?

It's a Small World After All

What sound is most characteristic of where you live?

bicycle bells

What's your favorite sound memory?

waking up really early in the mountains in the spring time to an orchestra of bird songs as all the birds in the area were starting their daily business. It was as if everyone had something beautiful and important to say.

Which station do you listen to most?

KDVS 90.3 FM in Davis, CA

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