My Work
Dr. Raven Baxter is a molecular biologist and science communications scholar whose research and practice sits at the intersection of public engagement, hip-hop, and education.
OverviewHer scholarly work examines how cultural forms shape science understanding, trust, and participation. She fuses hip-hop pedagogy and culturally responsive teaching to develop new frameworks for science communication practice.
Dissertation
Culturally Responsive Science Communication: the Messengers, Messages, and Voices in Communicating Science Through Hip-Hop
Ph.D. Dissertation | University at Buffalo | 2022
This dissertation examines how messenger credibility, message design, and cultural forms shape understanding, trust, and participation in science. It introduces a new framework for culturally responsive science communication grounded in hip-hop pedagogy, culturally responsive teaching, and Black feminist thought.
The Science of Life
Creator and Host of Podcast
The Science of Life is a podcast exploring the intersection of the life sciences, and lived experiences.
Science Communication through Hip-Hop
Dr. Baxter’s approach to science communication uses rap and hip-hop culture to translate complex scientific concepts for broad audiences. This work is grounded in her research on culturally responsive science communication and has reached audiences in the hundreds of millions.
NASA Did That
A celebration of NASA’s achievements through hip-hop.
Big Ole Geeks
The first music video featuring Black women in a rap video about science, blending lab culture with hip-hop aesthetics.
The Antibody Song
A COVID-19 education rap that went super viral and was referenced on Saturday Night Live.
Science Will Win by Pfizer
Host of Podcast
Science Will Win is an award-winning podcast that takes listeners under the microscope on some of the most promising medical innovations, exploring therapies that have the potential to shape the future of healthcare and offer new hope to patients around the world.
Through conversations with a diverse line-up of guests, including scientists and experts, patient advocates and, most importantly, patients themselves, each miniseries will focus on a unique healthcare challenge, diving into the fascinating science, policy challenges and potential to transform patients’ lives for the better.
Articles
Works in Progress
Improving Provider Preparedness and Perceptions for Managing Infection-Associated Chronic Illnesses such as Long COVID, ME/CFS, and Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome