Ten Life Scientists to Follow on Instagram
With well over 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram is without doubt one of the most popular social media platforms of all-time. Allowing users to share images and short video ‘reels’, the platform has become a useful space for life scientists to express their passion for research.
From funny lab video-makers to dedicated scicomm enthusiasts, we’ve chosen ten of our favourite Instagram scientists who are using their channels to support PhD students, amplify minority voices, and share great science with the world!
1. @chloe.the.scientist
With over 53,000 followers on her Instagram account, PhD student Chloe Kirk of the University of Miami, USA, runs one of the most popular ‘lab life’ Instagram accounts out there. Known by her simple @chloe.the.scientist handle, this biochemistry & molecular biology student uses her platform to share PhD thesis tips, science book reviews, and videos of her daily life in the lab. She also runs regular Q&A sessions in which she answers submitted questions from her followers about her research, her career path, study advice, and lots more! A great follow for anyone looking for an insight into the life of a PhD student.
Follow Chloe on Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/chloe.the.scientist/
2. @myphdexperience
Biochemistry PhD student Ellie Hurer has nearly 50,000 followers thanks to her frank and honest Instragram posts describing not only the challenges she faces as a scientist, but the added struggles she must overcome daily as someone living with a chronic illness. Her inspiring Instagram channel documents her daily work as a final year PhD student while raising awareness of the physical and mental challenges faced by those living and working with chronic pain. A fascinating and fantastic scientist definitely worth following!
Follow Ellie on Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/myphdexperience/
3. @tech.neuro.phd
Neuroscientist Saqlain Javed of the New York Medical College, USA, curates an entertaining Instagram page full of funny video reels featuring relatable late night lab stories! Known to his 25,000 followers as @tech.neuro.phd, this PhD candidate also has a great collection of hilarious science memes that will bring a smile to any life scientist’s face!
Follow Saqlain on Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/tech.neuro.phd/
4. @science.uncovered
Antibody engineer Dr Esther Odekunle uses her Instragram account to share inspirational quotes and entertaining TikTok videos, as well as important messages on racism and diversity issues in STEM. With over 22,000 followers, her account has grown in popularity due to its perfect mix of fun - including ‘Lab Fails!’ and ‘BadScienceJokes’ - alongside powerful messages about the importance of diversity in science.
Follow Esther on Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/science.uncovered/
5. @notbrainscience
Jodi Barnard is a PhD student at Kings College London, UK, who is passionate about science communication. In addition to her research into dementia, she also works as a science writer and co-hosts the popular podcast The Academinist. Her busy Instragram account is packed with ‘behind the scenes’ glimpses of life in the lab, as she shares inspirational quotes and useful PhD & writing tips with her 20,000 followers.
Follow Jodi on Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/notbrainscience/
6. @stina.biologista
German neuroscience student Stina Börchers, or @stina.biologista to her 19,000 followers, is a PhD student at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. She runs a busy Instagram account sharing snippets of fascinating science alongside glimpses into her life as an international student. She also documents her trips to science conferences through short video clips, giving followers a real-life insight into these types of events.
Follow Stina on Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/stina.biologista/
7. @nature.neuroscience.phd
Elizabeth Berry is a neuroscience PhD candidate at the New York Medical College, USA, and runs a popular Instagram account with over 16,000 followers. A keen artist, she regularly posts her fantastic science-based cartoons and doodles, alongside videos and slides offering advice and support to fellow PhD students. Elizabeth was also chosen as a ‘Highly Commended’ nominee in last year’s Lab Heroes Awards.
Follow Elizabeth on Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/nature.neuroscience.phd/
8. @the_brain_scientist
Neuroscientist Daniel Toker is known as @the_brain_scientist on Instagram and uses his account to share his love for ‘the most complex object in the known universe’. He carries out his research into anesthesia and coma at UCLA, USA, while amazing his 14,500 followers with stunning microscopic images of neurons, blood vessels, the hippocampus, and much more! He’s also a keen TikTok video creator, resharing his fun but factual video clips as Instagram reels.
Follow Daniel on Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/the_brain_scientist/
9. @dr.alecrimi
Another scientist who appreciates the beauty of science is Alessandro Crimi, known as @dr.alecrimi on Instragram. Alessandro is a medical imaging expert, researcher and lecturer whose Instagram account reflects his love of colour and art with his wonderful neuroanatomy paintings. He is also a keen traveller, and shares his adventures through stunning photography, alongside the odd fun lab snap!
Follow Alessandro on Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.alecrimi/
10. @themelaninphd
Our final Instagram account to follow belongs to Leona Ogene, otherwise known as @themelaninphd. Leona is a bioengineering PhD student at the University of Manchester, UK, who uses her Instragram platform to break STEM stereotypes and myths around PhDs, women in STEM and more. She also shares the challenges she faces as a scientist with dyslexia, and does great work in sharing her experiences honestly and openly.
Follow Leona on Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/themelaninphd/
Say ‘hello’ to Hello Bio on Instagram!
While you’re busy following all these fantastic scientists, don’t forget to take a look at the Hello Bio Instagram account for regular updates about our latest blog articles, grant award winners, product info, inspirational quotes and lots more!
Follow Hello Bio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello.bio/
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