Sweta Agrawal
@hokuba.bsky.social
Insect neurobiologist who ❤️ flies, fungi, fiber, and fbooks. Campaniform nut. Assistant prof @ UBC Zoology
Pinned
Sweta Agrawal
@hokuba.bsky.social
· Oct 1
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
“Taken together, these two policies create a structure in which dissent becomes professionally costly, alignment becomes professionally necessary, and the space for honest scientific judgment quietly contracts.”
open.substack.com/pub/elizabet...
open.substack.com/pub/elizabet...
What NIH Staff Can’t Tell You—And Why That Matters
The people who understand most clearly what is being lost at the NIH are also the people least able to say so.
open.substack.com
February 16, 2026 at 8:26 PM
“Taken together, these two policies create a structure in which dissent becomes professionally costly, alignment becomes professionally necessary, and the space for honest scientific judgment quietly contracts.”
open.substack.com/pub/elizabet...
open.substack.com/pub/elizabet...
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
Fascinating chart with one outlier: Warren Buffett.
At the low end, giving 0.06% of one's wealth is equivalent to:
Net worth -> Lifetime Giving
50K->$30
100K->$60
500K->$300
$1M->$600
Most folks give far more by % in a *single year*.
www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...
At the low end, giving 0.06% of one's wealth is equivalent to:
Net worth -> Lifetime Giving
50K->$30
100K->$60
500K->$300
$1M->$600
Most folks give far more by % in a *single year*.
www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...
February 16, 2026 at 7:54 PM
Fascinating chart with one outlier: Warren Buffett.
At the low end, giving 0.06% of one's wealth is equivalent to:
Net worth -> Lifetime Giving
50K->$30
100K->$60
500K->$300
$1M->$600
Most folks give far more by % in a *single year*.
www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...
At the low end, giving 0.06% of one's wealth is equivalent to:
Net worth -> Lifetime Giving
50K->$30
100K->$60
500K->$300
$1M->$600
Most folks give far more by % in a *single year*.
www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
just a little baby child (from @mosquitolab.bsky.social's pitfall samples; I can see how this one got sorted into the beetle pile)
February 6, 2026 at 7:29 PM
just a little baby child (from @mosquitolab.bsky.social's pitfall samples; I can see how this one got sorted into the beetle pile)
In 2006, as a 19yo, I participated in a summer research experience at Tufts where half the trainees came from Puerto Rico. It was such an eye-opener and a reason why programs like that are so so so important
good show, now go read this
(gift link)
(gift link)
How Bad Bunny Gives Voice to Puerto Rico’s ‘Crisis Generation’
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:55 AM
In 2006, as a 19yo, I participated in a summer research experience at Tufts where half the trainees came from Puerto Rico. It was such an eye-opener and a reason why programs like that are so so so important
I keep trying to think of something insightful to say, and anecdote to add, a note of commiseration. But honestly just too tired. Its all so much 💔
the Epstein files are really devastating because they remind me of how many girls and women miss out on professional opportunities, mentorship and careers because of how many powerful, rich and influential men only view girls and women — and interactions with them — through the lens of sex
February 6, 2026 at 2:02 AM
I keep trying to think of something insightful to say, and anecdote to add, a note of commiseration. But honestly just too tired. Its all so much 💔
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
She looked *so* relieved.
Sure, ICE breaks laws constantly. Lord knows if they would obey the private property designation of the staff only area of the rec center. But thanks to the training last night, at least we have a plan other than "panic".
Sure, ICE breaks laws constantly. Lord knows if they would obey the private property designation of the staff only area of the rec center. But thanks to the training last night, at least we have a plan other than "panic".
February 5, 2026 at 3:08 AM
She looked *so* relieved.
Sure, ICE breaks laws constantly. Lord knows if they would obey the private property designation of the staff only area of the rec center. But thanks to the training last night, at least we have a plan other than "panic".
Sure, ICE breaks laws constantly. Lord knows if they would obey the private property designation of the staff only area of the rec center. But thanks to the training last night, at least we have a plan other than "panic".
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
"It may take time to prove you're right, but you have to stick to it."
- Fred Korematsu
Jailed for refusing to abide by FDR's Exec Order 9066, he took his case against internment all the way to the Supreme Court - and lost. Remember him on Korematsu Day, January 30th. 1/
- Fred Korematsu
Jailed for refusing to abide by FDR's Exec Order 9066, he took his case against internment all the way to the Supreme Court - and lost. Remember him on Korematsu Day, January 30th. 1/
January 30, 2026 at 10:32 PM
"It may take time to prove you're right, but you have to stick to it."
- Fred Korematsu
Jailed for refusing to abide by FDR's Exec Order 9066, he took his case against internment all the way to the Supreme Court - and lost. Remember him on Korematsu Day, January 30th. 1/
- Fred Korematsu
Jailed for refusing to abide by FDR's Exec Order 9066, he took his case against internment all the way to the Supreme Court - and lost. Remember him on Korematsu Day, January 30th. 1/
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
![3-panel comic. (1) [Three small arthropods on ocean floor.] ARTHROPOD 1: Now that we’re multicellular, what are your plans? I’m gonna evolve little legs and swim around with them! ARTHROPOD 2: I’m gonna evolve sharp pincers and use them to crunch stuff! ARTHROPOD 3: I’m gonna evolve glands to make string from my butt and use it to construct elaborate geometric nets hundreds of times my size to catch other animals. (2) [Silence] (3) ARTHROPOD 1: *Dude.* ARTHROPOD 2: Can you *please* just be normal about this? ARTHROPOD 3: *What??!*](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreia3p425asp237hjolbn5lly6g6hzm2eoygqjpkd5dii6zrwqnp7qi@jpeg)
January 28, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
As a past participant in Evelyn Valdez Ward’s Reclaiming STEM workshop, I’m delighted to read more from her about how science communicators can build trust with their communities, including those where science is misunderstood, mistrusted, or devalued. theconversation.com/science-is-b...
Science is best communicated through identity and culture – how researchers are ensuring STEM serves their communities
Scientists have traditionally focused on educating the public on science or correcting misinformation. But researchers from marginalized communities often have broader goals in science communication.
theconversation.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:09 AM
As a past participant in Evelyn Valdez Ward’s Reclaiming STEM workshop, I’m delighted to read more from her about how science communicators can build trust with their communities, including those where science is misunderstood, mistrusted, or devalued. theconversation.com/science-is-b...
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
brass solidarity band performing “stand by me” in the streets of whittier next to alex pretti’s memorial. the crowd started chanting “the people united will never be defeated” so they incorporated it into the song. i love minneapolis
January 27, 2026 at 12:22 AM
brass solidarity band performing “stand by me” in the streets of whittier next to alex pretti’s memorial. the crowd started chanting “the people united will never be defeated” so they incorporated it into the song. i love minneapolis
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
A tiny bit of news, amid the rise of authoritarianism! A report about our study on grant writing of @ucsandiego.bsky.social by @TheScientist - outcomes for participants in receiving R01 or R01-equivalent awards >NIH national average for first time submitters.
www.the-scientist.com/grant-writin...
www.the-scientist.com/grant-writin...
Grant Writing Training Improves Funding Odds for Faculty
Early career researchers improved their confidence in writing grants and increased their success in securing funding after an intensive course on the subject.
www.the-scientist.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:02 PM
A tiny bit of news, amid the rise of authoritarianism! A report about our study on grant writing of @ucsandiego.bsky.social by @TheScientist - outcomes for participants in receiving R01 or R01-equivalent awards >NIH national average for first time submitters.
www.the-scientist.com/grant-writin...
www.the-scientist.com/grant-writin...
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
My sister-in-law's dad died last week, in hospice in the VA hospital in Minneapolis. I just learned Alex Pretti was part of his care team. They shot Alex less than 1/2 mile from my niece's house while doing the same observation work that my niece is doing. These are real people. Step up folks!
January 25, 2026 at 6:41 PM
My sister-in-law's dad died last week, in hospice in the VA hospital in Minneapolis. I just learned Alex Pretti was part of his care team. They shot Alex less than 1/2 mile from my niece's house while doing the same observation work that my niece is doing. These are real people. Step up folks!
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
Postdoc Yannick Günzel, who studies how clonal raider ants interact with their larvae, went to a comedy show in NYC. Now he’s famous… 🤪
youtube.com/shorts/ZETUy...
youtube.com/shorts/ZETUy...
Scientific strides #comedy #standup
YouTube video by Jordan Jensen
youtube.com
January 24, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Postdoc Yannick Günzel, who studies how clonal raider ants interact with their larvae, went to a comedy show in NYC. Now he’s famous… 🤪
youtube.com/shorts/ZETUy...
youtube.com/shorts/ZETUy...
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
Applications are open for the @leadingedgeprogram.bsky.social program! Link here: www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
This group is fantastic and I would not be where I am today without their friendship, support, and mentorship. Apply!!
This group is fantastic and I would not be where I am today without their friendship, support, and mentorship. Apply!!
Apply | leadingedgesymposium
Apply. The 2026 Leading Edge cohort application is now open! This cohort is named the Zara Weinberg Cohort, in honor of 2021 Leading Edge Fellow, Zara Weinberg. Applications are due February 2, 2026.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org
January 22, 2026 at 11:46 PM
Applications are open for the @leadingedgeprogram.bsky.social program! Link here: www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
This group is fantastic and I would not be where I am today without their friendship, support, and mentorship. Apply!!
This group is fantastic and I would not be where I am today without their friendship, support, and mentorship. Apply!!
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
I am aware that some of the old guard in the academic space see my work as frivolous nonsense. Add tonight to the pile of evidence that *it is not*.
January 20, 2026 at 2:34 AM
I am aware that some of the old guard in the academic space see my work as frivolous nonsense. Add tonight to the pile of evidence that *it is not*.
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
F) For the love of all that is good and holy stop wondering if your idea is any good! That way lies madness. Your idea, whatever it is, will live or die by its execution. Commit to your idea. Eat and drink your idea. Play with it, have fun with it.
December 31, 2025 at 4:47 PM
F) For the love of all that is good and holy stop wondering if your idea is any good! That way lies madness. Your idea, whatever it is, will live or die by its execution. Commit to your idea. Eat and drink your idea. Play with it, have fun with it.
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
🤦♂️ !
Welcome to the future of healthcare in the US.
Even if you don’t care about the health of strangers think of the economic costs of a measles outbreak in a community!
Welcome to the future of healthcare in the US.
Even if you don’t care about the health of strangers think of the economic costs of a measles outbreak in a community!
Sorry to tangentialize this subject. An unvaccinated family with measles traveled from SC to WA state over the holidays. They went to a huge church, SeaTac ✈️, rode ferries, went to restaurants & an indoor trampoline park. As of yesterday, we now have an outbreak in my community because of it.
January 17, 2026 at 4:13 AM
🤦♂️ !
Welcome to the future of healthcare in the US.
Even if you don’t care about the health of strangers think of the economic costs of a measles outbreak in a community!
Welcome to the future of healthcare in the US.
Even if you don’t care about the health of strangers think of the economic costs of a measles outbreak in a community!
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
I was dying of thirst when you gave me water, yet it was not the water alone that saved me. It was the strength of the hands that gave it.
January 14, 2026 at 9:05 PM
I was dying of thirst when you gave me water, yet it was not the water alone that saved me. It was the strength of the hands that gave it.
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
Are you an early-stage graduate student (2nd or 3rd year) or early-stage postdoc based in the US or Canada, working primarily in Drosophila? Would you like to help improve the experience of all trainees working in Drosophila research? If so, read on.
(Please repost to reach a broad audience.)
(Please repost to reach a broad audience.)
November 12, 2025 at 4:49 AM
Are you an early-stage graduate student (2nd or 3rd year) or early-stage postdoc based in the US or Canada, working primarily in Drosophila? Would you like to help improve the experience of all trainees working in Drosophila research? If so, read on.
(Please repost to reach a broad audience.)
(Please repost to reach a broad audience.)
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
Not everything on the interwebs is bad.
Best TikTok thing going is the two dudes trying food from every country without leaving NYC. If you haven’t seen them yet, it’s incredible. My favorite so far is last week’s. Legit got me emotional.
January 9, 2026 at 6:58 AM
Not everything on the interwebs is bad.
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
How does the brain control locomotion? In our new preprint, we uncover a brain circuit in Drosophila that controls forward walking independently of turning. This dedicated locomotor circuit enables flexible motor control and might reflect a shared principle across species. doi.org/10.64898/202...
January 5, 2026 at 4:25 PM
How does the brain control locomotion? In our new preprint, we uncover a brain circuit in Drosophila that controls forward walking independently of turning. This dedicated locomotor circuit enables flexible motor control and might reflect a shared principle across species. doi.org/10.64898/202...
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
There are a few things I'm proud of this year, and on this list is the fact that I pranked everyone on my office floor by leaving a new rubber duck around for each day of the Winter quarter. 🐤
Some of the ducks were metaphysical. One was encased in ice. All were discreet.
Some of the ducks were metaphysical. One was encased in ice. All were discreet.
January 1, 2026 at 1:33 AM
There are a few things I'm proud of this year, and on this list is the fact that I pranked everyone on my office floor by leaving a new rubber duck around for each day of the Winter quarter. 🐤
Some of the ducks were metaphysical. One was encased in ice. All were discreet.
Some of the ducks were metaphysical. One was encased in ice. All were discreet.
Reposted by Sweta Agrawal
You ready for our 2026 Valentines??
The art is ready for ya 😍
As with everything on our shop, sales of these valentines support @skypeascientist.bsky.social!
This year's cards were designed by Philly artist @aprilfinfrock.bsky.social! Obsessed with how these turned out.
order at SquidFacts.net
The art is ready for ya 😍
As with everything on our shop, sales of these valentines support @skypeascientist.bsky.social!
This year's cards were designed by Philly artist @aprilfinfrock.bsky.social! Obsessed with how these turned out.
order at SquidFacts.net
December 28, 2025 at 7:28 PM
You ready for our 2026 Valentines??
The art is ready for ya 😍
As with everything on our shop, sales of these valentines support @skypeascientist.bsky.social!
This year's cards were designed by Philly artist @aprilfinfrock.bsky.social! Obsessed with how these turned out.
order at SquidFacts.net
The art is ready for ya 😍
As with everything on our shop, sales of these valentines support @skypeascientist.bsky.social!
This year's cards were designed by Philly artist @aprilfinfrock.bsky.social! Obsessed with how these turned out.
order at SquidFacts.net