Tai Josek, Ph.D.
@tjosek.bsky.social
|| They/them/elle || 💛🤍💜🖤
Electron Microscopist at UIUC’s Beckman Institute. Entomologist. Tick Researcher. Educator. Climber. Stand Up Comic. Maker. [Opinions expressed on here are my own and are not associated with UIUC]
Electron Microscopist at UIUC’s Beckman Institute. Entomologist. Tick Researcher. Educator. Climber. Stand Up Comic. Maker. [Opinions expressed on here are my own and are not associated with UIUC]
Taking a moment to share some of my favorite Andrea Gibson poems in a thread to celebrate their words. This poem brings me to tears because it’s the only poem I’ve ever heard that truly captures what it’s like to love dog so every year I share this poem on my dogs’ birthday. youtu.be/SMeTA9-zMuk?...
A LETTER TO MY DOG, EXPLORING THE HUMAN CONDITION
YouTube video by Andrea Gibson
youtu.be
July 15, 2025 at 2:07 AM
Taking a moment to share some of my favorite Andrea Gibson poems in a thread to celebrate their words. This poem brings me to tears because it’s the only poem I’ve ever heard that truly captures what it’s like to love dog so every year I share this poem on my dogs’ birthday. youtu.be/SMeTA9-zMuk?...
Andrea Gibson wrote their way into the hearts of so many people. Their words captured life in a way that made me rethink how to view the world. It’s remarkable that someone I’ve never met, could make me feel so deeply. I will miss them dearly but am grateful for the words they left behind.
July 14, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Andrea Gibson wrote their way into the hearts of so many people. Their words captured life in a way that made me rethink how to view the world. It’s remarkable that someone I’ve never met, could make me feel so deeply. I will miss them dearly but am grateful for the words they left behind.
This past Friday I went out with some friends to take photos of lightning bugs. By pure chance we got #lighting and #LightningBugs
It was an amazing glimpse at nature - glad to have shared the moment with friends. #Photography #Entomology
It was an amazing glimpse at nature - glad to have shared the moment with friends. #Photography #Entomology
July 13, 2025 at 1:45 PM
This past Friday I went out with some friends to take photos of lightning bugs. By pure chance we got #lighting and #LightningBugs
It was an amazing glimpse at nature - glad to have shared the moment with friends. #Photography #Entomology
It was an amazing glimpse at nature - glad to have shared the moment with friends. #Photography #Entomology
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
Just a little Sunday Morning Shitposting. The origin of Lepidoptera might be much older than we thought. www.science.org/content/arti...
Ancient poop yields world’s oldest butterfly fossils
Tiny wing scales suggest the proboscis evolved 100 million years before flowers
www.science.org
July 6, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Just a little Sunday Morning Shitposting. The origin of Lepidoptera might be much older than we thought. www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
As a byproduct of the silk industry, silkworm pupae are a protein-rich resource that can be incorporated into feed for farmed fish. A new study by researchers in Pakistan finds that silkworm pupae meal leads to improved growth and health in farmed Nile tilapia compared to traditional fishmeal.
From Sericulture to Aquaculture: Silkworm Pupae a Cost-Effective Food for Farmed Fish
As a byproduct of the silk industry, silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae are a protein-rich resource that can be incorporated into feed for farmed fish.
entomologytoday.org
June 18, 2025 at 9:02 PM
As a byproduct of the silk industry, silkworm pupae are a protein-rich resource that can be incorporated into feed for farmed fish. A new study by researchers in Pakistan finds that silkworm pupae meal leads to improved growth and health in farmed Nile tilapia compared to traditional fishmeal.
The protest in Chambana was something special. Despite most of the student body being away for the summer, the community came out & not only took to the streets but filled it for BLOCKS. It was a nice reminder that we aren’t alone in this chaos & allowed me to leave with hope for the future.
June 15, 2025 at 12:29 AM
The protest in Chambana was something special. Despite most of the student body being away for the summer, the community came out & not only took to the streets but filled it for BLOCKS. It was a nice reminder that we aren’t alone in this chaos & allowed me to leave with hope for the future.
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
As the semester comes to a close, the team at the (dis)Ability Design Studio is still hard at work trying to make the world more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Watch the full video at youtu.be/pCZUQ88yM04
@illinois1867.bsky.social @illinoismechse.bsky.social @uofigrainger.bsky.social
@illinois1867.bsky.social @illinoismechse.bsky.social @uofigrainger.bsky.social
May 14, 2025 at 9:39 PM
As the semester comes to a close, the team at the (dis)Ability Design Studio is still hard at work trying to make the world more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Watch the full video at youtu.be/pCZUQ88yM04
@illinois1867.bsky.social @illinoismechse.bsky.social @uofigrainger.bsky.social
@illinois1867.bsky.social @illinoismechse.bsky.social @uofigrainger.bsky.social
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
As the weather warms up, remember that sunscreen and insect repellent don't work well together. Covering up helps avoid both insects and too much sun. www.consumerreports.org/health/insec...
Skip Products That Combine Sunscreen With Insect Repellent. Here's Why. - Consumer Reports
Combining sunscreen and insect repellent could affect the way sunscreen works.
www.consumerreports.org
May 11, 2025 at 5:29 PM
As the weather warms up, remember that sunscreen and insect repellent don't work well together. Covering up helps avoid both insects and too much sun. www.consumerreports.org/health/insec...
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
It’s #transdayofvisibility🏳️⚧️ and I am 100% sure of is regardless of that and any policy that is meant to make us think we are invisible…
I am visible. I am powerful. I am ungovernable.
I am visible. I am powerful. I am ungovernable.
March 31, 2025 at 9:26 PM
It’s #transdayofvisibility🏳️⚧️ and I am 100% sure of is regardless of that and any policy that is meant to make us think we are invisible…
I am visible. I am powerful. I am ungovernable.
I am visible. I am powerful. I am ungovernable.
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
I thought it would be cool to take a #microCT scan of romanesco broccoli that came in my meal kit this week, and I was not disappointed! What a stunningly beautiful vegetable 🤯 The scan was taken with our Rigaku HX130 (@rigakucorporation.bsky.social) here at Beckman (@beckmanillinois.bsky.social)
March 4, 2025 at 9:34 PM
I thought it would be cool to take a #microCT scan of romanesco broccoli that came in my meal kit this week, and I was not disappointed! What a stunningly beautiful vegetable 🤯 The scan was taken with our Rigaku HX130 (@rigakucorporation.bsky.social) here at Beckman (@beckmanillinois.bsky.social)
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
A classic from the archives by @ohhappydani.bsky.social 💜
February 8, 2025 at 6:35 AM
A classic from the archives by @ohhappydani.bsky.social 💜
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
no funding if it seems like the research MIGHT involve a woman or a nonwhite person
🚨BREAKING. From a program officer at the National Science Foundation, a list of keywords that can cause a grant to be pulled. I will be sharing screenshots of these keywords along with a decision tree. Please share widely. This is a crisis for academic freedom & science.
February 4, 2025 at 2:34 AM
no funding if it seems like the research MIGHT involve a woman or a nonwhite person
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
Rock and roll was created by a Black woman — Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Known as the Godmother of Rock and Roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who served as inspiration for artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. We honor her as we still feel her influence today.
Known as the Godmother of Rock and Roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who served as inspiration for artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. We honor her as we still feel her influence today.
February 3, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Rock and roll was created by a Black woman — Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Known as the Godmother of Rock and Roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who served as inspiration for artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. We honor her as we still feel her influence today.
Known as the Godmother of Rock and Roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who served as inspiration for artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. We honor her as we still feel her influence today.
Immigrants make this country better. Hit the rich in their pockets. #protest #DayWithoutImmigrants #ImmigrantsGetTheJobDone
February 2, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Immigrants make this country better. Hit the rich in their pockets. #protest #DayWithoutImmigrants #ImmigrantsGetTheJobDone
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were ordered to withdraw any pending publications, at any scientific journal, that mention terms such as “transgender,” “immigrant,” “L.G.B.T.” or “pregnant people.”
February 2, 2025 at 1:05 AM
Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were ordered to withdraw any pending publications, at any scientific journal, that mention terms such as “transgender,” “immigrant,” “L.G.B.T.” or “pregnant people.”
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
Just some nice little art. Enjoy 🤍 🧵 (1/3)
Original words were from @deiloh who worded it loads better than I could. I just wanted to illustrate it and share for others. Check her out on Threads and Insta if you love art and hate what’s going on!
Original words were from @deiloh who worded it loads better than I could. I just wanted to illustrate it and share for others. Check her out on Threads and Insta if you love art and hate what’s going on!
January 24, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Just some nice little art. Enjoy 🤍 🧵 (1/3)
Original words were from @deiloh who worded it loads better than I could. I just wanted to illustrate it and share for others. Check her out on Threads and Insta if you love art and hate what’s going on!
Original words were from @deiloh who worded it loads better than I could. I just wanted to illustrate it and share for others. Check her out on Threads and Insta if you love art and hate what’s going on!
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
If you are a federal worker being offered a buyout, I would advise against taking it.
Of course, this is a personal decision for everyone and it’s your choice.
But these offers are a rush job. The legality is questionable and this admin does not keep to its word.
They aren’t firing for a reason.
Of course, this is a personal decision for everyone and it’s your choice.
But these offers are a rush job. The legality is questionable and this admin does not keep to its word.
They aren’t firing for a reason.
January 30, 2025 at 6:02 PM
If you are a federal worker being offered a buyout, I would advise against taking it.
Of course, this is a personal decision for everyone and it’s your choice.
But these offers are a rush job. The legality is questionable and this admin does not keep to its word.
They aren’t firing for a reason.
Of course, this is a personal decision for everyone and it’s your choice.
But these offers are a rush job. The legality is questionable and this admin does not keep to its word.
They aren’t firing for a reason.
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
It’s important to know that a lot of productive activity is happening in person and offline, too.
Not all of it can be broadcast online, but we’ve had hundreds of people showing up to our trainings, mobilizations, and more.
Keep going. Tyranny is eroded by a sea of small acts. Everything matters.
Not all of it can be broadcast online, but we’ve had hundreds of people showing up to our trainings, mobilizations, and more.
Keep going. Tyranny is eroded by a sea of small acts. Everything matters.
January 30, 2025 at 4:03 AM
It’s important to know that a lot of productive activity is happening in person and offline, too.
Not all of it can be broadcast online, but we’ve had hundreds of people showing up to our trainings, mobilizations, and more.
Keep going. Tyranny is eroded by a sea of small acts. Everything matters.
Not all of it can be broadcast online, but we’ve had hundreds of people showing up to our trainings, mobilizations, and more.
Keep going. Tyranny is eroded by a sea of small acts. Everything matters.
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
Remember a few days ago when Republicans were pretending to love Dr. King? (They don't, and their ilk literally gunned him down, but they do copy a couple of very specific quotes without context every January.)
Welp, he's canceled.
Plus other things.
Like Holocaust remembrance.
Because wOkE. 🥴
Welp, he's canceled.
Plus other things.
Like Holocaust remembrance.
Because wOkE. 🥴
January 29, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Remember a few days ago when Republicans were pretending to love Dr. King? (They don't, and their ilk literally gunned him down, but they do copy a couple of very specific quotes without context every January.)
Welp, he's canceled.
Plus other things.
Like Holocaust remembrance.
Because wOkE. 🥴
Welp, he's canceled.
Plus other things.
Like Holocaust remembrance.
Because wOkE. 🥴
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
I was interviewed by @msjpauly.bsky.social for @motherjones.com regarding that awful gamete size "sex" executive order. A bit of an explainer here of why the science is so bad, and why that's dangerous:
Trump’s definitions of "male" and "female" are nonsense science with staggering ramifications
"How can you so fully misunderstand basic human biology, and then legislate about it?"
www.motherjones.com
January 23, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Reposted by Tai Josek, Ph.D.
SHARE WIDELY.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
With mass deportations starting today across the country, it is vitally important - for both citizens and non-citizens - to know your rights.
You have the right to remain silent. Assert it. You have the right to a lawyer. Ask for one.
(1/3)
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
With mass deportations starting today across the country, it is vitally important - for both citizens and non-citizens - to know your rights.
You have the right to remain silent. Assert it. You have the right to a lawyer. Ask for one.
(1/3)
January 22, 2025 at 2:19 AM
SHARE WIDELY.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
With mass deportations starting today across the country, it is vitally important - for both citizens and non-citizens - to know your rights.
You have the right to remain silent. Assert it. You have the right to a lawyer. Ask for one.
(1/3)
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
With mass deportations starting today across the country, it is vitally important - for both citizens and non-citizens - to know your rights.
You have the right to remain silent. Assert it. You have the right to a lawyer. Ask for one.
(1/3)