Anne A. Madden, PhD (she/her)
@anneamadden.bsky.social
Microbe wrangler, scientist, TED speaker. Creator of wasp yeast beer, discover of microbial solutions for human problems, explorer of the microbial cosmos… and bouncy ball enthusiast. (Founder: The Microbe Institute) #microbes & #sciart
So excited about this project! My institute is teaming up with the only museum dedicated to the craft of beadwork to create a truly remarkable—AND GLITTERY— science-art & education experience in 2026. See how you can participate in one of the planned exhibits in this thread below #sicart #scicomm
August 26, 2025 at 5:42 PM
The Microbe Institute is teaming up w/the Museum of Beadwork to host an art competition. The theme: Microbes & Mushrooms: Nature's Artistry in Detail. We challenge you to create a piece that introduces audiences to the microbial realm. #sciart
www.museumofbeadwork.org/pages/microbe-challenge
www.museumofbeadwork.org/pages/microbe-challenge
August 11, 2025 at 6:58 PM
The Microbe Institute is teaming up w/the Museum of Beadwork to host an art competition. The theme: Microbes & Mushrooms: Nature's Artistry in Detail. We challenge you to create a piece that introduces audiences to the microbial realm. #sciart
www.museumofbeadwork.org/pages/microbe-challenge
www.museumofbeadwork.org/pages/microbe-challenge
Gave a webinar on careers in science communication at @harvardmed.bsky.social today. I managed to reference unicorns, whales, and gingerbread in an on-topic way (I swear). Wish I had access to this full career seminar series when I was in grad school! #scicomm
February 27, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Gave a webinar on careers in science communication at @harvardmed.bsky.social today. I managed to reference unicorns, whales, and gingerbread in an on-topic way (I swear). Wish I had access to this full career seminar series when I was in grad school! #scicomm
Even in the darkness, there is light. Even in isolating times, there are allies.
A photo of me wearing living jewelry containing a naturally bioluminescent microbe that sometimes partners with a fish species to help it avoid predators.
Be the light. Be the ally.
#scicomm #lessonsfrommicrobes
A photo of me wearing living jewelry containing a naturally bioluminescent microbe that sometimes partners with a fish species to help it avoid predators.
Be the light. Be the ally.
#scicomm #lessonsfrommicrobes
February 19, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Even in the darkness, there is light. Even in isolating times, there are allies.
A photo of me wearing living jewelry containing a naturally bioluminescent microbe that sometimes partners with a fish species to help it avoid predators.
Be the light. Be the ally.
#scicomm #lessonsfrommicrobes
A photo of me wearing living jewelry containing a naturally bioluminescent microbe that sometimes partners with a fish species to help it avoid predators.
Be the light. Be the ally.
#scicomm #lessonsfrommicrobes
I'm giving a seminar on careers in science communication to an audience of graduate students at a leading university next week. Any things you all want to make sure I share?
#SciComm
(Photo is a mirror selfie of me before I gave a commencement speech a few years back...yes, my hat is on backwards)
#SciComm
(Photo is a mirror selfie of me before I gave a commencement speech a few years back...yes, my hat is on backwards)
February 18, 2025 at 8:13 PM
I'm giving a seminar on careers in science communication to an audience of graduate students at a leading university next week. Any things you all want to make sure I share?
#SciComm
(Photo is a mirror selfie of me before I gave a commencement speech a few years back...yes, my hat is on backwards)
#SciComm
(Photo is a mirror selfie of me before I gave a commencement speech a few years back...yes, my hat is on backwards)
anyone who needs a face and a story to go along with these cuts. A big part of what I do as a science communicator--not just as a scientist--is to reveal all the amazing things that science provides us. So many of those things are made possible by the NSF.
February 18, 2025 at 6:53 PM
anyone who needs a face and a story to go along with these cuts. A big part of what I do as a science communicator--not just as a scientist--is to reveal all the amazing things that science provides us. So many of those things are made possible by the NSF.
We talked about how wasp yeast beer is a great example to help showcase the often unexpected but nearly universal benefits of NSF funding. We were going to showcase it together this year, as it's the NSF GRFP's 75th year anniversary. I'm sharing in case this is relevant to a reporter, or...
February 18, 2025 at 6:53 PM
We talked about how wasp yeast beer is a great example to help showcase the often unexpected but nearly universal benefits of NSF funding. We were going to showcase it together this year, as it's the NSF GRFP's 75th year anniversary. I'm sharing in case this is relevant to a reporter, or...
A TED talk where the other speakers that week included Serena Williams, Elon Musk, & the pope. A tiny amount of funding in fundamental research did more than could be imagined. Yet this is the story of the NSF=huge impact. When I talked with NSF staff in 2024, I thanked them for the program. ...
February 18, 2025 at 6:53 PM
A TED talk where the other speakers that week included Serena Williams, Elon Musk, & the pope. A tiny amount of funding in fundamental research did more than could be imagined. Yet this is the story of the NSF=huge impact. When I talked with NSF staff in 2024, I thanked them for the program. ...
With that small amount of $, I discovered a new fungal species to science, we gained new insights into ecology of insects, microbes, and plants. We helped farmers and the craft brewing industry. We bolstered the economy, the IP of the USA, and it enabled me to give a TED talk w/>1.6M views...
February 18, 2025 at 6:53 PM
With that small amount of $, I discovered a new fungal species to science, we gained new insights into ecology of insects, microbes, and plants. We helped farmers and the craft brewing industry. We bolstered the economy, the IP of the USA, and it enabled me to give a TED talk w/>1.6M views...
My research in graduate school was funded by an NSF GRFP. They invested in me to study the microbes of paper wasps of all things- the most basic and fundamental of sciences. Ten years later, this research led to patented brewing technology commercialized across the world. ... #NSF
February 18, 2025 at 6:53 PM
My research in graduate school was funded by an NSF GRFP. They invested in me to study the microbes of paper wasps of all things- the most basic and fundamental of sciences. Ten years later, this research led to patented brewing technology commercialized across the world. ... #NSF
Needing a reminder that the collective action of many tiny creatures can have profound effects? This petri plate holds more living organisms than there are people in the USA.
#sciart #microbes #yeast #valentinesday #scicomm
#sciart #microbes #yeast #valentinesday #scicomm
February 14, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Needing a reminder that the collective action of many tiny creatures can have profound effects? This petri plate holds more living organisms than there are people in the USA.
#sciart #microbes #yeast #valentinesday #scicomm
#sciart #microbes #yeast #valentinesday #scicomm
Talked about careers in science—& the beauty of the microbial world (&yeast!)—with 120 6th graders in Maine yesterday. It surprises me that one of their main takeaways was that scientists don’t all look like Einstein. But how cute was this drawing one child did of me?! #thisiswhatascientistlookslike
November 19, 2024 at 6:08 PM
Talked about careers in science—& the beauty of the microbial world (&yeast!)—with 120 6th graders in Maine yesterday. It surprises me that one of their main takeaways was that scientists don’t all look like Einstein. But how cute was this drawing one child did of me?! #thisiswhatascientistlookslike
I often post about the utility and science of the microbes carried by wasps (one of my research topics).
November 15, 2024 at 7:09 PM
I often post about the utility and science of the microbes carried by wasps (one of my research topics).
Tell me you’re a microbiologist without telling me you’re a microbiologist:
November 15, 2024 at 6:58 PM
Tell me you’re a microbiologist without telling me you’re a microbiologist:
How I (anthropomorphically) think my bacterial cultures must feel in their 37 C incubator:
(Image credit: @kewgardens.bsky.social)
(Image credit: @kewgardens.bsky.social)
November 15, 2024 at 2:26 PM
How I (anthropomorphically) think my bacterial cultures must feel in their 37 C incubator:
(Image credit: @kewgardens.bsky.social)
(Image credit: @kewgardens.bsky.social)
Some microbial love! These are environmental yeasts isolated from plant tissue by my lovely former colleagues in the ag tech space. The pink pigments are carotenoids, which help the microbes survive UV radiation. Does it make me want pink sunscreen? Yes, yes it does. #sciart
November 14, 2024 at 11:23 PM
Some microbial love! These are environmental yeasts isolated from plant tissue by my lovely former colleagues in the ag tech space. The pink pigments are carotenoids, which help the microbes survive UV radiation. Does it make me want pink sunscreen? Yes, yes it does. #sciart
It took forever to build a wonderful community on twitter of >10k sci nerds united in generously sharing ideas, expertise, humor, & a love of the beautiful squishy bits of the universe that most people ignore. But i remain hopeful this platform can create this same type of space! #sciart #microbes
November 14, 2024 at 3:52 PM
Or is this just the best album cover that has yet to be used by a band??
November 11, 2024 at 9:44 PM
Or is this just the best album cover that has yet to be used by a band??
Let's be honest, as microbiologists, we're all bonded in loving our study organisms like a group of people who own ugly dogs. #microscopicfurbaby
February 4, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Let's be honest, as microbiologists, we're all bonded in loving our study organisms like a group of people who own ugly dogs. #microscopicfurbaby
More yeast-related goodies:
What color do you think of when you think of "yeast"? I'm guessing not magenta. Wild yeasts produce many different pigments, such as the pink yeast below. Here are Microbe Crayon Labels if you want to learn more:...
What color do you think of when you think of "yeast"? I'm guessing not magenta. Wild yeasts produce many different pigments, such as the pink yeast below. Here are Microbe Crayon Labels if you want to learn more:...
February 4, 2025 at 10:09 PM
More yeast-related goodies:
What color do you think of when you think of "yeast"? I'm guessing not magenta. Wild yeasts produce many different pigments, such as the pink yeast below. Here are Microbe Crayon Labels if you want to learn more:...
What color do you think of when you think of "yeast"? I'm guessing not magenta. Wild yeasts produce many different pigments, such as the pink yeast below. Here are Microbe Crayon Labels if you want to learn more:...
Some exciting developments on the #WaspBeer front this month, so as a lead-up, I'm sharing some art, education, & science related to these wonderful creatures.
First up, a coloring sheet (MADE BY MY MOM!) for some calm moments of yeast appreciation....
First up, a coloring sheet (MADE BY MY MOM!) for some calm moments of yeast appreciation....
February 4, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Some exciting developments on the #WaspBeer front this month, so as a lead-up, I'm sharing some art, education, & science related to these wonderful creatures.
First up, a coloring sheet (MADE BY MY MOM!) for some calm moments of yeast appreciation....
First up, a coloring sheet (MADE BY MY MOM!) for some calm moments of yeast appreciation....
4/4 It's the guns.
The data don't lie.
If it can happen in this beautiful, vibrant, and connected community, it can happen anywhere. Everywhere.
#mainestrong #LewistonMaine
The data don't lie.
If it can happen in this beautiful, vibrant, and connected community, it can happen anywhere. Everywhere.
#mainestrong #LewistonMaine
February 4, 2025 at 10:24 PM
4/4 It's the guns.
The data don't lie.
If it can happen in this beautiful, vibrant, and connected community, it can happen anywhere. Everywhere.
#mainestrong #LewistonMaine
The data don't lie.
If it can happen in this beautiful, vibrant, and connected community, it can happen anywhere. Everywhere.
#mainestrong #LewistonMaine