Kelly Sheppard (he/him/his)
LightNews LightNews
banner
kstrna62.bsky.social
Kelly Sheppard (he/him/his)
@kstrna62.bsky.social
460 followers 1.1K following 400 posts
Spouse, parent, home cook, educator, cynical optimist, tRNA biochemist at a small liberal arts college, collaborative research w/ undergrads, flipped classroom, CUREs, assessment, pre-health advising, Californian living in upstate NY via CT
Posts Replies Media Videos
kstrna62.bsky.social
With Watson's death can we stop teaching his simplified version of the Central Dogma (DNA-RNA-protein) & instead teach what Crick actually proposed? It promotes understanding & critical thinking. wellcomecollection.org/works/xmscu3...
A drawing that Crick did of the Central Dogma "“Once information has got into a protein it can’t get out again.” Information here means the sequence of the amino acid residues, or other sequence related to it. This is we ma be able to have DNA to RNA (arrow connecting), RNA to protein (arrow again), DNA to protein (arrow connecting), and DNA to DNA (circular arrow of DNA back to DNA) or RNA to RNA (circular arrow). But never protein to protein, protein to RNA, or protein to DNA.
November 13, 2025 at 11:13 PM
kstrna62.bsky.social
Science is not partisan; it is not bipartisan; it is not non-partisan. Science is about learning. "While open to diverse experiences, new evidence, and critical perspectives, scientific rigor rejects the uncritical acceptance that all viewpoints are equally valid."
Science is creative and dynamic. The enterprise of science is not a single method but is a set of interrelated human endeavors that are inquiry-driven, systematic, iterative, and evidence-based with transparency that enables ongoing review and feedback from peers. Each endeavor is shaped by different contexts, questions, approaches, and by one another as we collectively learn about our world. Science relies on empirical evidence, critical thinking, creativity, reproducibility, and rigorous methodical inquiry to overcome bias at the individual, group, and societal levels, both now and across generations, so that we may better understand the world. Shifts in scientific understanding are shaped by diverse experiences and global traditions. What we come to know is influenced by our values, assumptions, and historical circumstances that inform our questions and interpretations. Therefore, science is not a simple, linear path of advancing human knowledge. Science is a continuous cycle: questions lead to exploration, discoveries spark new inquiries, data and critique prompt re-examination, and understanding evolves through new evidence, serendipity, refined methods, changing technology, and curiosity, all in service of overcoming our biases. In that context, scientific understanding is open to revision based on evidence as we explain, predict, and apply knowledge about the world. This human pursuit carries with it the ongoing responsibility to actively recognize our assumptions, engage with critique, and remain accountable to the evidence and to one another. Being open to revision is not a weakness of science, but a strength. It reflects our commitment to evidence over wishful thinking. While open to diverse experiences, new evidence, and critical perspectives, scientific rigor rejects the uncritical acceptance that all viewpoints are equally valid.
July 2, 2025 at 7:10 PM
kstrna62.bsky.social
Anyone notice what is no longer present in the 2025 updated version of the 2023 ACS CPT guidelines? Some appears to be integrated into other facets of the guidelines. I have guesses along the lines of lawyers aren't they fun. #ChemSky
www.acs.org/education/po...
Table of contents from the 2023 version of the ACS CPT guidelines covering 9 sections with an overview of program approval and then the 8 factors that go into approval. Section 9 was Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR).
May 16, 2025 at 5:27 PM
kstrna62.bsky.social
I would also argue removing DEI beyond reducing talent & workforce, harms people and the enterprise of science itself. How can we overcome our biases at the individual & societal levels and barriers to doing good science if we cannot acknowledge them, let alone combat them?
Science is a systematic & inquiry-based human enterprise. With this enterprise, we aim to use systematic inquiry, empirical evidence, & critical analysis to better understand our world by overcoming our biases at the individual, group, & societal levels in the present and across generations. This understanding includes explaining, predicting, and applying knowledge about the universe. In other words, science is a series of ongoing, methodical processes that leverage human strengths to continually overcome our cognitive & perceptual limitations to learn about the world & apply that understanding. As scientists, we do not turn off our humanity we embrace it. It enables us to collaborate & communicate with one another, fuels our passion, creativity, & curiosity to explore. Yet, we also carry biases we must surmount as we seek to better comprehend the world based on empirical evidence & critical thought. Our humanity is also the source of our humility, allowing us to admit when we are wrong. As scientists, we must recognize that we aren't separate from societal systems but deeply embedded within them. Acknowledging this reality strengthens our commitment to scientific inquiry. We are a diverse laboratory group of scientists who seek to build and sustain a just, inclusive, & accessible community where all members know they belong and matter. In the last few years, we've seen a significant increase in anti-Asian, anti-Black, anti-Hispanic/Latine, anti-Arab, anti-Semitic, anti-Islamic, anti-Indigenous, anti-immigrant, homophobic, transphobic, sexist, classist, and ableist sentiments & violence. Such bigotry is unacceptable, as is the pseudoscience that often accompanies it. These harmful ideologies hurt individuals, corrode society, & undermine the very foundations of scientific inquiry. We reaffirm our opposition to such bigotry & our commitment to cultivating & sustaining a lab culture of care—one that recognizes, values, & celebrates every individual’s humanity.
March 26, 2025 at 12:02 PM
kstrna62.bsky.social
The response I got from ACS - seems they are protecting the institution that is ACS.
Dear Dr. Sheppard, Thank you for reaching out about the American Chemical Society’s Inclusivity Style Guide. As part of our work to develop a new strategic plan, ACS updated one of our core values to recognize inclusion and belonging for all people, as follows: “We create environments where people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences thrive.” This core value is at the heart of all ACS resources, including the Inclusivity Style Guide. The updated core value reflects the long and transformative work ACS has done to create an inclusive environment where everyone belongs and flourishes. It builds on ACS’ past work and prioritizes the ongoing achievement of certain goals, including attainment of full, authentic participation and fair treatment across all identities and experiences. ACS remains fully committed to inclusion and belonging. We have not abandoned our core value; rather, we are refining our resources to ensure they remain impactful in current times. We want to ensure that the guide continues be a useful and accurate tool for creating inclusive content and communications. To protect the integrity of the guide, we have paused specific sections for review and refinement, so they remain effective. Once this review is completed, we will repost the updated sections. We understand the frustration, concern and hurt this has caused. We welcome constructive dialogue and input to ensure that our inclusivity resources meet the needs of our community. This guide is one tool in ACS’ broader effort to foster inclusion. We truly value your membership in ACS. Please let me know if you’d like to discuss this matter. Best regards, Rajendrani (Raj) Mukhopadhyay
March 12, 2025 at 2:07 PM
kstrna62.bsky.social
ACS responded to my request to understand the changes to their Inclusivity Style Guide. #ChemSky
"To protect the integrity of the guide, we have paused specific sections for review and refinement, so they remain effective. Once this review is completed, we will repost the updated sections."
Dear Dr. Sheppard, Thank you for reaching out about the American Chemical Society’s Inclusivity Style Guide. As part of our work to develop a new strategic plan, ACS updated one of our core values to recognize inclusion and belonging for all people, as follows: “We create environments where people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences thrive.” This core value is at the heart of all ACS resources, including the Inclusivity Style Guide. The updated core value reflects the long and transformative work ACS has done to create an inclusive environment where everyone belongs and flourishes. It builds on ACS’ past work and prioritizes the ongoing achievement of certain goals, including attainment of full, authentic participation and fair treatment across all identities and experiences. ACS remains fully committed to inclusion and belonging. We have not abandoned our core value; rather, we are refining our resources to ensure they remain impactful in current times. We want to ensure that the guide continues be a useful and accurate tool for creating inclusive content and communications. To protect the integrity of the guide, we have paused specific sections for review and refinement, so they remain effective. Once this review is completed, we will repost the updated sections. We understand the frustration, concern and hurt this has caused. We welcome constructive dialogue and input to ensure that our inclusivity resources meet the needs of our community. This guide is one tool in ACS’ broader effort to foster inclusion. We truly value your membership in ACS. Please let me know if you’d like to discuss this matter. Best regards, Rajendrani (Raj) Mukhopadhyay Rajendrani Mukhopadhyay (she/her) Senior Vice President, Inclusion and Belonging
March 12, 2025 at 12:50 PM
kstrna62.bsky.social
The response I got from ACS regarding the changes to the Inclusivity Guide. My read is that the lawyers are reading the sections in question. The lack of upfront transparency is not inclusive, doesn't help with belonging, and doesn't promote respect.
Dear Dr. Sheppard, Thank you for reaching out about the American Chemical Society’s Inclusivity Style Guide. As part of our work to develop a new strategic plan, ACS updated one of our core values to recognize inclusion and belonging for all people, as follows: “We create environments where people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences thrive.” This core value is at the heart of all ACS resources, including the Inclusivity Style Guide. The updated core value reflects the long and transformative work ACS has done to create an inclusive environment where everyone belongs and flourishes. It builds on ACS’ past work and prioritizes the ongoing achievement of certain goals, including attainment of full, authentic participation and fair treatment across all identities and experiences. ACS remains fully committed to inclusion and belonging. We have not abandoned our core value; rather, we are refining our resources to ensure they remain impactful in current times. We want to ensure that the guide continues be a useful and accurate tool for creating inclusive content and communications. To protect the integrity of the guide, we have paused specific sections for review and refinement, so they remain effective. Once this review is completed, we will repost the updated sections. We understand the frustration, concern and hurt this has caused. We welcome constructive dialogue and input to ensure that our inclusivity resources meet the needs of our community. This guide is one tool in ACS’ broader effort to foster inclusion. We truly value your membership in ACS. Please let me know if you’d like to discuss this matter. Best regards, Rajendrani (Raj) Mukhopadhyay Rajendrani Mukhopadhyay (she/her) Senior Vice President, Inclusion and Belonging
March 12, 2025 at 12:41 PM
kstrna62.bsky.social
The Central Dogma This states that once information has passed into protein it cannon get out again. In more detail, the transfer of information from nucleic acid to nucleic acid, or from nucleic acid to protein may be possible, but transfer from protein to protein, or from protein to nucleic acid is impossible. Information means here the precise determination of sequence, either of bases in the nucleic acid or of amino acid residues in the protein. This is by no means universally held - Sir Macfarlane Burnet, for example, does not subscribe to it - but many worker now think along these lines. As far as I know it has not been expliciltly stated before. (Text from page 153 On Protein Synthesis by Francis Crick, 1953).
March 11, 2025 at 4:16 PM
kstrna62.bsky.social
With chocolate mousse for dessert.
Chocolate mousse in a white mug.On top of the mousse is whipped cream and a blackberry. There is a spoon in the mousse. The mug is sitting on a wood island in a kitchen.
December 26, 2024 at 12:49 AM
kstrna62.bsky.social
Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas! NY Sheppard dinner of prime rib, cranberry-pear relish, Yorkshire pudding, and a medley of veggies (broccoli, green beans, baby carrots, and sweet potato). #chemsky #chemistswhocook
Dining table with four plate settings with prime rib and Yorkshire pudding on the plates. Cranberry-pear relish, red wine reduction, medley of veggies, & platter of extra Yorkshire pudding. Two of the setting with red wine.
December 26, 2024 at 12:47 AM
kstrna62.bsky.social
Merry Christmas morning! Aebleskivers, bacon, and berries. #chemskiy #chemistswhocook
Table with red plaid tablecloth. Four plate settings with each plate having aebleskivers and bacon and OJ and water for drinks. Also the table has preserves and powdered sugar and bowls of berries. There is also a platter of aebleskivers.
December 25, 2024 at 4:05 PM
kstrna62.bsky.social
My Google Scholar Word Cloud - yep look at the biosynthesis of the amide aminoacyl-tRNA in various bacteria and there are dual routes. I also did once upon a time work on mapping the human genome as an LSRAI out of college. shiny.rcg.sfu.ca/u/rdmorin/sc...
Cloud of words in various colors and sizes based on the Google Scholar profile for Kelly Sheppard. Some of the largest words include asparaginyl‐trna dual routes Bacillus tRNA biosynthesis GatCAB RNA-dependent acid amino aureus genetic halodurans subtilis synthetase tRNA-dependent amidotransferase archaeal aspartyl‐trna characterization code evolution glutamine pyroglutamate synthetases anthracis aspartyl-tRNA general Glu-tRNAGln human
February 8, 2024 at 7:47 PM