Speaking and Public Engagement

I am a passionate advocate for access and inclusion in STEM and present invited lectures all over the US. I recently rotated off a 5 year term as Executive Director for the International Association for Geoscience Diversity (theIAGD.org) which enabled me to advocate for disabled geoscientists numerous events at national conferences, through invited talks and roundtable appointments at the National Academies of Science Engineering and Math, and panels hosted by the National Science Foundation.

The story of my personal journey and how it guides my work has been featured in keynote and plenary addresses, news articles like this one from the AP: “How scientists with disabilities are making research labs and fieldwork more accessible“, in a children’s book (Breaking The Mold: Changing the Face of Climate Science, Levy, 2023), and in middle school learning activities (McGraw Hill, 2023). I’ve also had the opportunity to represent the geosciences in a science documentary (Brink of Disaster: Miami Sinking, 2022).

Image 1 Anita smiles and points to herself on a big screen TV. Image 2 the opening page of the chapter of her in the book Breaking the Mold. Anita is out in the field wearing a floppy yellow hat in front of Sunset Crater volcano with a text art that reads "I blaze my own trail".

I also love engaging with K12 students and the public to present interactive science lessons and talks for schools and scout groups on a wide range of topics from volcanology to paleontology and mineral identification. Participating in the annual showcase of all things geology at “Can You Dig It?” at the Florida Museum is a highlight of the spring semester at UF.

Feel free to Contact me if you would like to talk to me about a booking a speaking opportunity or other event.