Science Communication
Sharing cephalopod science with the world
I have a strong interest in science communication (SciComm), and think it is very important for the future of the scientific profession and society. Science communication is crucial for conveying the significance and implications of research to a broader audience, including policymakers, funding agencies, and the public. Engaging in science communication also promotes transparency and builds trust between scientists and society, enhancing the credibility of scientific research.
By communicating science effectively, scientists can also inspire future generations and promote scientific literacy, which is essential for making informed decisions and solving global challenges.
My Main SciComm Platforms
I create science communication content about cephalopods, marine biology, and molecular research, cross-posting the same material across all of my platforms.
In the News
Onthank Lab members have been interviewed or quoted by national and international media outlets covering octopus biology, color change, behavior, and marine research.
August 5, 2025
CNN interview on the San Antonio Aquarium octopus story
Kirt Onthank provided expert commentary on the viral story of an octopus at the San Antonio Aquarium.
June 2, 2025
Meg Mindlin interviewed on Whyte Noise podcast
Interview on RNA editing, climate change, octopus intelligence, and the connection between art and science.
April 13, 2025
Meg Mindlin cited by The New York Times
Meg Mindlin contributed to The New York Times story “A Cautionary Tale of 408 Tentacles,” a follow-up on the viral Oklahoma pet-octopus family.
January 21, 2025
Nature article on the metabolic cost of octopus color change
Sofie Sonner's research discussed in the context of broader octopus biology coverage in Nature.
November 26, 2024
Forbes article on the high energetic costs of changing colors in octopus
Forbes covers Sofie Sonner's PNAS paper on the metabolic demands of octopus color change.
November 22, 2024
CBC Quirks and Quarks interview
Sofie Sonner's thesis research was covered on Canada’s premier science radio program about octopus biology and research.
November 22, 2024
Live Science article on the energetic costs of octopus color change
Coverage of Sofie Sonner's research showing octopuses burn significant calories when changing color.
November 19, 2024
ScienceAlert article on the cost of octopus camouflage
ScienceAlert reports on Sofie Sonner's findings about the energetic expense of octopus camouflage.
November 18, 2024
Science article on energetic costs of octopus “costume changes”
The journal Science covers Sofie Sonner's PNAS study on the high energy cost of octopus color change.
November 18, 2024
Popular Science article on octopus color change
Popular Science covers Sofie Sonner's research on the high metabolic cost of octopus camouflage and color change.
August 9, 2024
Meg Mindlin interviewed on The Science Pawdcast
Podcast interview covering octopus intelligence, behavior, and RNA editing.
June 18, 2024
Meg Mindlin featured in ICB's Art in Bio series
Feature on Meg's art-science practice and scientific illustration in the Integrative and Comparative Biology blog.
May 2024
Meg Mindlin talks octopus adaptations for Skype A Scientist
Public livestream on octopus molecular adaptation and environmental change.
April 11, 2024
NBC News segment on a family’s pet octopus journey on TikTok
Kirt Onthank appeared on NBC News to discuss the TikTok phenomenon of a family sharing their pet octopus journey.
February 22, 2024
Meg Mindlin joins Seattle Aquarium's cephalopod lightning talks
Official digital event featuring Meg's talk on cephalopod evolution in the face of climate change.
February 2024
Meg Mindlin explains octopus RNA editing for OctoNation
Guest-written and illustrated explainer on cephalopod A-to-I RNA editing for OctoNation.
January 4, 2024
Meg Mindlin interviewed on The Wild Life podcast
Long-form interview on cephalopods, RNA editing, and science communication with Octopus Biologist Meg Mindlin.
March 25, 2023
Passion for Science: PHS Teacher in the Lab
Onthank Lab member Stacy Hansen presents octopus-abalone research.
February 16, 2023
Inverse article on octopus attacks and precision
Onthank Lab commentary featured in an article examining how octopuses attack with deadly precision.
January 15, 2021
Octopuses adapting to ocean acidification
Onthank Lab research on octopus metabolic rate under elevated CO2 covered by ScienceAlert.
Spring 2015
Onthank Lab in Westwind Magazine
Lab research featured in the Spring 2015 Westwind magazine.
Presentations
Sound Water Stewards Talk (2022)
A talk on the discovery and study of Muusoctopus leioderma in Burrows Bay, Washington.