AAAS IF/THEN Ambassadors Dr. Ciara Sivels and Dr. Jessica Taaffe Featured in 3M Documentary 'Not the Science Type'

“Not the Science Type,” a four-part docuseries produced by 3M in partnership with Generous Films and AAAS, celebrates four female scientists who confront stereotypes as they rise to prominence in their fields.

The film was inspired by the results of 3M’s 2021 State of Science Index, a research project across 17 countries that tracks global attitudes about science. Among this year’s key findings: While consensus remains that there is a need for more people in science, technology, engineering and math careers, boys are still encouraged more than girls in STEM, and substantial barriers remain for people of color.

The goal of “Not the Science Type” is to inspire a dialogue about STEM equity and inclusion. The film showcases two AAAS IF/THEN Ambassadors, Dr. Ciara Sivels, a nuclear engineer and the first Black woman to receive her PhD in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan, and Dr. Jessica Taaffe, a microbiologist by training who is on a mission to advance global health through science. These two inspiring women are featured along with Dr. Jayshree Seth, Chief Science Advocate at 3M, and Gitanjali Rao, TIME Magazine’s 2020 Kid of the Year. The deeply personal stories they share about their experiences relay a message of perseverance and hope as they overcome inherent biases and break through boundaries to show all that is possible.

"AAAS is proud to partner with 3M to highlight the amazing stories of Gitanjali Rao, Dr. Sivels, Dr. Taaffe, and Dr. Seth," says Sudip Parikh, CEO of AAAS. "We look forward to elevating these women, and all women, across the scientific enterprise." A centerpiece of this work is the AAAS IF/THEN Ambassadors program, which is funded by Lyda Hill Philanthropies and brings together 125 women from a variety of STEM careers to serve as high-profile role models for middle-school girls and inspire the next generation of pioneers.

“We are so grateful for the partnership with AAAS to help bring this film about STEM equity to light,” said Dr. Jayshree Seth, corporate scientist and chief science advocate at 3M. “3M created ‘Not the Science Type’ to spark a conversation about equity for underrepresented groups in STEM. With 87% of people in agreement that we need to do more to encourage and keep women and girls engaged in STEM education, we believe the heartfelt stories of role-models like Gitanjali, Ciara and Jessica can and will help to inspire and engage the next generation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and math.”

3M is the first company to become a part of AAAS’s Corporate Circle—a program that helps companies seeking to elevate the role of science in society. Through this partnership, AAAS worked with 3M to identify two IF/Then Ambassadors to be featured and served as a promotional partner.

More information is available about the AAAS Corporate Circle. Please note this is a sample list of benefits and AAAS is happy to customize to meet a partner’s goals and objectives.