Pinski essay recognized by Lasker Foundation
Writer advocates for scientists to use podcasts as a tool in biomedical research, education
Washington UniversityAmanda Pinski, a doctoral student in the Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences at WashU, has received recognition in a global essay competition for graduate students and health profession trainees. The contest was sponsored by the Lasker Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at supporting biomedical research, public health advocacy and educational initiatives.
Amanda Pinski, a doctoral student in the Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, has received recognition for her essay titled “Are You Listening?” The piece urges scientists to use podcasts as a platform to communicate their diverse ideas, explore different fields with an eye toward interdisciplinary collaborations and connect with researchers educationally, professionally and personally.
Pinski’s essay was one of four selected by the Lasker Foundation as part of its international 2025 Essay Contest open to graduate students and health profession trainees. The foundation is a nonprofit aimed at supporting biomedical research, public health advocacy and educational initiatives.
The four winners each received $5,000 for educational expenses. The essayists were asked to “identify a specific innovation in education or training that would help ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and successful future biomedical research workforce.”
Pinski noted how podcasts helped motivate her to pursue a PhD in the Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis program in the Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences. “I wanted an environment that not only had a breadth and depth of microbiology research, but also one that reflected the level of collegiality, enthusiasm and commitment I had heard in podcasts discussions,” Pinski said. “I felt that WashU best reflected those qualities because of the vast quantity of interconnected microbiology researchers, resources and facilities. I felt confident I would receive high-caliber training in science and science communication.”
The winning essays will be published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation and on the Lasker Foundation website.
