About Universal SciCom
Welcome to Universal SciCom! We are passionate about transforming how scientists and STEM professionals communicate their work. Our mission is to help scientists connect with audiences of all ages with clarity, enthusiasm, and creativity. We believe everyone—from pre-K to gray—deserves access to the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
At Universal SciCom, we offer highly-engaging workshops that range from 90-minute sessions to multi-day boot camps and summer institutes. These workshops are designed to equip scientists with the skills and tools to communicate effectively with their peers, the general public, and a variety of audiences. Our training helps scientists break down complex concepts, craft compelling stories, and inspire curiosity in anyone who listens.
Our services don’t stop with workshops! We connect scientists and audiences through keynote addresses and other speaking engagements. We can provide tailored, science-related curricula that is compelling and relevant. Need field-specific expertise? We’ve got you covered. Our team of expert consultants is ready to answer questions, present at events, deliver keynote addresses, and lead field-specific workshops.
What’s more, we help scientists put their skills into action. After completing our workshops, we connect them with opportunities to publish, speak, and engage in classrooms and community events. Depending on their skill level, we can even act as their agent to ensure they are appropriately compensated for their time and expertise.
For those who want to experience science communication in action, we offer unforgettable opportunities. Imagine going to sea with researchers to study sharks or attending live performances that fuse science with art forms like dance, improv, and music. These experiences showcase the many forms science communication can take and inspire a deeper connection with the scientific world.
At Universal SciCom, we do more than just workshops and consultations—we are creating a movement. We provide scientists and non-scientists alike with the tools, opportunities, and experiences to see and share science communication at its finest. Join us as we bridge the gap between science and society, one conversation at a time!
About Our Founder and CEO Tamara Poles:
Tamara Poles is the dynamic Founder and CEO of Universal SciCom, formerly known as SciCom Consulting, LLC. A proud Virginia native, Tamara holds undergraduate degrees in Biology and Environmental Science and a Masters in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction. She has a deep-rooted passion for science and education. Her career began with traditional research, but her true calling emerged as she transitioned into informal education, where she has excelled for nearly 15 years.
Tamara’s journey in science communication is driven by her belief that science should be accessible to everyone—from pre-K to gray. Her workshops, ranging from 90-minute sessions to multi-day boot camps, empower scientists to share their knowledge with all audiences. Tamara’s innovative approach has taken her across the globe, earning her national and international recognition for delivering keynotes and workshops, including for the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences.
Her achievements don’t stop there. Tamara was named one of the 20 leading minds in science communication and currently serves as the Accessibility Director for the Association of Science Communicators and one of Story Collider’s trusted consultants due to her past position as a member of the Artistic Advisory Board. Through these roles, she continues to shape the field by ensuring that science communication is inclusive and impactful.
Tamara is also a passionate advocate for representation in STEM and making science accessible to everyone. Her signature workshop, “The Power of Authenticity in Science Communication,” emphasizes the importance of building trust through meaningful community relationships and understanding audience needs. Under Tamara’s leadership, Universal SciCom also helps scientists hone their skills through outreach and performance opportunities, including publishing, delivering keynotes, and participating in live science performances across formats such as dance, art, music, and improv.
Tamara’s leadership roots trace back to her creation of the IMPACTS program at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Through this initiative, she trained over 500 scientists and reached more than 48,000 North Carolinians, including 17,000 schoolchildren. Her efforts garnered a $1 million grant from the NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation and have inspired countless scientists to engage their communities.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tamara is also an athlete who once played for one of the USA International Softball Teams. Her competitive spirit and dedication mirror the passion she brings to her work.
Whether empowering scientists, speaking on the global stage, or championing inclusivity in science, Tamara’s work continues to make science communication more accessible, relatable, and transformative for everyone.