40 Under 40: Elisabeth Marnik helps make science accessible to all

Photo / Soubanh Phanthay Elisabeth Marnik, 37: Director of science education and outreach, MDI Biological Laboratory

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Elisabeth Marnik, 37 Director of science education and outreach, MDI Biological Laboratory Read all about the 40 Under 40 honorees
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Greatest achievement: I grew up in a household where science was viewed with suspicion and something to resist. I transformed that into a career where science is not only my passion, but also the way I serve my community. Today, I focus on making science information accurate, understandable, accessible, empathetic and meaningful to diverse audiences. Whether it’s through teaching, hands-on outreach, social media or public storytelling, I work to ensure science is seen as something for everyone, not just those in labs or classrooms.

Passion project: My online science communication outside of my day job and the book I’m slowly planning and writing. Both let me share science in ways that feel creative.

Lightbulb moment: I was juggling new motherhood while facing the possibility of a complex medical diagnosis for our first child. I found myself on the opposite side of all the science I knew — frustrated, navigating uncertainty, trying to understand the data. Then it clicked: if I had trouble navigating this as a scientist, how much worse is it for others without a science background? That helped me see how much science impacts every part of life and led to changing my career to emphasize making science accessible to everyone.

Influential books: “The Night Circus,” by Erin Morgenstern, and “When Breath Becomes Air,” by Paul Kalanithi

Favorite TV show: “Bones”

Personal hero: My grandma Lois.

Favorite quote: “You’re in the right place at the right time, and you care enough to do what needs to be done. Sometimes that’s enough.” — Erin Morgenstern, “The Night Circus”

Maine’s biggest challenge: Our aging population. As more people retire, we’re facing workforce shortages in critical areas like health care, science and education. We must find ways to retain and recruit young people and show them they can build meaningful futures here. But this won’t happen without addressing barriers families face. For example, maternal care shortages and lack of affordable daycare make it hard for young families to stay and thrive in Maine. Tackling these issues is as important as creating new jobs. Science, education and health care are also key. We need to support new ways of training our workforce and create economic opportunities in fast-growing fields like life sciences. These efforts can help keep Maine vibrant for future generations.

Dinner party guests: Michelle Obama, Mayim Bialik, Jane Austen