Celia Smits earned her PhD in molecular biology from Princeton University. Previously, she graduated Cum Laude from the University of Denver with double majors in molecular biology and biochemistry and minors in physics and math. Her nine years in scientific research have provided her the opportunity to explore many areas of biology, including developmental biology, biophysics, and cancer. She has developed a passion for communicating science through writing and visual presentation, including by writing research articles for peer reviewed journals and a book chapter about Drosophila (fruit fly) embryonic development. Her publications have been well received, with one having been cited 50 times. She has also presented her work to diverse audiences ranging from high school students to Nobel laureates. In her future career, she would like to use the skills she has developed in scientific research and communication to help develop science-informed environmental policy.