Season 3 Episode 3: Interview with Kristen Witte

Recovering Academic

Dr. Kristen Witte, Ph.D.

We sat down and spoke with Dr. Kristen Witte, an exhibit developer at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago Illinois. They discuss their transition story, taking some time away from academia to find what’s next and the challenge of getting to know yourself in an all-consuming environment that is earning a PhD.

“Once I was able to release my identity as a scientist, it allowed space for understanding the other parts of myself that just didn’t have space before”

Kristen is a recent museum transplant with a scientific background in pipetting – er, cell biology. Having most enjoyed the literature research and storytelling aspects of their Ph.D., Kristen now spends their time in exhibit development at the Museum of Science & Industry where they discover and define the compelling and fascinating stories that resonate with the museum’s diverse audience.

Speaking of diversity, Kristen identifies on the non-binary side of the gender galaxy and uses they/them pronouns. They are committed to increasing the visibility of the queer science community and to deconstructing systems that result in the diminution of the queer experience in science and science-adjacent fields.

“There has been innumerable amounts of research that highlight how much better work is done when diverse voices are in the room”

Kristen’s brightest moments occur when excited, young, queer museum visitors share how welcomed they feel by Kristen and their “They/Them” pronoun pin.

Kristen holds a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Chicago and received a B.S. in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Wisconsin. You can follow they on Twitter @KristenWitte

Mentioned in the Episode

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Proper PPE (Personal protective equipment) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_protective_equipment

Cheapest source of black nitrile gloves: Lou’s Gloves

The British Museum