X-plainers Initiative
In the San Roman Lab, we believe everyone should be able to understand how scientific research impacts their everyday lives.
Making research accessible is a responsibility we take seriously. To do this, scientists must be able to communicate their work in clear, engaging, and approachable ways. The X-plainers initiative was created to share our lab’s research with a broad, non-scientific audience.
Despite its importance, science communication is often not emphasized in undergraduate or graduate training. X-plainers addresses this gap by introducing these skills early in students’ careers. The program fosters collaboration and mentorship between undergraduate and graduate students, creating opportunities to practice and refine effective communication.
The work produced through this initiative also aims to increase public understanding of—and trust in — the scientific research happening within our community.
During our pilot phase, two undergraduate students are paired with a graduate student mentor in our lab. In the future, we hope to expand the program by partnering with additional labs and students to further our mission.
X-planations
Our Team
Hannah Kubinski
Hannah Kubinski is originally from Norton, MA. She earned her BS in Molecular Genetics with a minor in Microbiology from the University of Vermont in 2023. She then worked as a Lab Technician in the Bruce Lab at the University of Vermont working on SARS-CoV-2 and influenza this past year before pursuing her PhD in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke University. Hannah is super excited to work on exploring molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences. In her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time outdoors, running or hiking, as well as baking and reading.
Graduate Student, MGM Program, Joined 2025
Jimin Lee
Jimin is currently a freshman at Duke University from Portland, Oregon. As a prospective neuroscience major and pre-medical student, she aspires to grow her experience in the lab and in research. She is especially passionate about the intersection of science and the visual arts, and is excited to explore the fields of science communication and medicine through a creative lens with the San Roman Lab. Outside of school, she loves anything involving creativity, including crocheting/knitting, fashion, and using her artwork as a form of activism!
Undergraduate X-plainers Curator, Joined 2025
Undergraduate X-plainers Curator, Joined 2025Devyn Deschamps
Devyn Deschamps is a sophomore at Duke’s Trinity School studying Public Policy, Neuroscience, Journalism & Media, and Spanish. She is a proud 7th-generation Montanan, but has lived in New York and plans to go abroad to Spain next year. She is extremely excited to be part of the San Roman lab, with the intent to make science not only understandable, but accessible to everyone. Outside of the lab, Devyn is a writer for the Duke Chronicle and enjoys running, fashion, art, skateboarding, and creating music.