Reyhaneh “Rey” Maktoufi is an Iranian-American social science researcher and science communicator. She obtained her Ph.D. in media, technology and society at Northwestern University, with a focus on science curiosity and trust in scientists. Maktoufi is passionate about communicating the science behind science communication, as evident in her work as the co-producer, host and illustrator of PBS|NOVA's Sciencing Out — a digital mini-series on women in history who have used different strategies to communicate their science — and her comics and videos on science outreach best practices. She is an HHMI fellow in Science Communications at The Center for the Advancement of Science Leadership and Culture, where she works on developing science communication curricula, training and programs. Previously, she worked in science media as an outreach and misinformation fellow at Tangled Bank Studios and PBS|NOVA. In these capacities, she has been involved in research and producing media and impact campaigns. Maktoufi was also a visiting researcher at the Adler Planetarium and a producer for The Story Collider podcast. Before coming to the U.S., she worked as a health communication facilitator and cancer preventive/palliative care campaign manager in Tehran, Iran. Currently, she enjoys working with different nonprofits, such as the NEWF and ComSciCon. Reyhaneh Maktoufi is a recipient of the 2024 Wayfinder Award presented by Kia.

Photo by Michael Elmets