How Regina Barber Connects Science, Race, and Storytelling

How Regina Barber Connects Science, Race, and Storytelling

From What’s Next? by BTPM NPR

April 27, 2026 · 55 min · Episode 343

About this episode

Regina Barber discusses her journey in science, the importance of representation, and the role of storytelling in science communication.

Today on What’s Next?, we speak with Regina Barber, physicist and host of NPR’s Short Wave. Barber shares how her upbringing in a racially divided community and her love of Star Trek helped shape her path into science. She also discusses the importance of representation in media, the role of storytelling in science communication, and why making science more inclusive matters. The conversation also explores the ongoing challenges and progress around racial equity.

People in this episode

Host: BTPM NPR

Guest: Regina Barber

Topics covered

  • science
  • race
  • storytelling
  • representation
  • media
  • inclusivity
  • racial equity

Keywords

  • science
  • race
  • storytelling
  • representation
  • NPR
  • inclusivity
  • racial equity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NPR

Books & works: Star Trek

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