Stand Up, Speak Out: The Politics of Science (with Colette Delawalla, PhD)

Aug 17, 2026

28:54

Episode Description

Stand Up for Science founder Colette Delawalla, PhD, joins Marion Leary and Rebecca Love to talk about what's happening to federal research funding — and why nurses belong in the conversation. Delawalla shares how a banned words list days before her grant deadline led her to organize a protest that drew tens of thousands, why she believes institutions won't lead this fight, and her practical advice for anyone who wants to get involved but feels overwhelmed: pick one issue, do one small thing a day, and vote in every election. A candid conversation about science, advocacy, and burnout for nurses at every career stage.

"Pick a Lane": How Nurses Can Fight for Science Without Burning Out

Skip ahead:
00:59: Marion introduces Colette and shares her own background with Philadelphia Science Action and the March for Science
02:37: The banned words list, the grant deadline, and the decision not to cut the word "woman"
05:30: Searching for a protest, finding none, and posting on Bluesky
08:19: Social media as the battleground for public opinion
11:22: Rebecca on showing up to the Boston rally and finding almost no nurses there
12:57: "Stand Up for Science, not Stand Up for Scientists": the big tent argument
14:14: The Nursing is STEM Coalition and the push for federal designation
18:00: Federal funding cuts and what Colette expects next
22:14: "Pick a lane" — practical advice for nurses who want to engage
25:03: Current Stand Up for Science campaigns and how to get involved
27:23: Closing thoughts

Links:
Stand Up for Science: https://www.standupforscience.net/
Nursing is STEM Coalition: https://www.nursingisstem.org/

🎙️ About The Love & Leary Podcast

Thank you for tuning in to The Love n' Leary Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with a colleague.

🌐 Connect With Us

Official Website: Visit nurse.org/lovenleary for episodes, articles, and exclusive nursing resources.
Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Love n' Leary Podcast YouTube to watch full video episodes and highlights.

👥 Follow the Hosts on LinkedIn

Stay connected, network, and join the conversation with us professionally: