Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. is a Philadelphia-based squid biologist, science communicator, and founder of the nonprofit Skype a Scientist. Her work focuses on making science accessible, fun, and culturally relevant through both digital and public art initiatives.
In 2017, McAnulty launched Skype a Scientist, a platform that connects classrooms and other groups with working scientists for informal Q&A sessions. The goal: break down stereotypes, humanize researchers, and spark curiosity about the natural world1.
She later expanded her outreach into street art with her Squid Facts campaign. These wheatpastes and posters—often accompanied by hand-drawn squid illustrations—invite passersby to text “SQUID” to a phone number and receive bite-sized science facts directly to their phones2. This novel use of public space blurs the line between education and urban art.
McAnulty has also co-created projects addressing biodiversity and native ecology. In 2023, she collaborated with artist Meg Lemieur on free native plant seed posters, aimed at supporting pollinators and local flora3. She also helped lead a community mural in Fishtown highlighting aquatic life in the Delaware River, encouraging Philadelphians to connect with their local environment4.
Her cross-disciplinary approach to outreach—combining art, humor, street culture, and rigorous science—has made her one of the most recognizable and effective science communicators working today.
