Director Supports the Vanguards of Generational Change

Name: Prabarna Ganguly (she/her)

PhD: Psychology, Northeastern University, 2018

What was your main area of research?

My thesis focused on figuring out some of the microscopic ways in which the brain is altered after stressful experiences. I was especially interested in seeing how baby rats are affected after being separated from their mothers. My research showed that such separation can cause drug addiction and anxiety in maternally-separated rats during their adolescence.

What is your current job?

I am the Director of Communications and Brand for DREAM Charter Schools in New York, NY.

I lead DREAM’s communications strategy across internal and external audiences to strengthen our brand, deepen stakeholder engagement, and support organizational growth. This includes:

• Internal communications: Developing infrastructure and messaging for staff, families, and alumni, including a comprehensive content calendar and supporting key events and touchpoints.

• External communications & marketing: Managing DREAM’s brand presence across digital platforms, media, and marketing materials—including social media, newsletters, website content, and donor-facing campaigns.

• Strategic brand leadership: Ensuring brand consistency, elevating DREAM’s mission and values, and reinforcing our identity through clear, compelling storytelling.

• Public relations + thought leadership: Building DREAM’s reputation through media engagement, public appearances, and strategic visibility opportunities for leadership.

• Team leadership: Co-leading and mentoring the Communications & Brand team along with the Managing Director to execute a high-impact communications strategy aligned to organizational priorities.

• Cross-functional collaboration: Partnering with leaders across DREAM to align messaging across recruitment, fundraising, crisis comms, and community engagement.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is the sense of purpose and the people I get to work with.

I spent years in science communication, which was incredibly rewarding—I loved being able to share how researchers were shaping the world of science in real time. Now, I’ve brought that same mission-driven mindset into the education space, using my skills to support and strengthen PK–12 education in NYC. It’s a different stream, but the same current.

I’m constantly inspired by the educators and staff I work alongside—they are deeply committed to their craft and to our students. They’re the vanguards of generational change, and it’s a privilege to support their work.

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

Critical thinking and agility.

Communications work requires constant recalibration — updating your understanding of the world and how your organization fits within it.

My PhD helped me build the habit of assessing new information, challenging assumptions, and adapting quickly.

Rigid thinking, entrenched ideologies, and ego can get in the way of effective, impactful communication. Staying curious, open, and responsive is essential to doing this work well.

How did you build the skills necessary for your current role?

I started building my communications skills by applying to ComSciCon in Boston, which was my first real step into the world of science communication. From there, I began writing freelance pieces for graduate student-oriented magazines to develop my voice and build a written portfolio.

These experiences helped me translate complex ideas into engaging, accessible content—something that’s essential in my current role. Along the way, I sought out opportunities that pushed me to think beyond academia and connect with broader audiences, which laid the foundation for the work I do today.

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

Friend + Internet

PhD graduate ➡️ Science Writer ➡️ Senior Science Communications Specialist ➡️ Chief Communications Officer ➡️ Director of Communications and Brand

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

If someone’s interested in a similar role, I’d recommend starting with storytelling. Practice distilling complex ideas into clear, engaging narratives. Whether it’s through writing, speaking, or designing, strong communication always comes down to connecting with your audience. Build a portfolio of real work! Write blog posts, volunteer to help with newsletters, contribute to social media accounts—anything that lets you learn by doing.

Also, get comfortable with taking feedback and iterating quickly—this work moves fast, and being agile is key. Finally, stay curious. Whether you're working in science, education, or another mission-driven space, great communicators are always learning, asking questions, and evolving with their audience.

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

Leaving academia wasn’t an easy decision, but it was a clear one. I loved the intellectual rigor of academic life and the deep curiosity that drives research—but I realized what I valued most was connection and impact. I didn’t want to write for a handful of peer reviewers. I wanted to engage broader audiences, shape public understanding, and eventually, support systems that directly impact people’s lives.

It took time (and some trial and error) to figure out what that could look like. Science communication was my first bridge out of academia, and from there, I found my way into education. I’m tremendously grateful for my academic training, but I’m even more grateful I listened to the part of me that wanted to build something beyond the lab or the lecture hall!

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

Explore early, and stay open. If you're getting your PhD and thinking about a career beyond academia, start trying things outside your research—write for non-academic audiences, volunteer on a project, take on a side gig that uses your skills in a different way. These experiences will help you figure out what you enjoy and build a portfolio that speaks to roles beyond the university.

Don’t wait for permission.

Academia trains us to seek approval at every stage, but outside that world, initiative and creativity are highly valued. If there’s a job or field you're curious about, reach out to people doing that work. Informational interviews can be eye-opening and often lead to unexpected opportunities.

And finally: Your skills are more transferable than you think. The ability to synthesize information, solve problems, communicate clearly, and manage complex projects is gold in any field. You just need to learn how to translate your experience into the language of the role you want next—and that’s something you can absolutely learn.