PITTSBURGH, Pa. (EYT) — A Venango County native is serving as the spokesperson for Saturday’s March For Science in Pittsburgh.

Becca Tasker, who is originally from Clintonville, was always outspoken while attending Franklin High School, and she has continued that while a student at the University of Pittsburgh.

Tasker is a member of Pitt Progressives, which is working with Pittsburgh Progressives to organize the march in the Oakland area.

“Science is important to us and facts do matter,” Tasker said.

She hopes the March for Science rallies, there are more than 400 planned worldwide, including in Washington, D.C., will make people realize science is something that needs to protected and funded.

An online statement at marchforscience.com declared: “Budget cuts, censorship of researchers, disappearing datasets, and threats to dismantle government agencies harm us all, putting our health, food, air, water, climate, and jobs at risk. “It is time for people who support science to take a public stand and be counted.”

It is scheduled for noon on Saturday and is expected to attract 2,000 to 5,000 people. It will begin on Bigelow Boulevard between Forbes and Fifth avenues. It will also include speeches from scientists and others, with music and other events in the Cathedral of Learning area.

“Everyone is welcome, people from Venango County, anywhere,” Tasker said. “It’s closer than going to D.C.”

Tasker, an anthropology major, has also volunteered with AmeriCorps, spending time in North Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia and Mississippi.

She is embarking on a new challenge while setting aside her studies at Pitt. While working at a local car dealership, she is going to write a book.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time volunteering here and elsewhere, but I feel like I’m kind of spinning my wheels here, so I’m taking time off from school to write a book.”

“It’s non-fiction and an exploration of politics and masculinity through the lenses of pop culture in America,” Tasker said.