2022: Intro to Science Communication Workshop
Communication is an essential part of being a scientist. Scientists need to communicate with other scientists and the lay public. By informing and raising awareness of science-related topics among the general public, scientists can help create a science-literate society that is prepared to make informed decisions. Science communication takes diverse forms: written, spoken, visual, and others.
PPMH is offering a 7-week workshop for undergraduate students that will:
- Help students build an identity as someone who is knowledgeable about science and capable of explaining science concepts to lay audiences
- Teach students skills that will make them better science communicators
This virtual workshop will meet Thursdays January 27 – March 10, 2022 from 5:00-6:30pm by Zoom. There is no tuition. Students will be paid $300 for attending all workshop sessions and completing homework assignments (total time commitment approximately 3 hours/week).
Eligibility: This workshop is open to undergraduate students from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in science or who self-identify as coming from a disadvantaged background.
Workshop outline:
| Date | Topic | Guest speaker |
| Week 1 – January 27, 2022 | What science communicators do & the role of science communication during a pandemic | Jory Weintraub – Science Communication Director, Duke Initiative for Science & Society |
| Week 2 – February 3, 2022 | Science Communication 101 – defining your audience and avoiding jargon; formal and informal settings |
Tamara Poles – Community Engagement Specialist, Morehead Planetarium & Science Center |
| Week 3 – February 10, 2022 | Science writing | Marla Broadfoot – Scientist and journalist |
| Week 4 – February 17, 2022 | Communicating risk and disease diagnosis to patients |
Julianne O’Daniel – Genetic Counselor & Clinical Associate Professor, UNC Department of Genetics |
| Week 5 – February 24, 2022 | Data visualization and graphic design | Lori Palen – Data Soapbox |
| Week 6 – March 3, 2022 | Digital storytelling and videos | Rob Frederick – Digital Managing Editor, American Scientist Magazine |
| Week 7 – March 10, 2022 | Student showcase | n/a |
During homework assignments and interactive small group work, students will create infographics, explain a science concept to a lay audience, critically evaluate an existing piece of science communication, and create science videos.
Registration for this event is closed.
For any questions, contact precisionmedicine@med.unc.edu.