Published online 7 October 2009
Postdoc journal
Communicating science
Julia Boughner
Julia Boughner is a postdoc in evolutionary developmental biology at the University of Calgary, Canada.
A science-communication programme has taught me how to talk science.
Take one scientist. Blend in professional science communicators. Incubate in crisp mountain air. The result: an ability and a desire to discuss science with all sorts of audiences.
Two months ago I'd never made a film, designed a website or written a science news piece. By the end of August I'd had a major part in all three. How? I was fortunate to participate in an intensive two-week science-communication programme at the Banff Centre, a crucible of literary and performance art nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada.
Participants receive hands-on training with a broad range of media. Our teachers included accomplished professionals in television, radio, web and print journalism. Their mentorship, combined with audio and film equipment and web-design support, taught me how to talk science successfully via multiple media. Our group, for example, made lively podcasts, which we called 'Bunk Debunk', to define scientific jargon in clear terms.
I attended the programme, in part, to improve on the campus-radio science show that I host. Now I feel invigorated — able and eager to talk science effectively, not only through radio and podcasts but also via television and print media. My passion for public science communication nearly matches that for my research. Now I'm certain that I want to nurture a career in science communication, whether as a sideline to my research or, perhaps, as my full-time job.
Postdoc Journal Keepers 2009
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Julia BoughnerJulia Boughner is a postdoc in evolutionary developmental biology at the University of Calgary, Canada.
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Bryan VentersBryan Venters is a postdoc in biochemistry and molecular biology at Pennsylvania State University.
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Joanne IsaacJoanne Isaac was a postdoc studying the effect of climate change on biodiversity at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia. She is now in the United States so that her husband can complete a postdoc.
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Sam WalcottSam Walcott is a postdoc in theoretical biophysics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
