When Science Speaks

Scientists are often encouraged to embrace the power of storytelling in writing or presentations, but how do you know which story to tell? Do you understand how to connect with your reader? If you struggle to find a balance between presenting research while also making a connection with your audience, you're not alone. Today we're joined by Trish Hall to talk about her new book,  Writing to Persua...

Do you feel like multiple pathways for success were open to you on your journey through higher education? Were you fortunate enough to find an opportunity to explore your interest right away or did you have to dig around for a while? Unfortunately, there remains a wide gap between what students and postdocs are looking for and the programs that colleges and universities provide. Seeking to bridge...

Have you ever considered taking your skill set and training to the realm of innovation and entrepreneurship? What would it look like to start exploring a career in the marketplace? Here to share her story and encourage postdocs and researchers like you is Vanderbilt University's, Deanna Meador.  Deanna is the assistant director of the Wond'ry at Vanderbilt University. She joined Vanderbilt in 2009...

Have you ever considered a career in the field of research development? While it's a relatively new field in academia, there are some amazing leaders like Dr. Karen Eck who are making significant progress.  Karen is the Assistant Vice President for Research at Old Dominion University (ODU). In her role at ODU, Karen interfaces with internal and external entities in support of research development...

We've all heard the phrase "Alternative facts," advanced by the current Administration - what can scientists and researchers do to push back? How do we avoid confusion and mixed messages when it comes to concrete data and scientific findings? Here to share her valuable perspective on the topic of alternative facts is Dr. Annelise Riles. Annelise is a leading global interdisciplinary anthropologist...

What unique qualities and skill sets do you bring to the table? Are you comfortable exercising and showcasing your abilities? Too often, it can take decades for scientists and researchers to build up the courage and confidence to lead with their abilities. If you find yourself struggling to step boldly into your wheelhouse - you aren't alone. Here to help you embrace your curiosity, analytical per...

What does it take to engage in thoughtful and effective science advocacy? What good will all of your hard work accomplish if you can't convey it in a way that engages policymakers? Here to help science professionals like you engage in effective science advocacy is the Consortium of Social Science Associations' (COSSA) Wendy Naus. Wendy became the fourth Executive Director of COSSA in 2014 followin...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a good negotiator? Do you have to take a class or get a certificate? Imagine how gaining that skill would help you advance in your career. Thankfully, Mark was able to connect with the renowned negotiator, Dr. Joshua Weiss. Joshua is the co-founder, with William Ury, of the Global Negotiation Initiative at Harvard University and a Senior Fellow at the...

Did you know that one of the most effective ways to bridge the communication divide is by using analogies? Researchers and scientists need every tool in their toolkit to get their message across to diverse audiences. Thankfully, the University of Virginia's Marlit Hayslett was generous enough to share her insights on this critical topic. Marlit is the Director of Communication Training and Strateg...

Do you know, down to your core, what motivates you? Through all of your studies and work in research environments, have you taken the time to dig deep and find out what lights you up, professionally? Unfortunately, many scientists and researchers will go their whole careers without answering this vital question. Here to highlight the value of knowing what motivates you is Dr. Robert Nobles. Dr. No...

Are you bilingual - have you used that skill to assist you when speaking to a non-technical audience? Bilingualism is such a fascinating topic and a relevant one when it comes to science communication. NASA's Dr. Pilar Archila joins Mark on this episode to talk about her experience as a bilingual Research Integrator and how she communicates with non-technical audiences. Pilar is an International S...

What comes to mind when you think of "Student-led" programs? Do you instantly think of a program that is effective and inspiring or do you have a different take? Too often students and postdocs don't get the chance they need to showcase their talent and ingenuity - that is  not  the case with Cornell University's student-led Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) program. The mission...

Have you ever felt like the opportunities to leverage your expertise and training were limited to only academia or government work? Were you ever exposed to the possibility of taking your expertise and training to the marketplace? Here to share his experience in academia and taking his skill set to the marketplace is Dr. Julius Edson. Julius is the co-founder of Responsive Polymers Therapeutics (R...

Scientific work is inherently specific, but the skill set of an effective researcher should be diverse and varied. Do you have a broad skill set or could it use some development work? Here to explain the value of a diverse skill set and how to cultivate one is Dr. Yaihara Fortis Santiago. Yaihara is the Manager of Postdoctoral Affairs at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Previously, she...

What happens when postdocs and PhDs are part of an educational institution but seem to slip through the cracks? Ideally, the school would go to work rectifying the situation as it did at Rutgers University. Here to discuss her work with postdocs at Rutgers is this week's guest, Yvonne Gonzalez. Yvonne has over ten years of experience in the development and management of several multi-million dolla...

What does it take to present your message and speak with impact? Polling data shows that year after year the most common fear is public speaking. How can you overcome that fear, convey your research, or message with confidence? Here to lend her expertise and share her deep experience to this challenging subject is Allison Shapira. Allison is the CEO and Founder of  Global Public Speaking LLC , a c...

What does it take to bridge the gap between real-world societal challenges and the academic world? If you had your way, how would you unite the academic with pragmatic? This week, Mark sits down with the University of Johannesburg's Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Internationalisation, Dr. Saurabh Sinha. Saurabh obtained his Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Engineering and PhD degrees in...

What would it look like for colleges and universities to invest in and begin creating community-based learning opportunities? Academics isolated in their "ivory tower" may be a stereotype, but, a lack of connection to communities outside of academia is a real dynamic that exists. Here to provide insight and expertise into the high-quality work of community-based learning is Johns Hopkins' Gia Grie...

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, "Storytelling in science?" Does it conjure images of scientists gathered around a campfire taking turns telling stories? Probably not, but the role of storytelling in science is a relevant topic to explore. Bringing her passion for both the entertainment sector and science, Sara ElShafie joins the podcast to talk about storytelling in science. Sara work...

If you had to present your scientific work to a room full of non-experts, what would be your approach? Have you been in that scenario before? What strategies have you used to convey your data and findings to the uninitiated? Here to provide some excellent advice on this topic is Dr. Ross Beattie.  After his presentation to DisrupTECH in July 2018, Ross was selected to participate in the Entreprene...

In the early 2010s, there were a number of reports from different national organizations that highlighted the need to broaden training for PhDs and postdocs. Grad students and trainees needed to be prepared for a wider spectrum of careers beyond academia. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) responded to this need by funding 17 programs around the country to test approaches for tackling this ch...

What recent changes have altered the landscape for postdocs? Are there more opportunities out there or fewer? What are universities and professional associations doing to help postdocs navigate these changes? Dr. Chris Smith joins the podcast to shed light on this critical topic. Chris's work focuses on training a scientific and biomedical workforce that is flexible and well-prepared to take on th...

Does your organization value the role of their introverts in the workplace? Are you an introvert who has struggled to find your voice? Do you want to help your workplace become more equitable for introverts? Here to help us understand introverts and how we can best empower them is Dr. Jennifer Kahnweiler. Jennifer is an author and global speaker hailed as a "champion for introverts." Her bestselli...

What would you say are the most important aspects of postdoc research? Would the learning environment or the availability of mentors rank high on your list? What about the role of passion and enthusiasm for your field of study? Dr. Sarah Chobot Hokanson joins Mark in this episode of  When Science Speaks  to highlight the role of enthusiasm and storytelling in postdoc research. Sarah is the Assista...