Science Communication as a Core Competency for the Next Generation of Scientists and Change Makers
*Note: in-person lunch seats are filled; virtual attendees still welcome!
Join Science Atlantic members and guests for this Science Communication panel at 11:45 a.m., November 19, as part of our Annual Leadership Meeting Programming.
Recent studies suggest that the “gap” between scientific research, its findings, and the public’s understanding of science, is widening. Post-secondary institutions rarely cover how a scientist of science student might educate the public regarding their research and research results.
It is estimated that 30% of the public is disconnected from the science community, or is considered science illiterate. This is due in part to those with a vested interest and private motives for obfuscating legitimate science and confusing the public, as well as to inaccurate media coverage.
Scientists and science students must be provided tools to effectively and clearly communicate their research to other scientists and to the public. This panel will discuss ways to bridge that gap between research and public understanding. It is important that students and researchers in all faculties of science realize that communicating science clearly is essential to learning a science.
Join our panel of students and professors to discuss this increasingly relevant and necessary topic in the area of science research and communication.
Meet Your Panelists!
Dr. Mike Bowen‘s research has examined the development of graphical and data literacy, development of science inquiry and investigation skills, informal science education, use of online technologies, pre-service science teacher preparation, science fairs, and news media and entertainment media influences on the public understanding of science and scientists. His current research is examining representations of science in entertainment media, the use of STEM technologies with young learners, and the development of student understanding of science inquiry using inexpensive, homemade probe technologies.
Anastasia Forbes is an international student from the Bahamas, recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science from Dalhousie University. She has been afforded many opportunities such as the Faculty of Science John Dingle’s Science Communication Internship. She has enjoyed working with the Physics and Atmospheric Science department to create more E.D.I opportunities and events for people in equity deserving groups.
Alanna Kaser is a third year BSc Psychology undergraduate student minoring in Health Studies at Dalhousie. She received one of four John Dingle Science Communication Internship’s in 2022 and was placed with the Mood, Anxiety, and Addiction Co-morbidity Lab working on the UniVenture Project. Alanna believes science communication is the key to effective science outreach and fostering inclusivity.
Tina Simpkin is the morning meteorologist for CBC in the Maritimes. Tina’s career in meteorology includes seven years in the federal department Environment and Climate Change (Edmonton), and former broadcast experience with CTV and various American news outlets.
Moderator:
Dr. Richard Zurawski, B.Sc physics, M.A.(Research) education, has taught at Saint Mary’s University (faculty of Engineering) and Mount Saint Vincent University (faculties of Education and Communications & PR) in a variety subjects including writing, the sciences, mathematics, meteorology, physics, communications and PR, and education. Dr. Zurawski has dedicated his life to science and science communication, to using the most powerful lens in human existence to shape and mould how we think and live, in order to make the world a better place.
For those looking to attend in-person, we have a limit of 35 seats for our lunch and panel event, 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., November 19, in the Steele Ocean Sciences Building at Dalhousie University. An RSVP is required for in-person attendance and can be completed through our RSVP Form.
Links to attend the panel virtually can be found on our Annual Leadership Meeting webpage when available. RSVP also recommended.