Career: Science writing

The Open Notebook: “Feeling Like a Fraud”

November 9, 2018 by Rebecca Lopez Leave a Comment

This feature in The Open Notebook explores the phenomenon known as impostor syndrome, specifically within the field of science writing. According to the author, feelings of being an impostor are especially common in competitive and creative fields, and those where evaluations are subjective. Within the field of science writing, there is an additional component. Writers tend to compare their multiple, imperfect drafts with others’ polished, published pieces.

The author also describes tactics to mitigate feelings of impostorism, such as seeking social support or reframing your accomplishments.

“Science Reporting and Fake News”

November 1, 2018 by Rebecca Lopez Leave a Comment

At the Fifth Annual Microbiome Symposium, scientist and The New York Times columnist Carl Zimmer discusses changing standards in journalism as it pertains to science reporting. The talk is sponsored by the Penn Vet Center for Host-Microbial Interactions and the PennCHOP Microbiome Program.

For more information, visit vet.upenn.edu. (Via Penn Today)

When: Wednesday, November 7, 2018. 6:00 – 7:30 PM.

Where: Hill Pavilion, 380 S. University Ave.

Science: “Like virtual reality for careers: A new online resource helps scientists explore job options”

October 31, 2018 by Rebecca Lopez Leave a Comment

This article in Science describes the career exploration path of Shengpei Wang—a fifth year Ph.D. student at Syracuse University in New York. While considering a move toward a career in data analytics, Shengpei found herself unsure of whether she was capable of the career switch. She visited her university’s career support center, where she learned of a set of online “job simulations.”

The author describes how the simulations helped Shengpei and other scientists at various points in their careers to explore various industries before making a decision. Each simulation takes about 4 to 8 hours, considerably less time than is required to explore potential careers through training, internships, or interviews. Topics include business, clinical trials, science communication, regulatory affairs, and more.

ASBMB Today: “National labs offer options for science careers”

October 8, 2018 by Rebecca Lopez Leave a Comment

This article from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology profiles two Ph.D. scientists who work at national laboratories. Tom Metz leads a metabolomics team at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Mollie Rappé is a science writer at Sandia National Laboratories. The scientists describe how they reached their current positions and what working in the national laboratory system is like.

ASCB: “Writing as a scientist: a skill for life”

September 28, 2018 by Rebecca Lopez Leave a Comment

The American Society for Cell Biology provides an insightful article by Dr. Gaia Cantelli, lecturing fellow at Duke University. Cantelli writes about the importance of effective communication in science. The ability to explain science, whether to the public, to educate students, or to communicate with patient advocates is crucial, she asserts. Writing is perhaps even more important for those seeking nonacademic careers, as an in-demand transferrable skill. Cantelli provides insights on conventions for science vs scientific writing as well as general tips to hone your skills.

CTL Workshop: Conveying Technical Information to Non-Experts

September 27, 2018 by Rebecca Lopez Leave a Comment

Researchers in the biomedical sciences must often explain technically-complex material to non-experts, with ‘non-experts’ comprising diverse individuals including collaborators, new lab members, or audiences at a conference talk.

In this workshop, we will discuss best practices for tailoring the communication of technical information with Dr. Casey Greene who leads the Integrative Genomics Laboratory. Attendees will learn and practice these important communication skills, and benefit from the advice from a BGS faculty member with extensive experience! Counts toward the CTL Teaching Certificate.

When: Oct 10 2018, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: BRB 1201
RSVP here.

Contact Katerina Placek for more information.