CSML Audio Studio

The Communication of Science and Technology (CSET) program at Vanderbilt University trains undergraduates to engage with the public. The interdisciplinary program was founded in 1997 and has grown to around 7 faculty and 95 students. In 2020, CSET received a grant to redesign the curriculum around the idea of "scientist citizens," around 3 core principles - scientific/humanistic perspective, experiential learning, and ethics. There are core courses that help students develop presentation, writing, and critical thinking skills to communicate science accessibly. Many CSET students double major in science/engineering and humanities. CSET has strong community partnerships that allow students to get hands-on experience. The program hopes to expand with a 4+1 master's program and more science policy course offerings. David Wright is the Stevenson Professor of Chemistry and Director of the program at Vanderbilt University.

CivicSciTV's Questions of the Day Host Fanuel Muindi sits down to talk with staff members Casey Lardner and Vanessa Champagne from Genspace, the world’s first community biology lab located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Fanuel asks a range of questions covering the theory of change, the meaning of impact, partnerships, challenges, members, and so much more. Vanessa and Casey share insights on the evolution of the lab, the impact of their work on local communities, and the challenges and successes of operating a community-based scientific environment. They delve into the various community projects including their Break into Biotech program that they recently launched with support from the New York City Economic Development Corporation.https://www.genspace.org/

This conversation was made possible by support from the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). Visit Https://edc.nyc to learn more.

Welcome to CivicSciTV Radio, the platform where we explore  the fusion of science and public engagement, offering insights for researchers, practitioners, and community leaders.

Segment 1: Emanating Auras - Art and Science in Museums

• Leah Metcalf, a doctoral candidate, presents her research on how art in science museums transcends mere decoration to evoke emotions and facilitate learning.

• The segment explores Walter Benjamin’s concept of ‘aura’ in art, which can transform a museum exhibit into a profound educational experience.

• We discuss the role of ‘Hope,’ the blue whale skeleton at the Natural History Museum in London, as an example of how art can invite visitors into a conversation about our world.

Segment 2: Humor and Science - A Comedian’s Take on Philosophical Questions

• Atlanta comedian Mark Kendall uses humor to make complex issues more approachable, discussing a BBC Science Focus article, “Is Water Actually Wet? Scientists Aren’t Sure.”

• The segment highlights the role of comedy in making science accessible and engaging, sparking conversations that challenge our perceptions.

Conclusion:

• Today’s episode encourages us to view creativity as a bridge between complex scientific concepts and societal understanding.

• We are reminded of the importance of humor, storytelling, and artistic expression in making science relatable and relevant.

Engagement Questions:

1. How does the ‘aura’ of art transform our understanding of scientific concepts?

2. How can museums blend art into science to enhance public engagement?

3. What impact does emotion have on learning within civic science?

4. How can humor alter our perception of scientific truths and aid in the learning process?

Call to Action:

• Join the conversation by watching Leah Metcalf’s full video abstract on CivicSciTV and sharing your thoughts in the comments.

• Let’s activate our community with these thought-provoking questions and insights.

  
  

  --Search for more insights on the CivicSciTV Network Terminal featuring our reporting across video, audio and print journalism. https://civicscitv.org#CivicSciTV #civicscience

Questions of the Day (QOTD) Host Fanuel Muindi talks with Meghan Groome, the Senior Vice President for Education at the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS). She has over 20 years of experience as a science educator and oversees a portfolio of science education programs that aim to engage students and build enthusiasm for science. A core part of NYAS's theory of change is on using a collective impact model that focuses on activating its vast network of scientist members who participate in various science education initiatives. They employ a service learning model where scientists not only serve as mentors, but they also gain valuable skills in communication, pedagogy, and mentoring. The programs are designed to give teachers and students agency in driving projects based on their interests and needs. Groome discusses strategies for scaling science education initiatives such as building capacity through partnerships with aligned organizations, utilizing technology to reduce administrative burden, and providing training for scientists on public engagement. She emphasizes the importance of discovering student and teacher motivations, ensuring the experience is fun and meaningful. The conversation provides insights into NYAS's experiential science education programs and their efforts to drive engagement, access, and scale through service learning models and strategic partnerships.

Why are stakeholders in civic science (like scientists, funders, science communicators, science journalists, etc) tuning into CivicSciTV? Top experts. Great Questions. New insights.

Subscribe to stay up to date! https://www.youtube.com/@CivicSciTV

Music credit

Inspirational Morning Corporation by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY 3.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The conversation focuses on Monica Malowney’s work with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC) and their LifeSci NYC initiative. The goal of LifeSci NYC is to make New York City a global leader in the life sciences and strengthen the talent pipeline, with a focus on diversity. https://edc.nyc/program/lifesci-nyc

New episodes every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhzIl_28_F_y5wixesfZR_s-Lhn0zKHB1

Listen to this conversation and many others on the Questions of the Day show on the CivicSciTV Network every week, with Fanuel Muindi.

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Watch the full interview with Dr. Kwasi Agbleke here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61EqL6MvLPQ&t=96s