When Science Speaks

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).

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 and legal scholar. She is the executive director of the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Studies at Northwestern University, enhancing Northwestern's reputation for cutting-edge, interdisciplinary programs and research on globally relevant topics.

Dr. Riles is also the founder and director of Meridian-180, a multilingual forum for transformative leadership. Its global membership of 800+ thought leaders in academia, government and business work together to generate ideas and guidance on the most important problems of our time.

Annelise received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, a Master of Science degree in Social Anthropology from the London School of Economics, a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School, and a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Cambridge.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [0:45] Mark welcome his guest, Annelise Riles.
• [2:50] Annelise explains why she started Meridian-180.
• [10:00] Combating "Alternative Facts."
• [14:45] Should we discard emotion for logic?
• [18:10] Why collaboration is essential to international engagement.
• [23:00] What can you do to be part of the solution?

Connect with Annelise Riles

• Annelise on LinkedIn
• Annelise Riles (@AnneliseRiles) · Twitter
• Meridian 180

Combating alternative facts

Did you know that the rise of alternative facts isn't unique to US politics? From Brazill to China, our international friends are dealing with an assault on scientific and historical facts. What is the responsibility of the scientific community to push back against alternative facts? While the task at hand is daunting, we've got amazing leaders like Annelise Riles leading the way - working to find solutions that work.

One solution that Annelise points to is creating intentional and meaningful collaborative relationships with international communities. Where we may not have a lot of similarity in cultural or political conversations - scientific truth is one area where can build solidarity on an international stage. Annalise is hopeful that her work with Meridian 180 will facilitate and build upon these international relationships so we can push back against the ongoing assault on science.

Why we should embrace the role of emotion in public policy

Too often, the prevailing narrative in the media is that emotion and logic can't work hand-in-hand. Have you adopted that line of thought? What if there was a way to harness the raw power of emotion and channel it to further logical and science-driven policies? If that sounds too good to be true - don't worry, you aren't alone. Emotion and logic are often seen as opposing forces - but that doesn't have to be the case.

One great example that Annelise touched on in her conversation with Mark is the topic of climate change. Leveraging the raw emotional argument to protect and advocate for the environment is a great way to get people on board when a logical approach might not. We need to move away from the binary choice of either logic or emotion - remember we are integrated beings - we use both reason and feelings to make decisions.

To hear more about Annelise's fascinating journey and the work she is passionate about, make sure to listen to her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

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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.

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 perspective, and drive to ask questions is Dr. Donna J. Dean. Donna has had a distinguished career with 27 years in the federal government at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), followed by five years as a senior science advisor at Lewis-Burke Associates, a DC-based government relations consulting firm. She recently compiled her experiences in a highly effective guide entitled "Getting the Most Out of Your Mentoring Relationships: A Handbook for Women in STEM."

Dr. Dean attended Berea College in Kentucky, graduating with a B.A. in chemistry, and minors in biology and mathematics, and then received her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Duke University.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:03] Mark introduces his guest, Donna Dean.
• [4:50] Why the ability to analyze and multi-task is so valuable.
• [8:15] Skills you need to succeed as a scientist.
• [11:00] Donna talks about her experience testifying before Congress.
• [16:20] What led Donna to her work at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?
• [21:10] Donna reflects on her time at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• [28:50] Advice for postdocs.

Connect with Donna Dean

• Donna on LinkedIn
• Donna's book: Getting the Most out of Your Mentoring Relationships

Resources & People Mentioned

• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Embrace your curiosity

Looking back on her career as a scientist and policy advocate, Donna stresses the critical role that curiosity played on her successful journey. As you can imagine, the road wasn't easy, Donna had to forge her path and learn many lessons on the fly. One situation that came up from her time at NIH involved Donna exercising her keen analytical skills and innate curiosity. Noticing that her boss's message wasn't connecting during an important meeting with several people in the room, Donna had to find a way to let him know after the fact in the most polite, yet direct, way possible, as time was short.

In her role as a mentor over the years - Donna has worked hard to encourage up and coming leaders to develop and expand their skill sets. Donna is so passionate about equipping young leaders that she wrote a book about it. You can explore the helpful insights Donna has to share by reading her book - the link is in the resources section of this post.

Ask questions

Almost everyone enjoys talking about themselves or something they are passionate about. Leaders like you can use that to your advantage to find common ground with people you don't naturally have an affinity toward. Donna says that one of the best skills that scientists and researchers bring to the table is their ability to ask questions and get to the heart of the issue at hand.

In her career - Donna has taken the initiative to lead with questions. Tasked with the effort to form the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering at NIH from the ground up - Donna asked a pivotal question - how do I do this? With no staff, budget, space, or grants, Donna went to work - reaching out and taking the time to ask questions.

Donna operated at the highest levels within NIH. She is a skilled, first-in-her family college graduate (and first PhD, as a result), who made a major impact in her specialty.

Donna has several valuable insights and experiences to share from her impressive career - make sure to catch her full conversation with Mark by listening to this episode.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

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• https://bayerstrategic.com/
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• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
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Subscribe to When Science Speaks on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher

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 perspective, and drive to ask questions is Dr. Donna J. Dean.

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 following a decade of lobbying for the federal research and policy interests of scientific societies and U.S. universities. Over her career, she has worked to shape legislation, programs, and regulations important to the research community and has advocated for increased research funding across federal agencies.

In her role at COSSA, Wendy serves as the lead advocate for federal funding and policy that positively impact social and behavioral science research across the federal government, representing the breadth of the social science research enterprise. She is also responsible for the day to day operations of COSSA and member engagement.

A native of Buffalo, New York, Wendy holds a B.A. in political science and urban studies from Canisius College, graduating magna cum laude from the All-College Honors Program.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Wendy Naus.
• [2:30] What does a lobbyist do? How has it changed with the end of "earmarks?"
• [4:30] How can postdocs and researchers get engaged in science advocacy?
• [8:00] What are earmarks and how do they work?
• [13:40] Wendy talks about what successful advocacy looks like.
• [16:15] Conveying your passion can make all the difference.
• [18:25] What led Wendy to her work as a lobbyist?
• [20:15] Turning the table and asking policymakers what they need.
• [23:00] The difference between advocacy and lobbying.

Connect with Wendy Naus

• Wendy on LinkedIn
• Consortium of Social Science Associations: COSSA

What successful science advocacy looks like

In a perfect world, we'd see both the public and private sectors invest generously in research and development projects - sadly, that is not our reality. Every dollar the federal government provides to the scientific community represents someone championing and fighting for that funding. How does the "sausage" get made? What does it take to successfully advocate for science?

According to Wendy Naus - it all comes down to playing the long game. Yes, everyone loves the quick satisfaction of small victories, but Wendy cautions that the small wins aren't as valuable as the long-term gains, and those take time. In a nutshell, if you want to see science advocacy succeed, you've got to create and nurture relationships with policymakers.

How to make your message connect with policymakers

Have you ever heard someone share critical information in the least effective way possible? Airplane flight attendants come to mind - you need that important information, but their method of delivery is lacking. Don't let that happen to you! If you want to get your valuable research across and engage in effective science advocacy - you've got to bring energy and passion. Of course, energy and passion vary from person to person, but you know engaging content when you see it.

Wendy also explains that an effective way to connect with policymakers is to engage them with the science adjacent concerns that they care about. Remember - policymakers are humans - just like you. If you were in a position of power, wouldn't it stand out if you heard request after request all day and then had someone come in and offer to help with your passion project? Don't be afraid to reach out and build solidarity around a common goal.

Wendy has a lot of valuable insights to share that come from her experience as a lobbyist, make sure to catch her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

Subscribe to When Science Speaks on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher

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.

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 Harvard Negotiation Project. He is also the Director and creator of the Master of Science degree in Leadership and Negotiation at Bay Path University.

Joshua received his Ph.D. from the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University in 2002. Dr. Weiss has spoken and published on Negotiation, Mediation, and systemic approaches to dealing with conflict.

In his current capacity, Joshua conducts research, consults with many different types of organizations, delivers negotiation and mediation trainings, and engages in negotiation and mediation at the organizational, corporate, government, and international levels.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Joshua Weiss.
• [3:00] Why you need to give yourself permission to negotiate.
• [7:00] How to prepare and research for a negotiation.
• [11:00] The value of connecting on a human level.
• [16:50] What inspired Joshua to write children's books?
• [24:20] Joshua explains how he got involved in conflict resolution.
• [27:45] Storytellers and negotiators that have impressed Joshua.
• [30:30] Tips for becoming a good negotiator.

Connect with Joshua Weiss

• Joshua on LinkedIn
• Joshua's website
• Bullied No More!: The Continuing Adventures of Emo and Chickie
• The Program on Negotiation (PON)
• Bay Path University

Resources & People Mentioned

• Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
• Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In

Give yourself permission to negotiate

Do you think of yourself as a good negotiator? How often do you get the chance to negotiate and leverage your abilities into a better position? The truth is, most people are terrible negotiators because they don't give themselves permission to negotiate. If you can get a seat at the table, you are worthy of negotiating. Think about it - you've obviously made it that far because the person you are sitting across the table from finds value in what you have to offer.

After you've jumped the hurdle of giving yourself permission to negotiate - the next step is preparing for the negotiation. Every good negotiator spends 75% of their time preparing for the negotiation. Does that number shock you? It shouldn't - when you get down to the basics of negotiation, it all comes down to understanding the other person and working to create common ground. How do you plan to find common ground if you don't do your homework?

Tips for improving your negotiation skills

As you can tell, preparation is an essential aspect of becoming a good negotiator. Once you've got a good approach to researching and preparing for your negotiation - the next phase is the actual negotiation itself. How can you set yourself up for success during the negotiation process?

Now that you are in the room and at the table, the negotiation begins - in this phase, you've got to be ready to make a connection with the person sitting across from you. Remember, they are a person just like you - don't focus exclusively on facts and figures - above all else connect with them. As the great poet, Maya Angelou said, "At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel."

You'll never succeed as a good negotiator if you don't learn how to connect with people and make them feel that you are interested and that you care. Good negotiators aren't born, they are made. Go deeper with Joshua's full conversation with Mark and make sure to check out the helpful resources he mentioned to learn more about this critical topic.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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.

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 Strategy at the University of Virginia (UVA). In this role, Marlit works with faculty and graduate students on how to effectively communicate their research to non-technical audiences such as the public, media, and policymakers. During her time at UVA, she has taught five credit-bearing courses and offered over ten workshops focused on topics such as audience analysis, message design, and presentation skills.

From 2004 to 2014, Marlit served as the founding director of the Office of Policy Analysis and Research (OPAR) at the Georgia Tech Research Institute in Atlanta. The OPAR team studied science and technology (S&T) policy at the state-level and used their findings to inform S&T policy in Georgia. These efforts led to collaboration with Georgia's technology business community resulting in a strategic plan for science, technology, and innovation in the state of Georgia. Based on her experience engaging policymakers on science topics, Marlit has led several national and international conference panels and workshops on communicating science to policymakers and media.

Marlit received her Master's degree in Public Policy, her Master's degree in International Affairs, and her Bachelor's degree in International Affairs from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Marlit Hayslett.
• [3:30] Why do scientists and researchers struggle to communicate with non-experts?
• [7:00] How using analogies can help bridge the communication divide.
• [10:00] What is the role of identity when communicating research?
• [13:45] Marlit talks about the "Three-minute thesis" and what she's currently working on.
• [20:30] Do you have to "Dumb down" your content for it to appeal to non-experts?

Connect with Marlit Hayslett

• Marlit on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned

• Three Minute Thesis - Wikipedia
• The University of Virginia

Why using analogies works

How do you take complex topics and make them approachable to a wider audience? Can this be done without "Dumbing down" your message? All too often researchers and scientists get pegged - fairly and at times unfairly - for creating barriers with the jargon and language they use. While there is no definitive "Hack" you can use to eliminate these barriers, using analogies can have a profound impact on getting your message across.

When you use analogies - you get to take a complex topic and compare them to something in the everyday world. Marlit saw a wonderful example of using analogies from her student who was working on a chemical process that takes place in bacteria. That student explained that the process was like a house with a fence around it with different gates. Once Marlit heard that - she realized the value of using analogies to distil complex topics.

What is the heart of your research?

Using analogies doesn't, "Dumb down" your language or your message - it actually expands your message. Even technical folks appreciate it when their peers make an effort to short cut jargon and terms for more approachable concepts. Do you want to have your research findings make an impact? Then start using terms, phrases, and analogies that everyday people can comprehend.

The rise in popularity of the "Three-minute thesis," is a great example of why using analogies and other "Short-cuts" are making traction in academia and beyond. Do you have your three-minute thesis down? It's such an encouraging time with leaders like Marlit Hayslett who are working hard to remove barriers and equip student, researchers, and scientists with tools and insights to take their message to a broader audience.

Don't miss Mark's full conversation with Marlit on this engaging episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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