When Science Speaks

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.

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. Nobles serves as the interim Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) and has a faculty appointment in the Department of Public Health within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

In his current capacity, Dr. Nobles leads efforts and oversees research growth and compliance activities related to a UTK's quest to become a top 25 public research institution. Robert also serves as a sub-investigator on eight community-based research projects focusing on adolescent health and chairs national and local committees focusing on enhancing research culture.

Prior to his career in academia, Dr. Nobles served as a public health prevention specialist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and as a program manager for the state of Florida's Department of Public Health. He completed his Doctor of Public Health at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston with a triple major that included health policy and management, epidemiology, and health economics; and he received his Master's Degree in Public Health specializing in Epidemiology, and his Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology from Florida A&M University.

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

• [1:03] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Robert Nobles.
• [3:15] What is going on with the these measles outbreaks?
• [7:20] Robert talks about what drew him to health and health care policy work.
• [10:30] Digging deeper and addressing complex topics.
• [17:30] How is Robert able to distill complex scientific findings into simple terms?
• [20:30] Why you need to understand what motivates you.
• [25:00] The most meaningful work Robert is engaged in.
• [28:30] Robert talks about mentor and mentee relationships.
• [33:00] We need to make science fun!
• [35:30] Advice that Robert has for students and researchers.
• [39:15] The role of adversity in shaping you for future success.

Connect with Dr. Robert Nobles

• Dr. Nobles on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned

• The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Groundhog Day

Know thyself

It sounds pretty elementary but taking the time to understand how you operate as an individual is critical to navigating your professional career. You'd be surprised at the number of researchers and scientists who haven't taken the time to do a personal inventory and analysis of their skill sets. Drilling down, Robert Nobles discovered that his lower-middle-class family background provided him with a unique opportunity to distil complex topics in a palatable way for broader audiences.

Robert's skill in distilling complex topics is best illustrated by his work monitoring beach water quality for the state of Flordia. When asked by a reporter to explain what was going on with the water quality as if he were talking to a five-year-old, Robert replied by saying, "You wouldn't go swimming in your toilet, would you?" This comment helped highlight the severity of the situation and allowed many people to jump on board and start working toward a solution.

Encouraging collaboration and clear communication

Following the thread of knowing how you operate, Robert also sees a huge potential for growth in the area of mentor-mentee relationships. Let's face it, scientists and researchers aren't exactly known for their ability to communicate well - that needs to change. Robert encourages his peers and students to be as upfront and honest as possible about what they expect to get out of a mentoring relationship.

Clear and direct communication is essential if you have any hope to get your message across on a micro and macro level. It might not be easy for you to do at first, but if you can assert yourself and let others know how you operate and what your unique skill sets are - the better prepared you'll be to advance in your career.

Dr. Robert Nobles has a plethora of helpful insights and perspectives to share. Make sure to catch his 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

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.

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 Space Station Research Integrator for NASA working out of the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. She has completed five research projects that have led to the publication of eight peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts (six as the first author). Pilar received her Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts in Psychology, and her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Houston.

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

• [1:00] Mark welcomes his guest, Dr. Pilar Archila.
• [3:00] Pilar explains how she got involved with her work at NASA.
• [7:20] How bilingualism can help researchers with their work.
• [15:45] What language does Pilar think in?
• [20:30] How to communicate to a non-technical audience.
• [22:30] What role should video play in presenting information to younger audiences?
• [25:40] Pilar talks about her work on the "Results Team."
• [27:00] Interesting facts about the International Space Station (ISS).

Connect with Dr. Pilar Archila

• Dr. Archila on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned

• Peggy A. Whitson (PH.D.) NASA Astronaut
• NASA
• Johnson Space Center Home | NASA
• If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?

Why we need more bilingual researchers

As our nation continues to grow and change demographically, many are signalling the need to pour more time and resources into helping the workforce diversity its skill sets, especially in the area of language. As you look around your field of study, how many of your peers are bilingual? Most people are unaware of the value that bilingualism brings to the research field.

According to Pilar, bilingualism forces you to think about how you communicate and which words to use through a more acute filter than the average researcher. While many people assume that if you don't learn another language from a young age that the boat has sailed - Pilar stresses that is not necessarily the case. Learning another language is no walk in the park, but if you do decide to pursue the endeavor, you'll find your communication skills will only improve.

Tips for communicating to a non-technical audience.

As we've covered here before, all researchers should become more adept at communicating with diverse and non-technical audiences. The challenge with communicating to an audience is overcoming that initial surge of fear. We are hardwired to avoid exposure and painful circumstances - speaking in public puts those fears front and center.

A great way to move past your fear of public speaking is to embrace tips and best practices that other researchers have used to convey their message to non-technical audiences. Thankfully, Pilar was kind enough to share some of her helpful tips for presenting to a non-technical audience.

1. Don't belabor the point. Keep it concise and concrete.
2. Try to include video in your presentation if possible and appropriate. Don't force it.
3. Does it pass the "Dinner table" test? Is it simple enough to convey over dinner?
4. Save your most important information for the beginning and end of your presentation.

Which one of Pilar's suggestions will you try? Go even further with Pilar's unique perspective by listening to 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

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.

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 of Cornell's BEST program is to enhance training opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars as they prepare for careers outside of conventional academic research.

On this episode of When Science Speaks, you'll hear from several impressive BEST program participants as they join Mark for a round table discussion about the program.

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

• [0:40] Mark introduces his guests from the Cornell University Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) program.
• [2:45] How did this group of students get involved in the BEST program?
• [9:00] Making scientific terms and research findings accessible to a broader audience.
• [12:45] How the BEST program has opened up new opportunities for the participants.
• [16:20] The benefit of a student-led BEST program.
• [19:40] What are the participants engaged in with science policy and communication?
• [30:00] Closing thoughts from Mark.

Resources & People Mentioned

• Cornell BEST Program Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training
• Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training | BEST
• Science & Technology Policy Fellowships | American ... - AAAS

Building a robust communication skill set

The primary role of any effective BEST program is to equip and prepare students and postdocs as they explore opportunities in their field of study. Often the work of equipping these BEST participants is accomplished by exposing them to situations where they get to develop their communication skill sets.

One of the students that Mark spoke with took the time to explain how she has grown in her ability to speak about her work studying the impact of fracking on water supplies. The BEST program at Cornell exposed her to science communication programming and science policy programming that helps her answer the all-important question, "Why is your work relevant?"

The benefits of a student-led BEST program

Are you familiar with any student-led BEST programs? What do you anticipate as the benefits and drawbacks of a student-led BEST program? The truth is, the more we can err on the side of taking a chance to equip students and postdocs to take the ball and run with it the better off these programs will be. Think of these student-led programs from a legacy perspective - the more engagement and value they encounter, the more likely they are to give back to the institution to benefit the next generation.

One of the participants that Mark spoke to was able to explain the benefits of a student-led BEST program directly. Because of the student-led aspect of the BEST program at Cornell, students who are typically shy and introverted are expected to step out of their comfort zones and engage in networking. From cold-calling speakers to booking rooms and catering events, the BEST program at Cornell doesn't shy away from requiring personal and professional growth from its participants.

You will be impressed when you take the time to hear Mark's full conversation with these Cornell students and postdocs 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 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.

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 (RPG) which aims to fill a void created by the lack of available effective antimicrobials. He is also a Business Development Associate at Zymo Research. Julius previously served as an Assistant Project Scientist at the University of California (UC), Irvine in nano-antibiotics. He has his PhD and Masters degrees from UC Irvine in Chemical and Bio-Medical Engineering and his Bachelor of Engineering and Chemical Engineering from City University of New York City College.

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

• [1:05] Mark introduces his guest, Julius Edson.
• [3:30] How Julius got involved with Graduate Professional Success (GPS) BioMed.
• [8:30] Julius explains why he started his company, Responsive Polymers Therapeutics.
• [14:15] What led Julius to his work with Zymo Research?
• [16:20] How PhDs and Postdocs can prepare themselves for a career in industry.
• [18:00] Why academia needs programs like GPS BioMed.
• [21:00] Opportunites that have helped Julius in his career.

Connect with Julius Edson

• Julius on LinkedIn
• Responsive Polymers Therapeutics

Resources & People Mentioned

• UC Irvine GPS-BIOMED
• Zymo Research
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Setting an example

One of the many reasons we don't see more postdocs taking their expertise to the marketplace is due to the lack of representation. In all of your years in academia, who was held up as the example of the "Successful" researcher? Most likely you'd say that professors and government researchers were held up as the example of "Success." Following that line of logic, it's fair to assume that most people would follow the path of least resistance and look to those pathways for career opportunities.

Bucking this trend, Dr. Julius Edson started working on his "Side hustle" creating his company, Responsive Polymers Therapeutics (RPT) while finishing his PhD at UC Irvine. While each person is different and brings their own unique experiences and skill sets to the table, it's helpful to highlight individuals like Dr. Edson who forge their own path. You can learn more about the innovative work Julius and his team are engaged in by visiting the website to RPT located in the resources section.

How to prepare yourself for a career in the marketplace

Getting to see your peers succeed and carve out a path for themselves in the marketplace is great but where do you start if you want to head in that same direction? The challenge is not to prove your value in the marketplace - in many ways, it's automatically assumed that you have value and expertise to bring to the table. The challenge is for PhDs and postdocs to get out there and communicate their work in a way that makes sense to business leaders.

Julius Edson explains that the best way to set yourself up for success in the marketplace is to hone your communication skills. If you've been around the When Science Speaks community for very long you know that this is a popular response by many leaders that Mark interviews. Dr. Edson encourages postdocs to take the time to really stretch their communications skills - a great way to do this is by interfacing with other departments and working to explain your field of study in a way that makes sense to them.

Julius has a lot more to say on the critical topic of taking your expertise to the marketplace, make sure to listen to his 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

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.