When Science Speaks

This week's episode features Amber Mace, Ph.D., CEO of the California Council on Science & Technology (CCST).

We discuss Amber's early career in science policy, her upcoming transition from CCST to the California Academy of Sciences, and the institution's ambitious mission, with a focus on Amber's approach to building strategic partnerships and her enthusiasm for learning and collaboration in her new role.

[00:01:30] Amber's Early Career

• Amber reflects on her early career, which began with teaching scuba diving and water safety at Berkeley. Her deep connection to the ocean and interest in marine ecology laid the foundation for her journey into science policy.

[00:06:00] Environmental Policy and Marine Ecology

• We explore the common thread in Amber's career: a focus on environmental policy and marine ecology. We discuss the pivotal experiences that shaped her passion for bridging the gap between science and policy.

[00:10:15] Transition to Science Policy

• Amber shares insights into her transition from an academic background to science policy. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the disconnect between science and policy, and how this inspired her to advocate for better communication.

[00:15:30] Mission and Vision at the California Academy of Sciences

• Amber discusses her upcoming transition in late September from her position as CCST's CEO after a decade of innovative and strategic leadership. CCST Deputy Director Sarah Brady, Ph.D. has been appointed by the Board of Directors as Interim CEO. Amber discusses her new role at the California Academy of Sciences and the Academy's bold mission to reverse biodiversity decline. She emphasizes the critical role of strategic partnerships in achieving this vision.

[00:20:45] Building Strategic Partnerships

• Amber outlines her approach to building strategic partnerships, emphasizing the need for collaboration across sectors. She highlights the importance of galvanizing support from philanthropy, policy, and the private sector.

[00:25:20] Learning and Collaboration

• Amber expresses her excitement about the learning opportunities and collaborations that await her at the California Academy of Sciences. She looks forward to combining her background in policy with her passion for ecology and conservation.

[00:30:00] Conclusion

• Mark congratulates Amber on her upcoming role and looks forward to future discussions on conservation, biodiversity, and the Academy's mission to regenerate the natural world.

Resources mentioned in the episode

California Council on Science & Technology (CCST)

California Academy of Sciences

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Alaina G. Levine, who defied conventional boundaries and nurtured a diverse tapestry of interests.

From STEM to performing arts, business to communications, Alaina's life is a testament to the power of weaving different threads into a vibrant career. Let's explore her captivating journey and the influences that shaped her unique path.

Episode Highlights:

• Early Curiosity and Multidimensional Interests: Alaina reminisces about her childhood characterized by an insatiable curiosity for a multitude of subjects. Her fascination spanned across science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), performing arts, business, and communications. From early interactions with mathematical puzzles to her community theater experiences, Alaina's interests were diverse and unquenchable.

• Threads of Passion: Throughout her life, four essential threads interwove Alaina's experiences—STEM, performing arts, business, and communications. These passions guided her choices and led to unique opportunities that nurtured her multifaceted interests.

• Influential Figures: Alaina credits her mother, a writer, for igniting her love for literature, books, and writing. Growing up in a family of science, engineering, and mathematics enthusiasts, Alaina inherited a passion for these disciplines. Her mother's support and belief in her zest for life allowed Alaina to explore her interests unabated.

• Nurturing Multiple Passions: Alaina's mother advocated for her to engage in activities that fostered her diverse interests. This support allowed Alaina to immerse herself in performing arts, business ventures, and writing. Her experiences in high school, such as excelling in magazine sales and performing on stage, exemplify her ability to blend different interests.

• Art and Science Convergence: The conversation turns to the intriguing intersection of art and science. This convergence is emblematic of the creativity and innovation inherent in scientific endeavors.

• Academic Choices: Alaina discusses her academic journey, which led her to major in both mathematics and anthropology at the University of Arizona. Her initial aspirations for theoretical astrophysics shifted toward mathematics due to her passion for numbers and equations. Additionally, she saw a meaningful correlation between anthropology and mathematics, exploring how these seemingly disparate fields could intertwine.

• Innovation through Interdisciplinarity: Alaina underscores the significance of interdisciplinary studies and how they foster innovation. By connecting diverse subjects like math and anthropology, individuals can approach complex challenges with a fresh perspective. This approach, Alaina believes, is crucial for addressing grand challenges like climate change and other global issues.

• True Innovation Defined: The episode discusses true innovation, where Alaina outlines the concept of solving problems by interconnecting diverse domains. This approach, akin to systems thinking, allows individuals to navigate uncharted territories and make groundbreaking discoveries.

• Embrace Your Authenticity: Alaina and Mark discuss the importance of embracing authenticity and individuality in STEM careers, allowing joy to be a guiding force.
• Connecting with Emotions: Alaina emphasizes the significance of sharing personal experiences and emotions to foster a sense of community and solve challenges collectively.
• Joy and Humor in STEM: The conversation explores the misconception that STEM fields are overly serious and highlights the importance of finding joy and humor in scientific pursuits.
• Overcoming Practical Pressures: Alaina discusses the increasing pressure on college students to choose practical career paths due to financial considerations and offers insights into balancing passion and practicality.
• Building Your Unicorn Career: Alaina outlines her upcoming book, "Create Your Unicorn Career," guiding listeners through a step-by-step process to build a personalized, fulfilling, and successful STEM career.
• Recognizing Value: Alaina encourages STEM professionals to recognize their value and skill set, enabling them to confidently explore new opportunities and career paths.
• Shifting Mindsets: Alaina shares strategies to shift mindsets, overcome fear, and navigate transitions while staying true to oneself and embracing change.
• Upcoming Webinars: Alaina announces upcoming webinars aimed at helping STEM professionals develop successful career strategies, job search tactics, and unicorn career creation techniques.

Tune in to this inspiring episode of the When Science Speaks podcast to learn how to create your own unicorn career in STEM and find joy, meaning, and financial success. Stay updated on upcoming webinars and connect with Alaina G. Levine to unlock valuable insights and strategies for your STEM journey.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Free career consult with Alaina: Anyone is welcome to book a free career consultation with Alaina to answer any questions about how to Create Your Unicorn Career: https://calendly.com/alaina-levine/15min

Website: www.alainalevine.com Socials: X, LI, IG: @AlainaGLevine

Main Topic Time Stamps:

[00:02:28] Music and science connection.

[00:04:23] Journey to PhD. [00:09:49]

Lyme disease treatment exploration. [00:12:38]

Modeling neurologic Lyme disease.

[00:14:06] Lyme disease and animal studies.

[00:19:09] Mountains and their significance.

[00:20:51] Overcoming obstacles and pivoting.

Summary

In this episode featuring Ali Divan, Ph.D., Ali talks about his career journey and why he decided to pursue a Ph.D.

Now the founder and principal of his own firm, Trulitica, Ali specializes in providing technical due diligence services to investors in the life science industry. His aim is to ensure that investors allocate their funds to companies with genuine technology and a significant impact on human health. By carefully examining the milestones and claims made by startups, Ali speaker assesses their technical feasibility and truthfulness. Through his comprehensive technical due diligence, Ali strives to empower investors to make informed decisions and avoid investing in companies solely focused on generating hype and seeking acquisition, rather than creating meaningful contributions to human health.

Ali's ultimate goal is to collaborate with strong founders and innovative technology to make a lasting impact and contribute to successful product launches that foster camaraderie and teamwork within the team.

He expresses his desire to be involved in several product launches where he witnesses the creation of meaningful products for the market. Ali firmly believes that by working alongside determined founders and leveraging cutting-edge technology, he can achieve this objective.

Furthermore, he highlights how successful product launches can cultivate a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among the individuals involved. Overall, Ali's aspiration is to contribute to the success of product launches and cultivate a positive work environment.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Trulitica

This episode of When Science Speaks features Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, Ph.D., an epidemiologist data scientist and senior scientific consultant at a nonpartisan health policy think tank. Dr. Jetelina is also the creator of the influential newsletter, Your Local Epidemiologist, which aims to translate evolving public health science for evidence-based decision making.

Dr. Jetelina shares her surprising experiences working with policymakers during the pandemic, especially in a challenging landscape where epidemiology and politics intersected.

She expresses her astonishment at how policymakers in Texas, despite the political climate, were receptive to listening to scientists and implementing innovative policies. She also highlights the significant impact of policy interventions in real-time, such as the use of Uber to deliver vaccines and reduce disparities.

Moving on to the role of scientists in advisory positions, Dr. Jetelina acknowledges the challenges of effectively communicating with policymakers. She emphasizes the importance of speaking in plain language and providing the bottom line upfront. Policymakers prefer concise policy briefs that focus on the essential scientific evidence, allowing them to make informed decisions efficiently. Dr. Jetelina also discusses the need for scientists to better understand policymakers' needs and align their communication accordingly.

Regarding science communication in general, Dr. Jetelina shares several go-to principles and tactics she employs. She emphasizes the significance of listening to communities and stakeholders to address their needs effectively. By maintaining a bidirectional relationship with the audience, whether policymakers or the general public, scientists can better insert science and evidence into decision-making processes. Dr. Jetelina further stresses the importance of providing meaningful context, reducing cognitive burden, incorporating storytelling, and offering actionable solutions in scientific communication.

The conversation then delves into the challenges of combating misinformation, which has become increasingly prevalent in the modern information ecosystem. Dr. Jetelina suggests two key approaches: combatting misinformation reactively and proactively. While debunking individual rumors can be time-consuming, teaching the public how to recognize and critically evaluate misinformation is a more effective long-term strategy. She also highlights the need for proactive communication, which involves anticipating public needs and providing timely information. Dr. Jetelina emphasizes the urgency of integrating both reactive and proactive approaches into public health and science communication.

The discussion concludes with a focus on trust and the disturbing trend of harassment faced by scientists communicating evidence-based information. Dr. Jetelina attributes this behavior to the politicization of science and the growing fear among individuals. She emphasizes the importance of addressing emotion and building trust through relatability and transparency.

The episode offers valuable insights for listeners interested in science communication and science policy. Dr. Jetelina encourages individuals to take the leap and start communicating, whether through personal efforts or by finding suitable mouthpieces to convey important scientific findings to the public. She emphasizes the power of practice and the importance of having a proactive approach to science communication during emergencies.

Don't miss this engaging conversation with Dr. Caitlyn Jetelina, as she shares her experiences, challenges, and strategies in navigating the intersection of science, policy, and public health communication.

Resources mentioned in the epidsode

How to subscribe to the Your Local Epidemiologist newsletter

Introduction

In this episode of When Science Speaks, host Mark Bayer is joined by Dr. Gertrude Nonterah, founder of the Bold PhD..

Gertrude helps PhD students and academics transition into non-academic careers. She shares her expertise on career development, non-academic paths in the biomedical sciences, personal development, and medical communications.

This episode is sponsored by the One for the Week newsletter, which provides valuable resources for boosting effectiveness in various professional settings.

Guest Background

Dr. Gertrude Nonterah is an expert in microbiology and immunology, having earned her PhD from Temple University. She also holds a BS in biology from Penn West Edinboro University and a BS in registered nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University.

The Importance of Curiosity in Choosing a Scientific Path

Mark begins the conversation by asking Gertrude about her journey into science. Gertrude explains that while she excelled in various subjects during her school years, her father, a retired scientist, encouraged her to pursue science due to her exceptional language skills and overall competence. Growing up in Ghana, Gertrude's natural curiosity and love for reading further fueled her interest in understanding how things work, which eventually solidified her decision to choose the science track in high school.

Transitioning from Biology to Nursing to a Ph.D.

Gertrude discusses her educational journey, which initially involved pursuing a pre-med major in biology. However, the high cost of medical school led her to explore other options. After a friend recommended an accelerated nursing program, Gertrude decided to pursue nursing as it still allowed her to work in the medical field. Subsequently, she pursued a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology, followed by a postdoctoral research position at the University of California, San Diego.

Embracing a Career in Science Writing

After completing her postdoc, Gertrude realized that the academic path was not for her. She began exploring different avenues and started a freelance writing business. Focusing on healthcare and scientific topics, Gertrude honed her skills and built a portfolio that eventually led her to secure a science writing position at a marketing agency. She emphasizes the importance of simplicity in explaining complex scientific concepts, drawing from her experience as a teacher and her entrepreneurial mindset.

Daily Life as a Medical Communicator

Gertrude shares insights into her daily routine as a medical communicator. Her work involves attending meetings with various stakeholders, such as research and development teams, marketing teams, and product teams. She collaborates with these teams to understand research results, create content assets, and support marketing strategies. Gertrude's role also entails content creation, including writing blog posts, designing posters, and developing PowerPoint presentations. She emphasizes the significance of creating engaging content that appeals to a broad audience and communicates complex topics simply.

Different Approaches to Video and Written Content Creation

Gertrude discusses the similarities and differences in her creative process when developing video content versus written content. She emphasizes the importance of hooking the audience in the first few seconds of a video to maintain their attention. By employing relatable visuals and asking thought-provoking questions, she ensures that viewers are captivated. Gertrude also encourages scientists interested in creating video content to make it accessible, engaging, and relatable to their target audience.

The Evolving Landscape of Science Communication

Gertrude highlights the increasing interest in scientific and medical information among the general public, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She notes that people are seeking accurate and simplified explanations of scientific concepts, especially with the proliferation of misinformation. Gertrude emphasizes the need for medical communicators to address public concerns, build trust, and present information in a way that resonates with different audiences. Additionally, she discusses the importance of scientists taking an active role in public engagement, sharing their research in understandable terms, and fostering thought leadership.

Conclusion

Dr. Gertrude Nonterah's journey from academia to science writing provides valuable insights into science communication. Her emphasis on simplicity, relatability, and engagement in content creation resonates with the evolving landscape of science communication. By effectively communicating complex scientific concepts to the public, medical communicators can bridge the gap between experts and general audiences, fostering trust and understanding.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Gertrude's LinkedIn profile

The Bold Ph.D. YouTube channel The Bold Career newsletter

In this episode of the show, Mark interviews Linnea Fletcher, Ph.D., Biotechnology Department Chair, & Director, InnovATEBIO National Biotechnology Education Center at Austin Community College.

Dr. Fletcher shares her journey into science, her perspective on the evolving life sciences industry, and the importance of public understanding of biotechnology.

Dr. Fletcher emphasizes the need for early engagement in science education and highlights the increasing complexity and diverse applications of biotech in various industries. She also discusses the importance of cross-disciplinary knowledge and the challenges of communicating accurate information to the general public.

Major topics discussed in the episode:

• Linnea's Background and Early Interest in Science:
• • Linnea shares her early fascination with science and her determination to pursue a career in the field.
  • She recounts her experiences working in different labs and attending lectures during her college years.

• Evolution of the Life Sciences Industry:

  • Linnea discusses how the biotech industry has become increasingly complex and diversified over the years.
  • She highlights the exponential growth of biotech applications, including healthcare and bioindustrial products.
  • The conversation touches on the emergence of sustainable bioproducts and the exploration of life in various environments.

• Attributes for Success in Life Sciences:

  • Linnea emphasizes the importance of public understanding of biological sciences and biotech, not only for healthcare but also for environmental impact.
  • She encourages continuous learning and interdisciplinary engagement to keep up with advancements in the field.

• Communication Challenges and Misinformation:

  • Linnea acknowledges the communication challenges between industry leaders and the general public in accurately conveying the impact and safety of biotech advancements.
  • She discusses the difficulty of evaluating the relative risks and benefits of certain technologies and emphasizes the need for an informed population.

• Envisioning the Bioscience Workforce Summit:

  • Linnea shares details about the upcoming summit in Washington DC [which occurred in June 2023], where industry, educators, and government representatives discussed emerging technologies and the need to collaborate to create a bioscience workforce for the future.
  • The summit aimed to address the current gaps in the bioscience workforce and the increasing demand for skilled professionals.

• Austin Community College's Role in Biotech Education:

  • Linnea explains how Austin Community College has evolved over the years to become a major force in economic development and workforce education.
  • She highlights the collaboration with industry professionals, the state-of-the-art equipment, and the focus on meeting the needs of local industries.
  • Linnea also mentions the dual credit high school programs and advanced technical certificates offered by the college.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Austin Community College

In this special episode, I'm going to share valuable insights on crafting impactful stories that captivate listeners and achieve the results you're seeking.

Sponsor Message: This episode of When Science Speaks is sponsored by OneSkin, a company led by PhD scientists committed to revolutionizing skin aging. OneSkin has patented the first peptide (protein building block) that reverses skin aging at the molecular level. Listeners can get a special 15% discount on any OneSkin product. Simply visit oneskin.co, use promo code Science15 at checkout, and take advantage of this exclusive offer.

Episode Highlights:

1. Importance of Storytelling in Science Communication:

   • Craft compelling stories to evoke emotions and engage listeners.
   • Relatable stories can effectively communicate complex topics.

2. Keys to Telling an Impactful Story

   • Shift the spotlight from yourself to the needs and interests of your audience.
   • Identify what matters most to your listeners and address their priorities.
   • Capture their attention by delivering information that impacts their lives.

   b) Utilize "The Motown Method":

   • Hook your audience in the first 10 seconds with something intriguing or surprising.
   • Don't wait to deliver the key message; engage listeners from the start.

   c) Reward Your Reader:

   • Understand the brain's desire for new and helpful information.
   • Trigger the reward circuit in the brain by delivering valuable content.
   • Engage readers through curiosity and the release of dopamine.

3. Avoid the Unsung Hero Trap:

   • Remember that the hero of your story is the listener or reader.
   • Keep the focus on what matters to them and their priorities.
   • Identify the overlap between your initiatives and the audience's interests.

4. Non-linear Storytelling:

   • Start with the punchline or key message to pique curiosity.
   • Create open loops that keep listeners engaged and wanting more.
   • Share additional details and context as the story unfolds.

5. Understanding Stakeholder Assessment:

   • Consider how your stakeholder is evaluated by their own stakeholders.
   • Research what matters to decision makers in your professional sphere.
   • Tailor your storytelling to align with their expectations and goals.

Conclusion: Crafting impactful stories requires a deep understanding of your audience, their interests, and the art of storytelling itself. By focusing on the story listener, utilizing The Motown Method, rewarding your readers, avoiding The Unsung Hero trap, and adopting non-linear storytelling, you can captivate your audience and achieve your desired impact. Tune in to future episodes of When Science Speaks for more insights and inspiration.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Special 15% off discount on your OneSkin purchase for When Science Speaks listeners. Visit oneskin.co and use the promo code Science15 at checkout to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

In this episode of the When Science Speaks podcast, Mark welcomes back Dr. Amelia Burke Garcia, an award-winning digital health communicator and researcher with 20 years of experience.

Amelia is a program director at NORC at the University of Chicago, where she worked on the CDC's Covid-19 response and directed the award-winning "How Right Now/Que Hacer Ahora" campaign. She is also the author of the newly released book, "Communicating through a Pandemic: A Chronicle of Experiences, Lessons Learned, and a Vision for the Future."

In this interview, Amelia shares the major themes of her book and provides insights into effective communication during a pandemic.

Key Themes:

1. Recognizing the Emergence of Pandemics: Amelia emphasizes that the Covid-19 pandemic is not an isolated event but follows a long line of previous pandemics. She highlights the importance of understanding outbreak, epidemic, and pandemic response as an active part of the public health system. It is crucial to be prepared for future pandemics to effectively manage and mitigate their impact.

2. Individualized Experiences and Context: While the pandemic affected the world as a whole, Amelia acknowledges that each individual's experience was unique. Factors such as location, occupation, socioeconomic status, race, access to information, and trusted sources influenced people's experiences. Understanding these contextual differences is crucial for effective communication and addressing health disparities.

3. Lessons Learned and the Need for Improvement: Amelia believes the pandemic has provided valuable lessons. It has shed light on health disparities and communication challenges. Moving forward, there is a need to invest in public health infrastructure, improve communication strategies, and prioritize health equity. The goal is to address the issues highlighted during the pandemic and better prepare for future crises.

Insights on Communication during the Pandemic:

1. Challenges of Messaging: Amelia explores the evolution of messaging throughout the pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced in communicating effectively. She discusses the example of mask-wearing recommendations, which shifted based on factors such as supply shortages, vaccine availability, and emerging variants. The rapid changes in recommendations posed challenges in conveying consistent messages to the public.

2. Importance of Expectations Management: The podcast delves into the lack of expectations management during the pandemic. Mark suggests that transparency regarding the rapidly evolving nature of the virus and the corresponding changes in guidelines would have been beneficial. Addressing uncertainties and openly acknowledging the need for adjustments in recommendations could have helped manage public expectations.

3. Transparency and Scientific Learning: Amelia emphasizes the importance of transparent communication, especially when scientific knowledge evolves rapidly. In a pandemic, where the virus spreads quickly, messaging should adapt to new evidence and discoveries. Communicators should be transparent about the changing nature of information, acknowledging that adjustments may be necessary based on emerging scientific knowledge.

4. Combating Misinformation: The discussion touches upon the challenge of combating misinformation and disinformation during the pandemic. Amelia acknowledges the presence of misleading information and the need for trusted experts to debunk false claims. In an environment with abundant misinformation, effective communication becomes even more critical to ensure accurate and reliable information reaches the public.

Resourcres mentioned in the episode

Special discount for When Science Speaks listeners:

OneSkin, led by PhD scientists dedicated to helping people age in a healthy, vibrant way, patented the first protein building block scientifically proven to reverse skin aging at the molecular level.

Listeners of When Science Speaks receive a special 15% discount off an entire OneSkin order (any products, no minimum purchase). And if you haven't yet experienced OneSkin products and decide to subscribe, you'll get a first time subscriber discount plus an additional 15% off your subscription with the special SCIENCE15 code.

Just go to OneSkin.co and use the promo code Science15 a checkout.

Dr. Amelia Burke Garcia's book, "Communicating through a Pandemic: A Chronicle of Experiences, Lessons Learned, and a Vision for the Future"

This week's episode features Maria James, Ph.D., founder of Pocket of Money LLC and creator of the W.I.S.E. Financial Fitness program.

Dr. James shares her journey from studying biology and public health to becoming "The Money Scientist" and empowering individuals to take control of their finances. With over 14 years of experience in building and managing business and personal finance systems, Maria provides valuable insights and practical tips for increasing financial literacy, saving money, and optimizing cash flow.

She also discusses her signature program, Wise Financial Fitness, which simplifies finance and guides individuals step-by-step toward their financial goals.

Dr. James emphasizes the importance of budgeting, overcoming common money mistakes, and diversifying income streams. Tune in to learn how to achieve financial success and live a world-class lifestyle.

Resources mentioned in the episode

OneSkin - powered by the first peptide scientifically proven to reverse skin aging at the molecular level. See what the science of OneSkin can do for you: promo code for special 15% discount on OneSkin products for When Science Speaks listeners. Save and Earn More Money Challenge from Maria James, Ph.D., The Money Doctor: ➡️ Elevate your income, savings, and wealth with the free 4-day Save and Earn More Money Challenge May 22nd - 25th. ➡️ Freeing up money in your budget by cutting expenses is necessary. However, there reaches a point where you truly can't and don't want to cut anything else. You're trying to live your best life, which is not all about slashing expenses. ➡️ You should also be focused on earning more money. Both will be part of the free Save and Earn More Money Challenge

Pocket of Money, LLC.

Free tools to help you save money and reach your lifestyle goals

This episode features Anna Clemens, Ph.D., an academic writing coach and the founder of the Researchers' Writing Academy. Anna earned her PhD in material science and has published articles in Scientific American and other popular science magazines. Her mission is to make academia a more diverse and joyful place for researchers from all backgrounds.

We discuss common problems faced by researchers in academic writing, including procrastination, difficulty getting started, and fear of rejection. Anna shares her insights and the process she teaches to help researchers overcome these challenges and improve the quality of their papers. Our conversation highlights the importance of storytelling and familiarizing readers with the topic to enhance the overall effectiveness of academic writing.

Key Points:

1. Bilingualism and First-Generation Scholars:

• Successful scientist-communicators often possess bilingualism or are the first in their families to attend college.
• They face the challenge of translating complex subjects for their family members while avoiding condescension.
• The ability to bridge scientific knowledge and effective communication sets them apart.

1. Common Problems in Writing for Journals:

• Researchers often struggle with two main issues: getting started and avoiding rejection or publishing low-quality work.
• Procrastination is common among busy researchers who prioritize other tasks over writing due to the absence of strict deadlines.
• Younger researchers, such as PhD students, frequently struggle with getting started and find it challenging to focus on writing amid numerous responsibilities.

1. The Researchers' Writing Academy:

• Anna Clemens and her team work with researchers at all levels, including assistant professors, postdocs, and PhD students.
• The academy addresses the challenges of getting started and publishing in higher impact factor journals.
• The emphasis is on teaching a systematic process for writing scientific papers, focusing on developing a concise and compelling story.
• The process involves considering the reader's perspective, connecting with their existing knowledge, and organizing the information effectively.

1. Benefits of Storytelling in Academic Writing:

• The narrative structure facilitates understanding and engagement for readers.
• Storytelling encourages deep thinking and improves the overall quality of the paper.
• Researchers learn to align their findings with a coherent narrative, guiding readers from background information to motivation and then to the results and discussion.
• The process of storytelling helps researchers overcome the challenges of writing and enhances the overall impact of their work.

Conclusion: The Researchers' Writing Academy provides a valuable resource for researchers struggling with writing challenges in academia. By teaching a systematic approach and emphasizing storytelling, Anna Clemens, Ph.D. and her team help researchers overcome procrastination, improve the quality of their papers, and enjoy the writing process. By bridging the gap between scientific expertise and effective communication, the The Researchers' Writing Academy aims to elevate the accessibility and impact of scientific literature.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Special discount for When Science Speaks listeners:

OneSkin, led by PhD scientists dedicated to helping people age in a healthy, vibrant way patented the first protein building block, scientifically proven to reverse skin aging at the molecular level.

Listeners of when Science Speaks, receive a special 15% discount off an entire one skin order (any products, no minimum purchase). And if you haven't yet experienced OneSkin products and decide to subscribe, you'll get a first time subscriber discount plus an additional 15% off your subscription with the special SCIENCE15 code.

Just go to OneSkin.co and use the promo code Science15 a checkout.

Researchers' Writing Academy

Free writing training course