by Rukia Henry
As a young researcher and scientist in training, I have come to realize that there is a huge disconnect with the work that I and other scientists perform in the lab, and the translation of that work to the public. As scientists, we don’t perform experiments or do science for ourselves, and if we take a close look on social media, we can easily find a mass of misinformation being circulated and perpetuated to the public – hello antivaxxers!
It is becoming increasingly important that scientists actively take roles in effectively communicating factual and evidence-based science to the public. While this might seem as a hobby, have you considered that this can be your fulltime career?
On day two of the career symposium at NYU Langone Center, the importance of science outreach was discussed on a panel session moderated by Dr. Jeanne Garbarino, Director of RockEDU Science Outreach at the Rockefeller University. The panelists for the Careers in Science Outreach and Informal Education included Dr Christine Marizzi, Lead Community Scientist at BioBus Inc, Dr Odaelys Walwyn-Pollard, Scientist and Educator at The Rockefeller University, and Dr Latasha Wright, Chief Scientific Officer at BioBus Inc.
The goal of science outreach is to essentially bring science to the public. In addition to its importance in providing factual information and dispelling scientific myths, science outreach can have profound effects in encouraging young students to pursue degrees and possible careers in STEM, especially individuals and students from marginalized communities.
What is Science Outreach and How can it be Done Effectively?
Dr Wright noted that it is important for scientists to first understand that science outreach is a dialogue between a scientist and a non-scientist. As a scientist, you have to be able to share your work with different cultures and have an understanding that not everyone will be readily open to hearing your point of view. So, while it is important to you share your scientifically-supported message, listening to your audience, their vacillations and finding a way to work with and around that will make your outreach efforts highly effective. You have to meet and engage your audience where they are.
Dr Marizzi explained that science communication and outreach may not even be just directed to the general public at large, but even to a targeted group such as politicians, where your job might be to influence policy. You must go into it with an attitude that is receptive to their point of view as well. There must be room for mutual learning. It is imperative that you understand why their beliefs and values may be shaped in certain ways, and only then will you be able to tackle those barriers that may have incorrectly informed their decisions.
To that end, Dr Garbarino noted that before you start, you should create a framework that details your goals, your specific area of expertise, and how you can frame your message to target your audience of interest.
Source: http://rwjms.rutgers.edu/education/gsbs/student_affairs/communicating-science.html
Where is the Science Outreach field Heading?
Science outreach can be considered a fulltime job. There are universities who are beginning to offer semester-long courses in science communication and even advanced degrees. Rutgers University, for example, has developed a course called “Communicating Science,” with the aim to teach graduate students how to effectively present their research to non-scientists in an effective way. It takes a lot of effort to frame the work that you hope will target a specific audience. Whether it be through social media channels like Instagram or Facebook, or creating digital content in the form of podcasts or YouTube videos, the time and resources necessary to make your communication successful possibly requires your time and energy like any other 9 - 5 job.
One of the challenges that can be encountered in this field is the perception of the job held by others, especially by other scientists and other academics. However, one important message that the panelists wanted to make known was that one fundamental mission of science communication and outreach is to change human behavior for the better, and that can certainly be a full-time job.
Aspects of the Job
BioBus Inc – Dr Wright explained that the mission of BioBus is to spark and cultivate an interest in science, while simultaneously providing access to science and information, especially in marginalized communities. BioBus goes to different schools in the New York area and showcases varying aspects of science and experiments that they have prepared for students on the bus. Students come on board, and they are able to be exposed and become excited about science.
One memorable moment that Dr Wright recounts is when a young boy came on the bus and asked her, ‘scientists can wear dresses?’. Science outreach is important in changing the perception of what a scientist should be or look like, and it’s a job that Dr Wright noted she wouldn’t trade for anything else.
RockEDU – RockEDU provides equitable access to science for students in K-12. It is a program that is designed and catered to teachers and students, providing access to science that may not have been available at their school. The program provides access to a laboratory setting where students are trained and taught different lab techniques. The RockEDU program also provides mentorship to children in this grade.
Compensation and Benefits in Science Outreach
Now as exciting as a job may seem, we all know at the end of the day it all boils down to the size of the paycheck. Is this a career that can be both mentally and financially rewarding?
BioBus Inc:
-Starting pay begins at $50,000 to $60,000
-Three months paid family leave
-Unlimited PTO
-Health and Vision insurance
-You create our own working schedule
RockEDU:
-Starting pay begins at $60,000
-Health, dental and vision insurance
-Six weeks maternity leave for vaginal delivery and eight weeks leave for C-section
One important point that the moderator, Dr Garbarino noted is that as a scientist with a PhD Degree, never accept a job below $60,000. Know your worth and negotiate!
This article was edited by Helena Mello