Multifaceted learning experiences for the next generation of scientists
By Kenneth Conrad
By its very nature, science is complex. While researchers with advanced degrees and years of experience can have jargon-filled conversations with each other, most of us need science explained with accessible language and easy-to-understand metaphors. And when it comes to applying for grant funding or completing a job application, scientists need to be able to clearly explain what they do and why it is important.
That’s where Dalhousie’s emphasis on science communication gives students a competitive edge.
Alanna Kaser, a third-year student working toward a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a minor in health studies, can speak to the power of this advantage. As one of four recipients of the 2022 John Dingle Science Communication Internships, she was an intern with the UniVenture project, a five-year, multi-site wellness study that includes undergraduate students at five Canadian universities, including Dalhousie.
Dalhousie Fund contributions designated to the Science Communication Fund support opportunities like this one, training Dal Science students to be better communicators. Through the collective help of faculty alumni and friends, more and more students will benefit from science communication training.
The 12-week internship was “a fantastic opportunity to develop a wide range of skills,” Kaser says. “The UniVenture research team taught me a great deal about the intricacies of science communication in research settings by demonstrating different avenues for research-specific communication with funding partners, university departments and many other important stakeholders.” Kaser also noted that communications training and support provided by the Faculty of Science in digital marketing and social media combined with the research-focused guidance from the UniVenture team to help her develop and enhance UniVenture’s communications initiatives.
Implementing new skills
Since returning to school this fall, Kaser has used her skills to help support participant recruitment and social media with the Mood, Anxiety, and Addiction Co-morbidity (MAAC) Lab led by Dr. Sherry Stewart, study director for the UniVenture project. “I’m frequently reminded of the value of the communications skills I developed during my internship because I use them constantly for work and school,” Kaser says. She teaches a lab section for an introductory psychology class and says she now approaches teaching concepts in a more engaging way. She works as a part-time research assistant as well, and explains that her skills have helped her produce new recruitment materials and implement effective strategies to advertise new studies to targeted groups.
“I’m a strong believer that effective and accessible science communication is key to maximizing impact and innovation in the field,” Kaser says. “The internship experience better equipped me to communicate science, but also greatly enhanced my passion to continue advocating and inspiring appreciation for science communication throughout my education and future career.”
Experiencing the magic of chemistry
The experiences made possible through the Dalhousie Fund are incredibly varied, and many of them are hands-on. As a chemist, Dr. Chuck Macdonald, Dalhousie’s Dean of Science, knows the value of learning by doing. In his early years as a faculty member, he remembers working with grad students to organize chemistry magic shows at local schools and in the community, including one coinciding with a bookstore’s launch of a new Harry Potter novel. He’s happy to see alumni pay it forward and create equally memorable learning experiences for today’s students and future scientists.
Alumni donors also help provide opportunities for science students to work in research labs and expand their horizons by attending conferences, through the Experiential Learning and Equipment Fund.
“Even at the undergraduate level, the opportunity to go to conferences, present your work and meet other students and scientists from around the world is critical,” says Dr. Macdonald, noting that dedicated funding to support conference travel expands the student experience. This summer, Dal Science students were able to get back in nature following two years of COVID-19 restrictions through the SEASIDE program and other field courses. As travel continues to become more accessible, students have the chance to make up for lost time and experience a world of research opportunities. Support from Dal Fund donors makes all the difference.