Science Communicator Opportunities

Opportunities for Science Communication Enthusiasts

Discover the art of science communication with our engaging program for both enthusiasts and future professionals. Whether you're pursuing a career or passionate about sharing scientific knowledge, our workshops, panels, and interactive sessions provide essential insights and hands-on experience to boost your skills and explore media literacy and career opportunities in the geosciences.

Sat., 21 Sept.

Talking Science: A Communicating Science Workshop, Sat., 21 Sept., 8 a.m.–5 p.m. US$15. CEU: 0.80. Limit: 40. Salon E, Marriott Anaheim

Communicating is the final and most important aspect of any scientific endeavor. Whether this is communicating to other scientists, the public, or funding agencies, our success relies on our ability to effectively describe and explain our science. This highly interactive workshop will provide participants with hands-on real-time practice in tailoring their messages to fit specific science-focused and non-science-focused audiences and creating clear, engaging messages.

Register

Sun., 22 Sept.

Teaching Media Literacy in the Geological Sciences, Sun., 22 Sept., 8 a.m.–noon, ACC, Room 208B

Media literacy in the geological sciences is imperative as hyper-connectivity and mass media have intertwined within society. This session intends to share methods to augment media literacy as well as combat media disinformation.

Event program details

Practice with the Pros: A Science Communication Workshop with New York Times, NPR, PBS and UC Davis, Sun., 22 Sept., 3–5 p.m. Limit: 30. ACC, Ballroom E (the GeoCareers Corner)

Learn how to craft, sharpen and deliver messages about your research for a variety of audiences, including media, policymakers, donors and others. Special guest trainers include Raymond Zhong of the New York Times, Kirk Siegler of National Public Radio, paleontologist Gabriel-Philip Santos of Cosplay for Science and PBS’ EONS, and UC Davis geosciences Professor Nicholas Pinter. It is led by science communications specialist Kat Kerlin of UC Davis.

Space is limited! Sign up for the workshop here.

Event program details

Mon., 23 Sept.

Beyond the Degree: Making an Impact with Geology & Twenty-Five Years of GSA Mentoring Programs, Mon., 23 Sept., 8 a.m.–Noon and 1–5 p.m. ACC, Room 202AB

This session presents students and faculty information on what is required for a career outside of academia, how academic departments can assist students, and personal stories and career tips from a diverse group of industry, consulting, and government geologists.

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From Outcrop to Front Page: Translating and Communicating Earth Science, Mon., 23 Sept., 12:15–1:15 p.m. ACC, Room 202AB

Sometimes it can feel like science is a second language, even when talking to peers, let alone the public. This panel brings together some of the nation’s best science journalists to explore how reporters and scientists can use storytelling to bridge worlds and connect earth science to the public. It offers a behind-the-curtain peek at the realities of science journalism and how scientists and reporters can best work together. Panelists include Raymond Zhong of the New York Times, Kirk Siegler of National Public Radio, and Gabriel-Philip Santos of PBS and Cosplay for Science. Moderated by UC Davis science writer Kat Kerlin.

Event program details

Tues., 24 Sept.

Workshop: Communicating Geoscience with Others, Tues., Sept. 24, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. ACC, Ballroom E (GeoCareers Corner)

Explore and apply the basic principles of science communication with fun group exercises, one-on-one guidance, and tips from world-renowned geoscience communicators. Come meet new people eager to expand their skills, and learn to think outside the box together!

Harnessing Diverse Thinking: Creative Communication Strategies in Geosciences, Tues., 24 Sept., 2–3:30 p.m. ACC, Ballroom E (GeoCareers Corner)

How can diverse thinking transform the way we communicate in the geosciences? Dr. Haydon Mort (Geologize) will kick off this one-hour interactive session by exploring this thought-provoking question, emphasizing the crucial role of varied perspectives in enhancing communication strategies. You’ll learn how connecting the dots from different viewpoints fosters creativity, enabling us to tackle novel problems more effectively. Building on this foundation, Haydon will share practical examples of how diverse thinking helps present complex scientific ideas to the general public in an intuitive and engaging manner. By the end of this session, you will have leveraged diverse thinking to strengthen your capacity to convey geoscientific concepts clearly and impactfully. Join us to discover how embracing diversity can revolutionize your communication approach and elevate your impact in the geosciences.

Event program details