Communication
Sociology: Public-Facing Writing vs. Academic Writing
This was a sociology project in which I conducted research to ultimately write both an academic-style essay as well as an article-style piece that was intended to be understood by the general public. This was a unique experience that allowed me to develop a deep understanding of public communication. It sounded simple enough on the surface, but it wasn’t easy; it required an intense amount of care and patience to figure out how to convey a ton of complex information to an audience that, ultimately, had no reason to read a research-heavy academic paper.
This was an intense challenge that really exemplified the importance of recognizing & understanding the barriers to scientific comprehension. The topic I chose to write about wasn’t a traditional science-related topic, but the distinctions between both papers are necessary to understand regardless of the subject matter.
My final result is something that I’m quite proud of, and it highlighted a crucial skill for my future in science: the ability to maintain scientific accuracy while adjusting the presentation style, terminology, and tone of speaking, all tailored to the intended audience. I learned how to balance my writing techniques between technical expertise and public understanding. I focused on conciseness and technicalities for the academic essay, while simultaneously focusing on the “look and feel” of the public-facing essay by formatting it to look like a genuine web article.
Regardless of the intended audience, the method of delivery is equally as important as the information itself.
Versatile communication skills are essential for my future, as I intend to share information as effectively as possible with scientific peers, business executives, & the general public.
Data Analysis
- Collaborated in a team of four to analyze gaps and errors within a database.
- Combined efforts with four total teams to finalize a report for the the local Continuum of Care.
- Resulted in direct improvements to the efficiency of the services provided to the local homeless community.
Research
Phage Hunters: Bacteriophage Genome Research
After I made the drastic change to pursue environmental science instead of business administration, during my very first semester as a science major, I decided to take an honors-level biology class that focused on bacteriophages. This class was part of the SEA-PHAGES program (Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science).
I went into this course without even knowing what a bacteriophage was. I came out of it with isolated DNA from a bacteriophage named “Deathrider”, who I discovered from a dirt sample. The above screenshot links to my entry in the phagesdb.org database.
The second semester was focused on collaborating as a class to map a massive segment of another classmate’s bacteriophage’s genome. This required the use of a multitude of websites, databases, and software. We used a program named “DNA master” to open sequencing files, examine the length of individual genes, and match genetic data to preexisting data that was already in literature.
In the research presentation above, I’m discussing the conclusions I had come to regarding a handful of genes. The lab report is a comprehensive paper containing general phage research, as well as my process and methodology for isolating a novel bacteriophage.
This coursework allowed me to master a multitude of biology-related instruments and skills. I gained confidence with micropipetting, sterile technique, and gel electrophoresis. Furthermore, this experience taught me how to adapt to a brand new method of study, to conduct research, and to use the scientific method in a way that I hadn’t done before.
Visualization
Various: Graphs, Charts, Maps, Graphs, and Flyers
A theme of mine has always been to focus on the visuals and aesthetics of whatever I do. I’m an artist and a creative, and these are skills that I’ve been curating for as long as I can remember.
Well-designed infographics, charts, and other visuals are some of the most effective ways to spread information. As a visual learner, I’ve picked up on the fact that many science and business fields tend to have blind spots in these areas.
Scientific communication has significant barriers between non-scientists and scientists. However, visualizations such as weather maps, GIS maps, topography maps, and data charts are all effective ways to provide information that matters. Scientists can handle the molecular details of water sampling, but our fellow citizens deserve well-condensed information about the quality of their drinking water.