All scientists must communicate their work, whether it be to peers, collaborators, potential funders, or the public. This course aims to provide scientists-in-training with hands-on skills and knowledge for identifying the communication needs of any audience and effectively conveying the significance of scientific research. Through a series of workshops focused on writing, data visualization, speaking, and presentation skills, students will learn from experts in science policy and advocacy, media, outreach, and teaching. Students will work closely with their classmates to develop skills in crafting a clear message, giving and receiving feedback, and editing across a range of media and audiences.
All classes will be held in-person on Monday afternoons, from 1-4pm. For all class sessions, please have a laptop, tablet, or phone handy to fill out in-class polls.
Students will work collaboratively and engage in frequent self-assessment to implement the foundations of effective scientific communication. Students will be evaluated based on their participation in didactic and workshop sessions, and their ability to give and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. This course aims to hone the communication skills of the students in an individualized manner, according to their inherent needs and interests, but it is incumbent upon each student to implement these skills in a way that is beneficial to and helpful for their specific research topics of interest and career goals. We will host a course website on which we can post any material that students wish to contribute, both to inform future students and serve as a public-facing site demonstrating the range of science at Mount Sinai. Students who wish to submit pitches to websites or shows are welcome and encouraged to work with the course directors, TAs, and guest lecturers to develop their pitches.
Abha K Rajbhandari, PhD Christina Maher Trevonn Gyles
Course Director Teaching Assistant Teaching Assistant