Presenter: Alli Thoen, Chemical Engineering, Global Public Health Scholars
My practicum is the UMD course, CPSS 220. This is a project-based class where we will
learn how to promote innovation through science communication. Science communication is the exchange of information and understanding between experts and laypersons. We will use the framework of cultural competency that I have learned in GPH to study possibilities for sustained collaboration between people and scientists. We will look at recent advances in science communication, and then engage in a project using design thinking methods. We will focus the rest of the semester on exploring how current science practices are improving or obstructing innovation in science communication. This class will include two field trips and interviews with experts in a hands-on environment to gain a real-world perspective and understanding.
I see you have several good questions by other viewers here, Alli! Here's mine: While you predicted that the material will continue to resonate, how do you see the continued intersection of science communication and cultural competency in your future coursework and career path?
Thank you for your presentation! As you mentioned in your video, it’s clear that taking class definitely helped you consider the ways science is communicated to the public. In light of the current successes and failures made by politicians and scientist trying to lead their nations through the pandemic, who do you think has been most successful in communicating the science behind the pandemic to the public and why? You mentioned that this course taught you to take culture and backgrounds into account when communicating science. If you could design a communication plan for the U.S. response, what factors would you take into consideration and how would you personalize the communication?
Hi Alli! I really like this presentation because it is so relevant to everything that is happening with today’s pandemic, as you mentioned. It would be interesting to determine how much efficiency is lost within the government or in stopping viruses because of a lack of communication between science and the public. It will be hard to determine a good way to relay scientific information to people, especially when some of it is overly complicated or individuals do not know who is an accredited source. I think a good way to do this might be by having an accredited individual have a weekly show, similar to how John Oliver has a sunday night recap of some of the lastest politics…
You mentioned that one of the main takeaways was the importance of closing the gap between how people think science works verses how it actually works. What do you think are practical ways that this can happen? Are there steps that can be taken to move towards a greater understanding?