The ability to communicate the results of scientific research is fundamental to a career as a scientist. The ability of scientists to communicate science to non-scientists is fundamental to science literacy and public policy, as illustrated by the intelligent design and climate change debates. This project investigates how effectively graduate students in STEM disciplines communicate simple scientific concepts verbally, and whether their effectiveness improves over time. Participants will be required to sit for two short (< 3 minutes) video recordings, 3 months apart, during which they will explain a science topic. Graduate students in any area of science, technology, engineering or mathematics who have NOT received any formal communications training are eligible to participate. Participants will receive $100 for completion of two video recordings ($40 upon completion of the first video; $60 upon completion of the second video), and will benefit from feedback on their communications skills at the completion of the study.
Sign-ups are closed.
To learn more about this research, contact Margaret Rubega (margaret.rubega@uconn.edu).