ScIU ‘s annual Science Communication Symposium is tomorrow, November 8th! We’ve asked some of our panelists to answer some questions to learn about their journey with science communication.
Dr. Janet Carpenter, our keynote speaker, is a Distinguished Professor and Associate Dean of Research for the School of Nursing at IUPUI
What is your current science communication position or initiative?
Menopause, or the end of a woman’s menstrual periods, affects all women worldwide who live into their 50s. The major symptom women experience is hot flashes – unpredictable, sudden rushes of inner heat and outer sweating that last only minutes at a time yet can disrupt a woman’s concentration, mood, and sleep. Like many women’s health issues, hot flashes have been trivialized, misattributed to being fake or “all in a woman’s head,” medicalized, and depicted using overwhelmingly negative imagery. Myths and misinformation about hot flashes are rampant. Women as well as health care professionals report being confused about hot flashes and potential ways to obtain relief when hot flashes are severe. I sketch representations about treatment options as well as other scientifically-based information points about menopausal hot flashes. My sketches were transferred into graphics by a professional artist and form the basis of the concept art for “Hot flashes? Cool!” an interactive exhibit designed to educate the public.
Tell us your SciComm story!
In 2015, I led an international panel in writing a position paper for the North American Menopause Society. The position paper reviewed all of the evidence about hotflashes up to that year and clearly spelled out which treatments were recommended as effective, were not fully evidence based but might be worth recommending, or were not recommended for women. To date, I have received $250,000 to study the impact of the concept art on the public. In focus groups and viewing events, the concept art has been shown to improve knowledge, spur dialogue, and increase empathy for menopausal women. In addition, I have worked with Dr. Michael Drews at IUPUI to depict hot flashes using music. Dr. Drews’ six musical compositions are part of an album titled “Fire Ghost,” whose cover art is Dr. Carpenter’s original painting titled “A Fiery Woman.” I have also worked with 12 Stars Media to generate short films on the making of the concept art and music as well as one that uses thermal imaging to show that hot flashes are real. Right now, I am seeking funding to move exhibit concept art to the web where it can be more fully accessed and move the art into full-scale production as a traveling exhibit.
Dierdre Sheets is the Education Director for WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology
What is your current science communication position or initiative?
Deirdre Sheets, WonderLab’s new Education Director, has a long and rich background in education. She has taught preschool through adult learners in formal and informal settings as well as in most curricular areas. Her traditional education and experiences are complemented by Montessori training and more than a decade leading a science-rich Montessori elementary program. Her work in secondary and adult public education has allowed her to develop an understanding of a multitude of learning styles and paces as well as practices and approaches that engage and inspire. As WonderLab’s Education Director, Deirdre is responsible for leading the Education Department in bringing WonderLab’s educational philosophy and programming to the public
Tell us your SciComm story!
Deirdre studied Theater and English as Eastern Michigan University and later completed additional degrees in American History and Education, with minors in geography and environmental studies, at Northeastern Illinois University. Additionally, she earned her Naturalist Certification through the Morton Arboretum outside Chicago, IL. Her Montessori Elementary I and II training was completed through the Institute for Guided Studies.
Jonathan Hines is the Communications and Outreach Manager with the Environmental Resilience Institute
What is your current science communication position or initiative?
Currently, I am the communications and outreach manager for the Environmental Resilience Institute at IU. In this role, I frequently collaborate with researchers who are affiliated with the Institute to promote their work.
Tell us your SciComm story!
I started my career as a newspaper journalist, covering a wide array of stories. After a couple years working as a technology writer at Purdue University, I landed my first science writing job at Oak Ridge National Laboratory where I wrote about science being produced on several of the top supercomputers in the world. I enjoy the challenge of translating research for broad audiences and highlighting the importance of science.
Dr. Diane Henshel is an Associate Professor in the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
What is your current science communication position or initiative?
Dr Henshel is an Associate Professor in the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the Principal for Henshel EnviroComm, a consulting company that helps communities and governments addressing environmental contamination. She teaches Risk Communication, Risk Assessment, and Toxicology. She is an active member of the Concerned Scientists at IU and hase been a member of the Communications Committee for the past few years.
Come meet these amazing scientists, and others, at the symposium tomorrow!
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