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Science Communication Fellows Program

The Science Communication Fellows Program provides training to scientists and researchers to improve their science communication, especially in an informal science education setting.  

Fellows build their capacity for science communication by participating in five professional development workshops as well as three public programs.

 

The Science Communication Fellows Programs operates in partnership with Portal to the Public, as an NSF funded program.

 

About the SCFP Workshops:

Fellows participate in five professional development workshops focused on building the skills to effectively engage public audiences.  Scientists refine key messages related to their areas of expertise and practice simple techniques for talking science with non-scientists.
 
Designing Engaging Activities Workshop: 
Wednesday, January 18 from 5:30pm-8:30pm at the NHMU
 
One-on-One Workshop:
Once between January 19-February 1 at Fellow's Workspace
 
How People Learn Workshop: 
Wednesday, February 1 from 5:30pm-8:30pm at the NHMU
 
Facilitating Your Activity Workshop: 
Wednesday, February 15 from 5:30pm-8:30pm at the NHMU
 
Crafting Engaging Lectures Workshop: 
Wednesday, March 1 from 5:30pm-8:30pm at the NHMU
 

Who Should Sign Up?

We’re looking for graduate students, professors, scientists, researchers, and other science-based professionals who are committed to bridging the gap between the scientific community and the general public.  Fellows must be able to attend all five workshops and participate in all the public programs.

About the SCFP Public Programs:

Fellows participate in two Scientist in the Spotlight programs and one Science Café event.  

Scientist in the Spotlight Program: Fellows will provide the general public with a window into their current research by telling stories and showcasing  their field equipment, lab tools, and research specimens in an informal, open-house, face-to-face environment.

Science Café Program: Fellows will present their current research in an informal Ted Talk-like format. 

Why Participate?

For many members of the general public, scientific research and the development of new technology are the exclusive domains of scientists and engineers. Many people have never met or had a conversation with a working scientist, and thus feel no personal connection to science at all.
Face-to-face interactions between scientists and public audiences are important opportunities for improving public awareness and understanding of current scientific research and its application. They also increase public appreciation of the individuals who work in science-based fields. Informal science education institutions are uniquely qualified to facilitate such interactions in ways that create positive impacts for all parties involved.
 
For more information about the impacts generated by the Science Communication Fellows Program, click here.
 

Fellow Benefits:

  • Enhance your science communication skills in a dynamic, engaging, and participatory workshop setting.
  • Develop a hands-on educational activity which you can use in multiple educational settings beyond the Natural History Museum of Utah.
  • Receive letters of acknowledgement and documentation suitable for sharing with supervisors and for grant reporting.
  • Receive consultation and assistance in designing and writing broader impact plans to fulfill grant and other outreach requirements.
  • Network with local scientists committed to public engagement and education professionals.
  • Discount at the NHMU museum store and cafe.
  • Free admission to NHMU galleries and special exhibits for you and your immediate family.

How to Apply:

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2017 year.
 
All applications weredue by 5pm on Friday, December 30, 2016.  Fellows were announced on Wednesday, January 4, 2017. First workshop starts: Wednesday, January 18.

Current Participants:

  • Alan Achenbach, Graduate Student, Biological Anthropology
  • Stacie Bender, Geospatial Specialist, Geospatial Technology and Applications Center
  • Kathleen Bennett, Graduate Student, Human Genetics
  • Kelsey Cone, Graduate Student, Human Genetics
  • Brenden J Fischer, Graduate Researcher, Geology and Geophysics
  • Joshua Horns, Graduate Student, Biology
  • Janet Iwasa, Research Assistant Professor, Biochemistry
  • Evan Kipnis, Graduate Research Assistant/PhD Student, Geology and Geophysics
  • Elizabeth Looby, Masters Student, Geography
  • Joseph Plasek, PhD Candidate, Biomedical Informatics
  • Rodolfo Probst, Graduate Student, Biology
  • Ellyse Simons, NHMU Archeology Lab Graduate Student/Research Assistant, Anthropology
  • Rosalie Waller, PhD Candidate, Biomedical Informatics
  • Blanca Yagüe, International PhD Student, Cultural Anthropology
  • Deeptha Vasudevan, PhD Candidate, Developmental Neurobiologist, Neurobiology and Anatomy

Past Participants:

2016

2015

2014

For More Information:

Please contact Paulmichael Maxfield by email: or by phone: (801) 585-5920.