Science Communication

While considering my next step after graduation, I received a piece of advice that unsuspectingly stuck with me: Find your superpower. We don’t expect a fish to excel at climbing trees, but maybe that fish is exceptional at camouflage or swimming; the fish pursues its innate superpower. This made me ponder my own superpower. As a student who has been told she was “gifted” since kindergarten, I knew I excelled academically in many areas, but where did my talents and passions overlap? 

Recently, after a public talk in which I explained how my research on acrylic paints at the molecular level could help with art conservation, I was happily surprised with all the commendations on my ability to break down complex topics. A fellow graduate student remarked, “In science, we have a problem of over-complicating things so thank you for making this accessible.” 

Science communication is my superpower. I believe research breakthroughs and data-driven discoveries have the most impact when they are accurately and effectively communicated to collaborators, stakeholders, and the public. I want everyone to be able to understand the science behind medicines, cleaning supplies, pollution, and the many other chemistry-related aspects of their lives. 

To continue improving my skills, I have taken graduate courses in academic writing and science communication. These courses have taught me how to connect ideas, write as a reader, and tailor my content to my audience.