February 11, 2019
Kansas Science Communication Initiative hosts workshops for students, faculty
The Kansas Science Communication Initiative is hosting multiple workshop opportunities this semester for students and faculty to learn more about science communication strategies and methods. K-State graduate students and faculty will lead workshops about events, blogging, video and community partnership.
These workshops are designed for in-person attendance and will not be offered via Zoom.
• Nerd Nite — history, progress, and challenges in science communication, noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 22, 324 Ackert Hall.
Guest presenter Chris Balakrishnan, associate professor at East Carolina University, will discuss Nerd Nite, a unique forum scientists can use to communicate science (and other forms of nerdery) to the public that Balakrishnan started about 15 years ago. Since that time, Nerd Nite has spread to more than 100 cities around the U.S. and the World. Balakrishnan will draw from his experience and reflect on the history, progress, and current challenges in science communication. Please register.
• Blogging and disseminating your research digitally, noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 26, Cottonwood Room, Student Union.
Hear graduate researchers Lindsay Bruckerhoff and Sam Sharpe talk about Science Shapshots and how they use this blog and others to communicate their research. This workshop is sponsored by Graduate Student Council and will include other presenters. More information coming soon; check the KSCI calendar.
• "Letting it all out" in videos for teaching and outreach, noon-1:30 p.m. March 5, 137 Waters Hall.
Whether you are engaging students or the public, it takes more than a talking head on a screen to really excite the viewer about science content. This is where "edutainment" videos come in — a combination of education and entertainment. Insect Fusion and McLab Films (Jeremy Marshall and Brian McCornack of entomology) will discuss the value of such videos and provide insights into how each of our labs "let it all out" in the name of science. Please register.
• It's Not You, It's Me: Community Partnerships, noon to 1:30 p.m. April 11, 121 Eisenhower Hall.
Ever had to break up with a partner, or had a partner break up with you? Community partners are essential to successful public engagement. Leaning on Laura Downey and Jared Bixby's experience with the Guidelines for Excellence in Community Engagement and Portal to the Public, this workshop will introduce tools and strategies that researchers can use to engage partners for impact (so they don't have to break up). Please register.
Follow KSCI on Facebook and Twitter, @KS_SCI, to stay up to date with these workshops and other opportunities such as the SciComm 2019 Conference, hosted at K-State on March 22-24.