Bringing science to the public: Careers in science writing and communication

Katie YurkewiczCommunication Director

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratorykatie@fnal.gov

What is Fermilab?

Katie Yurkewicz, SCUWP, 1/15/20122

How did I get there?

Katie Yurkewicz, 12/19/20113

Six months of soul searching

Katie Yurkewicz, SCUWP, 1/15/20124

A career (for now!)

Katie Yurkewicz, SCUWP, 1/15/20125

Lessons

• Few career paths are linear• Reach out to everyone – you never know

where help might come from• Payoff can take time

Katie Yurkewicz, SCUWP, 1/15/20126

What do communicators do?

Katie Yurkewicz, SCUWP, 1/15/20127

Science writing Public Relations Public Outreach

Communication at Fermilab

• Media relations• Community relations• VIP services & protocol• Writing & editing• Graphic design• Photography and video production• Exhibit design• Public outreach & tours• Communication training for scientists

Katie Yurkewicz, SCUWP, 1/15/20128

Scientists as communicators

• Good communication is important for professional scientists

• Seize opportunities to learn and practice! Grant-writing workshops Presentation and public speaking workshops Media training Resume and CV writing Public outreach opportunities

Katie Yurkewicz, SCUWP, 1/15/20129

Who employs science communicators?

• Universities• Laboratories and research institutions• Industry• Museums• Scientific societies and non-profits• Mass media (newspapers, magazines,

broadcast)• Trade magazines and scientific journals

Katie Yurkewicz, SCUWP, 1/15/201210

You can try this at home

Writing• School newspaper• Local newspaper/web news outlet• Your own blog

Outreach• Science activities at local museums• Badge days/events for Scouts/4-H• Lectures for community groups• YouTube videos, comics…

Katie Yurkewicz, SCUWP, 1/15/201211

Steps to a career

• Degree in writing/journalism/communication + science degree/experience/strong interest

• Science degree + writing/communication/outreach experience

• Internships• Freelancing

Katie Yurkewicz, SCUWP, 1/15/201212

More information: science writing

• National Association of Science Writers• Council for the Advancement of Science

Writing• List of degree programs:

http://dsc.journalism.wisc.edu/

Katie Yurkewicz, SCUWP, 1/15/201213