Achievement

The course "Communicating Science for Scientists and Engineers: Video News Releases" was developed to train students to present complex research ideas to nontechnical audiences, such as the mass media or policy makers. This course help students become more effective communicators to their colleagues, the general public and those who influence funding resources. Lectures and demonstrations focus on the best practices for using digital media as a valuable tool for communicating complex subject matter to a broad audience. Students begin by writing short, plain language highlights about their own research with the IGERT program. Students practice interviewing techniques with classmates and faculty. Working in teams, students write, film, and produce a video news release aimed at communicating a specific scientific or engineering topic to nontechnical viewers. The course culminates in a film festival where students and faculty view and evaluate the final video productions.