From #scientistswhoselfie to #scicomm, why is science communication important and what the heck is a hashtag anyway? If you want the general public to understand why the research you’re involved with as a teratologist is important, you may need this course. If you want to learn how to use social media to network and further your professional career, you may need this course. If tweets, trending and Twitter sound like nothing more than potential dance moves that start with the letter “t,” YOU MAY NEED THIS COURSE.
Enter Paige Jarreau, PhD, a science communication specialist for the College of Science at Louisiana State University. Dr. Jarreau developed a passion for writing while pursuing her degree in biomedical engineering. She is behind the highly successful blog, “From the Lab Bench,” through which she’s developed a following of more than 12k people on Twitterand more than 18k on Instagram alone. Why might this matter in the grand scheme of science? “Scientists who use social media do so overwhelmingly to practice their own communication skills, to explain and communicate science to lay audiences, to foster public interest and to connect with others,” writes Dr. Jarreau in one of her latest blogs regarding the rise of using Instagram to communicate science. “Positive changes in public perceptions and gender stereotypes might be an added benefit of many and diverse scientists sharing their experiences and photos online,” she added.
Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are emerging resources for establishing an online professional identity within the scientific community. Networking with potential employers, while communicating the research you’re involved with can enhance scientific reputation. This professional development workshop featuring Dr. Jarreau’s expertise, “Building a Professional Scientific Presence Using Social Media,” will take place on Monday, June 25th from 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m during the Teratology Society’s Annual Meeting in Clearwater, FL. The workshop requires a separate registration. A boxed lunch is included. Registration cost is free for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows registered for the annual meeting, $25 for society members and $75 for nonmembers.
The workshop is recommended for anyone interested in learning the basics of social media, how to craft a positive and effective professional profile, communicate science through trending mediums and how to develop a network of followers with common interests.
Register and learn more about the Annual Meeting program. If you are already registered for the Annual Meeting and would like to add this workshop, please email [email protected] or call 703.438.3104.
Teratology Society, 11190 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 300, Reston, Virginia 20191
