"Science communication is not just about talking to the media; it's about this broader relationship. Food is social, not just scientific." - Dr Heather Bray.
In our Summer Shorts bonus season finale, The SciComm Collective’s Kate is joined by guest Dr Heather Bray, Coordinator of UWA's Masters and Minor in Science Communication programs. Taking on the challenge she sets for students, Heather reflects on her performance at UWA's Raising the Bar 2024, where she presented on the future of food science. Kate and Heather discuss the importance of purpose, audience and message in science communication, how to plan for a presentation (and how not to!), and why reflective practice is vital for all science communication practitioners.
Episode Links:
Plus check out Season One's Episode 2 for more Heather, and Episode 4 for more on the Deficit Model.
The SciComm Collective:
Episode Details:
Host: Kate Holmes
Guest: Dr Heather Bray
Produced by: Kate Holmes, Dr Heather Bray
Edited by: Clare Boon
Shownotes by: Felice Ng
Sponsored by: UWA Grand Challenges Make A Difference Impact Grant
“I liked the story of it and that's why I wanted to use that, to present [geology] in a way that was a bit more interesting, a bit more fun.” - Owen Cumming
On this episode of Summer Shorts, join The SciComm Collective’s Clare as she interviews Owen Cumming, a graduate of UWA’s Master of Science Communication program. Owen talks about his journey from environmental science to science communication. Hear how Owen took his passion for making complex geological stories more accessible and engaging, to create his mini podcast episode, “Carved in Stone”, bringing the history and geology of continents to life through storytelling and sound.
Content warning: Mild offensive language.
Episode Links:
The SciComm Collective:
Episode Details:
Host: Clare Boon
Guest: Owen Cumming
Produced & Edited by: Clare Boon
Shownotes by: Felice Ng & Emma Gill
Sponsored by: UWA Grand Challenges Make A Difference Impact Grant
“Learning and practising science communication is core to so much” - Lotte George
Welcome back to Summer Shorts, an exploration of podcasting by UWA science communication students. In this episode, The SciComm Collective’s Kate is joined by UWA Biomedical Sciences graduate Lotte George. Lotte shares how stumbling upon the UWA Tropical Grove during a study break inspired her to make a Shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing”) meditation podcast, and how her Science Presentations unit of study has benefited her even beyond the scientific landscape.
Episode Links:
The SciComm Collective:
Episode Details:
“While I’ve always had this interest in science, I didn’t always feel like it was the most accessible or easily understandable, so I was really drawn to science communication.” - Felice Ng
Join The SciComm Collective’s Clare as she interviews Felice Ng, a UWA student pursuing a Bachelor of Biomedical Science in Pharmacology and Genetics, along with a Science Communication minor. In this episode, Felice shares how Australia’s unique biodiversity inspired her to make a podcast about Triggerplants (Stylidium) as part of a bigger series called “Wildflower Walks.”
Note: The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions is mentioned for student assignment purposes only.
Episode Links:
The SciComm Collective:
Episode Host: Clare Boon
Episode Guest: Felice Ng
Produced by: Clare Boon
Edited by: Holly Dear & Emma Gill
Show notes by: Felice Ng
Sponsored by: UWA Grand Challenges Make A Difference Impact Grant
“Science can be silly, it can be goofy, it can be funny, and interesting!” - Anna Balaguer
In Summer Shorts we're exploring the art of podcasting with former UWA Science Presentations unit students. Today’s guest star is Bachelor of Science (Zoology) and Science Communication (Minor) student Anna Balaguer. Join Anna and The SciComm Collective’s Emma as they discuss the inspiration behind Anna's “Bone Zone” podcast about Anglerfish mating, the struggles of finding copyright-free music, and her science communication journey so far.
Content warning: Some adult themes.
Episode Links:
Freesound (sound effects database)
The SciComm Collective:
Episode Host: Emma Gill
Episode Guest: Anna Balaguer
Produced & Edited by: Emma Gill
Shownotes by: Felice Ng
Sponsored by: UWA Grand Challenges program Make A Difference Impact Grant
Additional Music: Sensual Jazz by Grand Project
How do you evaluate a podcast? What makes a good podcast?
Welcome to Summer Shorts, a bonus series brought to you by The SciComm Collective where we explore the art of podcasting with professionals and former students of UWA’s Science Presentations unit.
Today, The SciComm Collective's Kate and Emma chat with local podcasters Rockwell "Rocky" McGellin and Rose Kerr about the ins and outs of podcasting as a professional - with tips and tricks for students creating podcasts for the first time!
Especially great for students taking the unit SCOM2205 Science Presentations at UWA and anyone else embarking on your podcasting journey, we invite you to tune into our episode and hear from the professionals about the importance of authenticity, why your voice and tools matter less than your intentions, and how to win your listener's ears and hearts.
Pro tip: Find out what they're interested in!
Content warning: This episode contains references to alcohol and one use of swearing. We are Australian, after all.
Episode Links:
The SciComm Collective:
Episode Hosts: Emma Gill & Kate Holmes
Produced by: Emma Gill, Kate Holmes, Dr. Heather Bray
Edited by: Emma Gill
Audio Engineering: Keelan Powell
Show notes by: Felice Ng & Emma Gill
Sponsored by: UWA Grand Challenges program - Make A Difference Impact Grant
"We all have something to contribute to the enterprise of science and technology." - Ann Grand
Join hosts Emma and Felice as they chat with Dr Ann Grand, Adjunct Associate Professor in Science Communication at UWA and Lead Research Fellow and Policy Analyst at the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement in the UK. Discover the evolution of public engagement in science, the importance of collaborative research, and how science cafés foster open dialogue. Ann shares her insights on the significance of identity in science, the role of science communication in education, and the power of community-driven projects. Ann’s experience with Open University’s astrobiology unit offers an example of the importance of integrating ethics and societal perspectives into scientific discussions.
Shining light on engaged research, where collaboration with various communities leads to richer insights and better science!
Episode Links:
This episode was brought to you by:
Follow The SciComm Collective on Instagram and online at www.thescicommcollective.com
Keywords:
Science Communication, Public Engagement, Engaged Research, Science Identity, Collaborative Research, Science Cafes, Astrobiology Education, Inclusive Science, Dialogue in Science, Community Involvement, Science Curriculum, Knowledge Sharing, Science Identity, Public Understanding Of Science, Science And Technology, Science Education, National Coordinating Centre For Public Engagement, University Of Western Australia, Open Science
You’ve heard about DNA... but what about eDNA? From tracking invasive species to cryptozoology, Professor Neil Gemmell (Geneticist, University of Otago) has explored the science of DNA throughout his academic career. Join Masters student Rae as she picks Neil’s brain on sex-changing fish (spoiler alert: the world is not ready for a Finding Nemo re-make); the importance of building trust between scientific and local and indigenous communities; and how Neil's children inspired a search for the Loch Ness Monster, an unexpected exercise in science communication.
“We have to find ways to communicate our research before we start it, while we're doing it and then after we've done...What do we want to do and why? How and who is going to benefit from it? How is this actually improving society? I think it's a great privilege to do what we do.”
- Professor Neil Gemmell
Episode links:
This episode was brought to you by: - Episode Host: Rae Kumar
- Special Guest: Professor Neil Gemmell
- Produced by: Emma Gill, Kate Holmes
- Audio editing: Camila Pardo Uribe
- Research: Felice Ng, Kate Holmes, Camila Pardo Uribe, Kelly Hopkinson, Emma Gill
- Show notes: Camila Pardo Uribe, Felice Ng, Emma Gill
- Sponsored by UWA Grand Challenges: Make A Difference Impact Grant
Follow The SciComm Collective on Instagram and online at www.thescicommcollective.com
Keywords:
Genetics, Science Communication, Sex-Changing Fish, University Of Otago, New Zealand, Loch Ness Monster, Environmental DNA, Citizen Science, Indigenous Collaboration, Predator Control, Public Engagement, Genetic Technologies, Cultural Similarities, Storytelling, Marine Biology, Biodiversity, Research Collaboration, Science Education, Community Trust
“We are here behind the scenes to help the science be more accessible, to remind the scientists to listen to the audience.” - Eugenie Au
Ke chats with Eugenie Au, a graduate of the UWA Master of Science Communication and now a science communicator at WA’s King’s Park and Botanic Garden. We dive into her amazing journey from being a wildlife biology guide in Canada to her current gig in Australia. Eugenie shares her experience of science communication challenges, her love for plants and reptiles, and the wild adventures that come with leading a guided walk—including bears!
Episode Links:
This episode was brought to you by:
What is science communication's Deficit Model, and why does it sound so ominous?
Join UWA Master of SciComm students Kelly, Holly, and Kate as we discuss the Deficit Model, why it presents challenges, and how it assumes a one-way flow of information from scientists to the public. What alternatives might there be?
Tune in to learn more.
Episode links:
Science Communication at The University of Western Australia (UWA)
Kate's blog: I Thought I Knew Science. Science Communication Changed That.
This episode was brought to you by:
- Hosts: Kelly Hopkinson, Holly Dear, Kate Holmes
- Producer & Editing: Kelly Hopkinson
- Show notes: Emma Gill
- Socials: Follow The SciComm Collective on Instagram
- Website: thescicommcollective.com
- Sponsor: UWA Grand Challenges
Keywords:
Science Communication, Deficit Model, Public Engagement, Dialogue, Participatory Methods, Indigenous Knowledge, Lived Experience, Science Education, Audience Engagement, Social Constructivism, Epistemologies, Knowledge Sharing, Science Culture, UWA
“Seadragons are a great entry point for people to learn more about marine biology and conservation.” - Chrissy Tustison Dive into the secret lives of seadragons in our latest episode! This week, Master of SciComm student Emma sits down with PhD candidate Chrissy Tustison (The University of Western Australia & Scripps Institution of Oceanography) to discuss Chrissy's passion for studying the unique biology and ecology of these beautiful creatures and the crucial role of citizen science in this research.
Also covered: Australia’s unique marine landscape, the biology and ecology of the three seadragon species, the importance of community engagement, the challenges of conducting research across a vast range, and the powerful impact of collective efforts in citizen science. Episode links:
Seadragon Search website and social media @seadragonsearch
Great Southern Reef Foundation
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: www.iucnredlist.org
The University of Western Australia
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Chrissy's PhD Supervisors Dr Nerida Wilson & Dr Heather Bray
This episode was brought to you by:
- Producer, Host, & Editor: Emma Gill
- Guest: Chrissy Tustison
- Audio Engineering & Editing: Guanyu Zhai
- Show notes: Felice Ng, Emma Gill
- Socials: Follow The SciComm Collective on Instagram
- Website: thescicommcollective.com
- Sponsor: UWA Grand Challenges
Keywords: Science Communication, Citizen Science, Marine Biology, Sea Dragons, Leafy Seadragon, Ruby Seadragon, Weedy Seadragon, Conservation, Community Engagement, Biodiversity, Great Southern Reef, UWA, Public Engagement, Science Education, Environmental Awareness, Interdisciplinary Research, Marine Ecosystems, Machine Learning, Population Studies, Reproductive Behaviours, Climate Change, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Marine Photography, Ecological Research
“Find those things that light you up. Find your community.” - Heather Bray
What is science communication? How and why do we get involved? In this episode, Holly, Kate, and our guest Dr Heather Bray, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of Science Communication at The University of Western Australia, discuss Heather’s journey into research and academia, the power of subjectivity, and how science communication can make the world a better place.
Episode links:
Dr Heather Bray on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-heather-bray-48563226/
Heather’s research: https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/heather-bray
Science Communication at The University of Western Australia (UWA): www.uwa.edu.au/study/courses/master-of-science-communication
Heather at the National Youth Science Forum: https://www.nysf.edu.au/scientists-need-listen-heather-bray-nysf-alumna-1987/
This episode was brought to you by:
- Producer: Kate Holmes
- Host: Holly Dear
- Guest: Dr Heather Bray
- Audio Engineering & Editing: Zhai Guanyu, Samantha Crampton
- Research: Holly Dear, Kate Holmes
- Show notes: Felice Ng, Emma Gill, Keelan Powell
- Socials: Follow The SciComm Collective on Instagram
- Website: thescicommcollective.com
- Sponsored by: UWA Grand Challenges
Keywords: Science Communication, Student Perspectives, Sustainability, Engaged Research, Interdisciplinary, Equity, Accessibility, Grand Challenges, Climate Change, Science Education, Public Engagement, Science Culture, Podcast Creation, Learning, Diversity, UWA
"The value of science communication emerges from the person that you are and the questions that you have." - Ann Grand
Welcome to our first episode! In this episode, we explore how the SciComm Collective grew from an idea by a group of science communication students from UWA into the audio you hear today. Join Felice, Ke, Ximena, and Emma and special guest interviewer Ann Grand as they dive into our motivations, challenges, and ambitions to make science accessible and engaging through diverse perspectives and experiences.
Episode links:
Science Communication at The University of Western Australia (UWA): www.uwa.edu.au/study/courses/master-of-science-communication
UWA Grand Challenges: www.uwa.edu.au/grandchallenges
Ann Grand at the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement: www.publicengagement.ac.uk/about-us/ann-grand
Science Communication Unit at the University of Western England, Bristol: www.uwe.ac.uk/research/centres-and-groups/scu
UWA SciComm: www.facebook.com/uwascicomm/
This episode was brought to you by:
- Executive Producer, Editing, Shownotes: Emma Gill
- Audio Engineering: Zhai Guanyu
- Talent: Ann Grand, Ximena Shaw Williams, Felice Ng, Ke Yuan, Emma Gill
- Research: Felice Ng & Emma Gill
Keywords:
Science Communication, Student Perspectives, Sustainability, Engaged Research, Interdisciplinary, Equity, Accessibility, Grand Challenges, Climate Change, Science Education, Public Engagement, Science Culture, Podcast Creation, Learning, Diversity, UWA