Explaining the “why” behind a dual course in tropical ecology and science writing
In an email a few days after we completed this course, student Kellie Shanaghan posed the following questions. I tried to answer them as thoroughly and honestly as I could with an eye toward toward students who may take this course, or a similar course, in the future. Thanks for the questions, Kellie. Professor Catanoso
1. Why do you think scientific writing as a whole is important?
Science writing for a general audience is critical to raise the importance of scientific inquiry, illuminate the often difficult and dangerous work of scientists (especially tropical biologists!), help people understand what’s at stake with their own health and lives, and explain the workings of the natural world. In the absence of this understanding and appreciation, you have what we’re seeing — apathy, indifference, ignorance, loss of funding, deregulation — not just in young people, but personal ideology and politics.
The truth in scientific discovery doesn’t happen immediately. It takes time. Research outcomes on similar topics are often conflicting until enough research is done to generate a consensus view. The savvy science writer is sensitive to this nuance and presents his or her stories in a way that not only explains critical information, but increases the level of appreciation and respect for the rigor of the scientific process.
2. Why was the creation of this course important?
The more people who have the interest, ability and enthusiasm to communicate the work of scientists and their findings, the better. Furthermore, I have had a natural affinity for writing about all kinds of science since I was in my early 30s (prior to that, my journalism centered on local government, crime and criminal justice). When I started writing about medical research for the Greensboro newspaper, I was incredibly lucky to observe scientists at Wake, Duke and Chapel Hill trying to figure out the causes and cures for diseases. It was absolutely fascinating to me. I was amazed at the dedication and determination of medical scientists to unlock the riddle of HIV, or example, and how critical their work was for effective drug discovery.
Now, I truly believe there is no greater issue facing human beings than climate change. Given the emphasis of my work over the last four years, my friendship with Professor Silman and high regard for his work, and my eagerness to lead study abroad classes, this bio/journalism course not only seemed a natural thing to do, but an important and timely one as well.
3. From the journalism side of things, what do you hope students gained from the opportunity?
My hope was that you would all gain an up-close, in-depth understanding of the beauty and wonders of nature in wild places, how important those wild places are to fully functioning ecosystems, and how those functioning ecosystems have a direct impact on the quality of our lives, no matter where we live — from carbon capture to cloud formation that leads to global weather (of course, there is also the glorious wonder of all the biodiversity in the places we visited and the inherent right of all those myriad species to not only survive but thrive). Every living thing in the jungle has a role to play, and the more we understand and appreciate that, the better you should be able to communicate why such places are a treasure and why they should be protected and expanded as much as reasonably possible.
EO Wilson tells us that most people care about nature, they just don’t understand why, or can’t articulate why. What I learned from all of you is that isn’t necessarily true among your peer group. So with that in mind, I hope you would all gain a determination to raise the awareness of the importance of nature and wild places to your peers, either in your writing or in presentations, and that you can give more and more of your peers a reason to truly care — and act/vote accordingly. So much is at stake. You all observed and learned that firsthand in the Peruvian Amazon.
4. You seem to be focused on bridging, as you described it, the gap between scientists and journalists? Why are you doing this, and how?
I believe firmly in the power and influence of free and independent journalists to inform people deeply and impartially about things they need to understand and know to live in a free society and healthy environment.
To explain further: Professors Silman and Ken Feeley (University of Miami) are particularly good at making the complex research they do accessible to non-scientific people and audiences. They are not the norm. Too many scientists find it difficult to discuss their work in a broad enough way so that the average person, or friend, can understand and appreciate what they do. But increasingly, scientists are beginning to understand — largely due to scarce funding, unsupportive politicians, and a growing number of people inclined to see scientists as somehow evil — that discussing their research in lay terms and helping science writers do their jobs well is not an afterthought or something to do apart from their research. It’s essential and connected to their continuing research.
As a part of the CINCIA grant under Education and Outreach, it’s my privilege to assist scientists like Francisco and Julio become better storytellers of the important work they are doing to, in part, repair important ecosystems desecrated by deforestation and mercury dumping through illegal gold mining. They were so much more clear and confident in communicating with all of you than they would’ve been a year ago. They understand what’s at stake if journalists, policy makers, politicians and students like all of you don’t know and understand what they are doing and accomplishing. So I have been lucky to have a two-fold role: coach the CINCIA scientists on how best to communicate their work, and encourage local journalists in Puerto Maldonado to care enough about CINCIA to interview the scientists, learn about their work and tell their stories. It’s working.
Finally, my message to all of them was the same as it was to all of you: Why should people care? It’s not an exaggeration to say that the fate of the planet now and in the immediate years ahead depends heavily on how well scientists and science writers explain the answers.
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