 |
|
|
Megan Corty, PhD, and Jaeda Coutinho-Budd, PhD |
Communicating science is one of the most important parts of a researcher’s job, yet there is very little formal training for it, according to Marc Freeman, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and vice chair and professor of neurobiology.
Two postdocs from Dr. Freeman’s lab are trying to help. Megan Corty, PhD, and Jaeda Coutinho-Budd, PhD, have launched a pilot course for neuroscience graduate researchers called Communicating Neuroscience: Learning by Doing.
Dr. Corty and Dr. Coutinho-Budd said they noticed when students participated in the Department of Neurobiology weekly seminar series, which is coupled with the department’s Journal Club in Neuroscience graduation requirement, that they were often nervous and struggled with organization and presentation.
“We wanted to give them a foundation in key areas, such as making short presentations, longer researcher talks, elevator pitches. It’s really a practical course,” Corty said.
Sixteen students participated in the pilot course, which was offered this fall in place of Journal Club as a substitute for one of the required semesters and culminates this month with presentations before peers and faculty. Students were coached on how to prepare clear and engaging presentations on their own work; help others design their presentations; and critique talks both scientifically and in terms of presentation quality and overall approach. They learned how to give and receive productive feedback on all aspects of their performance, from slide design to showing enthusiasm for their work.
“It was a model class, the students improved dramatically, and Megan and Jaeda deserve enormous credit for all their hard work,” Freeman said.
The course will be of particular benefit to those in their second year who are preparing for their Qualifying Exams, a major component of which is an oral presentation.
David R. Weaver, PhD, professor of neurobiology and director of the graduate program in neuroscience, said good scientific communication skills are essential for virtually every career path these students will pursue.
“I expect that the Communicating Neuroscience course will help these students be more comfortable with their presentation skills as they approach this important milestone in their graduate program,” Dr. Weaver said.
Once completed, the course will be evaluated to determine how often it will be offered. Weaver said he expects the course could be offered in alternate years from Journal Club.
