With the rising attacks on science, education, and public health, scientists need many tools to communicate science (not only scientific findings but also the importance of the field) and humanize scientists. One underutilized tool in science communication is narrative storytelling. Science is an attempt to understand patterns in the world, and when we communicate about science, we focus on the results of the work. Storytelling, on the other hand, seeks to understand the connection between experiences and the human condition. As practicing scientists, we are taught to remain unbiased, but this can harm our ability to connect our profession and our research to others. In this workshop, we will discuss the benefits of incorporating ourselves as scientists into science communication, moving beyond the traditional sage-on-a-stage teacher mentality, and highlighting our humanity while conveying the results of our scientific studies. This workshop will introduce you to the power of narrative storytelling, exploring examples from scientists who have done this well or poorly, and provide an opportunity for participants to try their hand at the personal essay.

I offer 1-hour, 3-hour, and 6-hour versions of this workshop, each tailored to your group's specific interests and needs. Please reach out via the contact page if you are interested in scheduling one of these workshops for your science conference or other venue