Communicating complex scientific concepts to the public is challenging for busy academics. However, raising awareness of the innovative science being conducted at UC Berkeley and beyond is essential! Science communication bridges the gap between researchers and the public, transforming complex ideas into accessible language, visuals, and stories that resonate with non-specialists. How can we make science communication more effective, apply it to our own work, and fit it into our packed schedules? With so many forms of communication—such as data visualization, photography, and journalism—what’s the best way to leverage these approaches to share our research widely?
Join us at this Berkeley Wildlife seminar featuring five UC Berkeley-affiliated communications specialists (and one humble PhD student). Our speakers, including data visualizers, photographers, and professional communicators, will each present their unique perspectives on science communication and their most effective methods. Following short presentations, there will be a 20–30-minute guided discussion.
Speakers include:
- Julie Gipple is the Director of Communications for Rausser College of Natural Resources, where she leads all College communications including Breakthroughs magazine, news stories for College and departmental sites, social media, and donor communications.
- Suzanne Spencer: Communications Manager for Schmidt DSE and the Stone Center at UC Berkeley, specializing in translating data science & research for non-academic audiences.
- Malia Byrtus: A communications specialist on the California Wolf Project at UC Berkeley and an Emmy award-winning producer with expertise in conservation storytelling and wildlife camera trapping.
- Mat Burciaga: Writes about natural and human systems from biological, ecological, economic, and social science perspectives for UC Berkeley’s Rausser College of Natural Resources.
- Vishal Subramanyan: Accomplished wildlife photographer focused on telling conservation stories in California and beyond.
- Eric Heisey: PhD student in ESPM and photographer interested in applying visual science communication to his work.