Communicating Science is a practical class designed to help students become proficient with the speaking and writing skills that scientists, science writers and public relations professionals need to successfully transmit understandable information to public audiences. Working together, Biology and Professional Writing students will give both in-class presentations and presentations to selected high school and TVI classes. Students will also write a column, highlighting UNM biological and medical research endeavors, for The Daily Lobo. Other class features will include field-trips, guest speakers, assignments designed to improve on-line and library research skills, participation in a press conference, and a culminating final project.

The course will be co-taught by Janet Shagam, PhD and Diana Northup, PhD. Shagam, a part time instructor in the Professional Writing program and Biology adjunct, is a freelance medical and science writer. In addition to numerous newspaper and magazine articles, she also writes continuing medical education materials for the American Association for Radiologic Technologists. Shagam is a Fulbright Senior Specialist. Along with book co-authors Rebecca Rogers, MD and Shelley Kleinschmidt, a recent Professional Writing graduate, she wrote “Regaining Bladder Control: What Every Woman Needs to Know.”