Archive for November 7th, 2009
Video Seminar on Science Writing
by ckrym on Nov.07, 2009, under ChemSem 09
I enjoyed our most recent chemistry seminar on November 5, 2009 which took place through a live video presentation. The speaker, Jyllian Kemsley, gave the presentation from her home office in California and we watched it in the Chemistry Amphitheater in Berrien Springs, Michigan. We were able to ask questions and get a response. I realize that the technology for a presentation like this has been around for some time, but this type of long distance learning and communication is still impressive to me.
Jyllian Kemsley received a PhD in chemistry from Stanford University. After receiving her PhD she took a one year science writing program at UC Santa Cruz. She now works for the Chemical and Engineering News, a weekly newspaper produced by the American Chemical Society.
Presented benefits to a career in science writing were always learning something new, the ability to be creative and flexibility. This includes being informed of new developments in the field or an area of chemistry you were previously unfamiliar with. The job provides an outlet for creativity and can be worked around a personal schedule. Admitted challenges to this career were dealing with unfamiliar territory, being creative on demand, and juggling different articles all at the same time.
During this presentation I was highly interested in a career in science writing. It seemed like a job that was too good to be true. The ability to explore so many topics in science as a career is fascinating. However, the more I thought about this as a possible career, the more I realized that it would be much like a continuation of university. The weekly deadlines, necessary reading and writing would carry on the same stresses present in receiving an education. I would be constantly anxious about the projects I had to do without a defined work time. I realized that whatever career I choose, I want to be able to leave my work. This will allow me to have a healthy social and family life.
Describing this seminar to friends and family is the same as the way it was described to me. The seminar informed us on the challenges and benefits of a career in scientific writing.
Tell A Friend
