Alison Deitz with Profs. Lawrence Krauss & Glenn Starkman

Transmission of Scientific Concepts Through Journalistic Writing

In science, new theories and discoveries are communicated to other scientists through journals and other technical publications where the equations and experimental specifics make up the majority of the information. A layperson interested in these scientific happenings is often at a loss to determine their practical significance, which makes the sciences seem like an elite club for those who can understand the technical jargon. This project will develop a science journalist, who will write about topics related to physics and particularly the physics department at Case Western Reserve University. These pieces will hone important journalistic skills including background research into various physics (and other science) fields, translating science-speak, interviewing and reporting techniques, and writing for different audiences. Armed with these skills, the science journalist can make seemingly difficult fields like physics more accessible to the general public.