By David Poulson
St. Francis of Assisi is often depicted as a figurine – a gentle man with birds on his shoulders and rabbits at his feet.
I like the irony that the pope who took his name was once a barroom bouncer.
That isn’t to imply Pope Francis favors physical force for resolving conflict. Good bouncers convince unruly patrons to behave – or leave – without lifting a finger.
The best make them think it’s their idea.
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Category Archives: David Poulson
Hey you researchers, learn to tell your story
Straight from the horse’s mouth may sound like the best way to get information, but not if you don’t understand the whinnies and neighs.
Likewise, scientists and researchers may have the best understanding of their own work but can’t explain it if they lack translational skills. That is a part of the scientist-to-public interaction I’ve been working on with the development of a free online workshop called “Plan, Produce, Share: Telling your Research Story.”
The next one is June 15. Enroll here.
The workshop targets researchers, but it benefits anyone interested in engaging the public, decision makers and others with information that is technical or otherwise unfamiliar to the audience.
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Poulson recognized for decades of Great Lakes environmental journalism
Knight Center Senior Associate Director David Poulson was recognized by the International Association of Great Lakes Research for important and sustained efforts to inform the public and policymakers on Great Lakes issues.
BURLINGTON, Vt. – The International Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) has recognized David Poulson, the senior associate director of Michigan State University’s Knight Center for Environmental Journalism, for a career-long dedication to inform and educate the public and policymakers on Great Lakes issues.
Poulson, a 1982 graduate of MSU’s School of Journalism, is also editor of Great Lakes Echo, the Knight Center’s award-winning regional online environmental news service.
The IAGLR board of directors recognized him with the John R. (Jack) Vallentyne award given for contributing substantially to education and outreach in the Great Lakes community for at least 20 years and with an impact beyond the awardee’s local community.
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Be a fearless math journalist
By David Poulson
It’s almost a cliche that while covering a local election someone in the newsroom yells out, “How do you figure millages?”
Inevitably they are answered with a chorus of “I don’t know. That’s why I chose journalism. I hate math.”
Well…that’s just poor journalism. And contrary to the best interests of your career. And easily fixed.
So fix it now and make yourself a much more powerful journalist. And employable.
Here’s how:
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