Editor’s note: This is part of an occasional series of tips gleaned from the most recent annual conference of the Society of Environmental Journalists.
By Ashley Zhou
BOISE, Idaho — I have had years of experience reporting on various topics, but the environment is not one of them. I was initially intimidated by the spring Society of Environmental Journalists’ 32nd annual conference.
However, through networking and attending various panels, I quickly realized that SEJ is a welcoming community. It is filled with journalists of all levels of expertise and background. Veteran reporters from CNN and National Geographic wandered with dozens of rising journalists from local newsrooms, all tirelessly working towards the same passion of environmental journalism.
Michigan State University has become the hub of an exciting initiative as the SciComm Identities Project (SCIP) workshop on science communication begins today and runs until the end of the week. A group of 10 SCIP fellows have embarked on a transformative journey, aiming to deepen their understanding of podcasting, gain expertise in media relations, and apply this knowledge to their academic endeavors
The participants of the workshop spent the day engrossed in a variety of activities designed to enhance their skills. They delved into the realm of storytelling tools, refining their creative writing abilities and engaging in stimulating discussions on applying effective media strategies to effectively communicate their research.
With the SCIP workshop now underway, the fellows are set to acquire invaluable skills and knowledge that will empower them to effectively communicate scientific concepts and research findings to a wider audience. This initiative is a testament to the commitment of Michigan State University and its partner institutions in fostering a more inclusive and diverse science communication landscape.