deciding on a research topic

First week of uni and keen to get stuck into the Science Communication - Specialist Research Topics (COMM7402) unit. I’m looking forward to lots of juicy reading of science communication literature in a particular research field. And there comes the crunch.

The prospect of researching the scientific literature, presenting a seminar and writing a literature review does not phase me, but deciding on a topic in which I’m interested that is well documented in peer-reviewed journals seems to be the most difficult.

At the moment I’m attempting to narrow my interests by revisiting some ideas and thoughts that others have expressed online with regard to science communication, how science and technology is communicated, and by whom:

• Science blogger v. blogging scientist, Clastic Detritus blog
• The subtitle to FemaleScienceProfessor blog reads: “Women professors in the physical sciences: a few. Women professors in the physical sciences at research universities: even fewer. Women full professors in physical sciences at research universities, especially mine: infinitesimal. But we exist..”
• The comments that follow the An Early Look at The Future of Science Journalism post that consider science article publishers and where the readers are.
• Using a self reflective journal to enhance science communication showed that “The use of self-evaluation through reflective journals was found to enhance the effectiveness of tutoring. Implications for developing the ‘human side’ of science will be discussed, and the appropriateness of the course to develop these often under-represented aspects of science.” Is this a style that scientists and researchers can apply when blogging?
• In Tim Dunlop’s article, If you build it they will come: Blogging and the new citizenship” exploring the idea whether bloggers are the new public intellectuals.
• Google to Host Terabytes of Open-Source Science Data
• An increasing number of articles being published in open access journals and repositories, and some organisations mandating open access publication.
• Research Blogging, a blog that shares and discusses peer-reviewed articles.
• Thanks to YouTube, Professors Are Finding New Audiences
• Science in Second Life, for example SciLands to assist in the public understanding of science.
• National Library of Medicine providing guidelines to cite a blog.
• Russell Jacoby on Counterpoint, ABC (18 Feb 200 and his article in the Chronicle Review, Big Brains, Small Impact. Refers to blogs as “private journals with megaphones” and concerned with why public intellectuals are disappearing.
  

  “Professionalization and academization appeared to be the reason. Younger intellectuals were retreating into specialized and cloistered environments.”

  [...]

  “The new thinkers became academic — not public — intellectuals, with little purchase outside professional circles. While a book by Edmund Wilson could be read with pleasure by an educated citizen, a volume by an academic luminary such as Homi K. Bhabha or Fredric Jameson would give him or her a headache.”

• Publishing in peer-reviewed papers in recognised journals is stated as the ‘gold standard’ if scientists and researchers wish to succeed as an academic. Little credence is given to writing on the web, yet as one PhD candidate said, she would not have found another researcher in her very specialised field if she had not blogged about her research.
• Scientists that communicate science well for it to even become popular, have their science questioned, for example, Susan Greenfield who has a well established reputation for public communication.

adapting to change

What does this generation need to inherit the future? was the topic of a public forum hosted by the Ecological Society of Australia at ESA2007 and facilitated by Robyn Williams, ABC Science Journalist.

Panel members included:

• Hon. Fred Chaney AO, Former Federal Minister and advocate for social justice and indigenous issues
• Prof Paul Ehrlich, Ecologist and Author, Stanford University, USA
• Prof Clive Spash, Economist and Author, CSIRO
• Dr Beth Schultz, Conservationist, Western Australia
• Dr Carmen Lawrence, Federal MP and Former Premier of Western Australia

Panel members got to speak to the topic for three minutes in front of a single projected image that they had chosen. The most interesting images were that of a tree appearing to grow out of a car fuel tank that accompanied Ehrlich’s talk, and the backdrop to Spash’s talk was a photograph of a face carved out of a mountain on one side and a goat on an unaltered mountain on the other.

A panel discussion was then held, followed by questions from the audience. The panel members then got to summarise the evening with one line.

The evening was unevenly paced with panel members speaking very quickly for their three minutes to fit in all that they wanted to say, and Robyn Williams seemingly unable to instigate and maintain a panel discussion. So it felt like it was more of a question and answer session between Williams and the panel members.

Panel members responded to audience questions and statements, but I feel that we were talking amongst ourselves or preaching to the converted.

All speakers and the audience participation generated interesting and good content for discussion, but probably the three key messages that I came away with were:

• THE generation were the minority in the audience and there were none on stage, as one young member of the audience articulated well in her statement. Quite rightly, she restated the forum topic and said, ‘noone has asked me’. The only cause for concern is that she also said that she came along to the public forum for the answer to the question being asked.
• Surprisingly to me anyway, the issue of communicating science was mentioned more than once. The Hon Fred Chaney mentioned in his talk that scientists need to communicate what they are doing with the public. A member of the audience pre-empted her question to the panel by stating that Prof Lyn Beasley, Chief Scientist of Western Australia, was an exemplar of science communication. But unfortunately, some of the audience didn’t get it, and suggested that science communication was happening, just the public didn’t appear to be listening and used the IPCC report as an example. When challenged, the response was, that is what an executive summary is for - all twenty pages?
• The environment is largely ignored and in general, people are focusing only on the one issue they think they understand, i.e. climate change.

The panel member’s one line summaries were so quick, so please only think of these as a summary of ideas rather than quotes:

• Paul Ehrlich - we need many more meetings like this
• Carmen Lawrence - changing people’s behaviour is important
• Hon. Fred Chaney AO - conversations, equal relationships and justice
• Clive Spash - adjust institutions’ processes to run the economy
• Beth Schultz - conservation begins in bed and [ineligible, i.e. my writing not her comment]

The forum was one of those events that you had to be there, and I certainly cannot do it justice here. I’m pleased that I went if only to be with people of like minds talking about environment, overpopulation, biodiversity, climate change, etc. But I did come away with a certain feeling that nothing is going to change having attended this meeting simply because there is no way to follow up. That is, have other meetings, discuss better ways to change behaviour, maintain or improve relationships, investigate current processes, and grass roots initiatives.

The underlying forum topic was the quote by Eric Hoffer:

“In a time of drastic change it is the learners who inherit the future.”

There was talk of a podcast up on the conference web site, video up on You Tube, or transcript. If so, I will be able to at least edit the one liners.

in the night time

While staying at Dryandra Woodland we went on a nocturnal tour of the nearby Barna Mia and saw all the animals in the sanctuary except for the western barred bandicoot.

The animal sanctuary is home to five threatened native animals; bilby or dalgyte (Macrotis lagotis), western barred bandicoot or marl (Perameles bougainville), burrowing bettong or boodie (Bettongia lesueur), banded hare-wallaby or mernine (Lagostrophus fasciatus), and rufous hare-wallaby or wurrup (Lagorchestes hirsutus).

We also saw a possum and was told that the fence surrounding the sanctuary to keep out predators (foxes and cats) was also supposed to keep out the possums as they are not considered a native animal facing extinction. I and others thought this odd, considering the surrounding area was their home too, but I suppose possums do tend to be opportunists, and when they know food is going to be available on certain nights of the week, how could they resist.

The tour starts in an attractive purpose built building that was designed to complement the surroundings in an environmental way. Unfortunately, they turn on a generator for the tour to power lights and such, which sometimes was louder than the silence of the bush, rustling of the animals as they came near, and their very noisy scoffing of the food provided.

The sanctuary is not large enough to sustain the population of animals so carefully selected and weighed food is put down for the animals. Uneaten food is removed and monitored. It was fun if not a little weird to see the different animals eating near each other. At one stage, a boodie put its front paws in the dish while it ate as if another animal was going to come along and claim it. In fact, a bilby did come and share the dish for a little while which was strange as it had its own spread nearby including mushrooms.

The paths and animals were lit with infrared lamps and torches so as not to disturb the animals. It was lovely to sit quietly and watch them, but it was frustrating not to be able to take photographs that capture the moment or the animals well. My picture of the bilby I’m happy with because I recognise it because of the long ears.

Years ago, I remember that chocolate in the shape of a bilby was promoted at Easter time instead of chocolate bunnies. The point being that rabbits are a pest and bilbies are native animals in need of protection. I’m not sure how well that message was communicated, but I do remember Mam explaining this to her pre-primary class at the time. Which is difficult, when it gets pointed out that it would be better to have chocolate rabbits as we should eat them instead of the bilbies. Can’t argue with that logic.

Before the walk, we listened to a presentation and learnt more about the area, and DEC’s Return to Dryandra, Western Shield, and revegetation programmes. Returning to the building, we were given the opportunity to purchase souvenirs and look at the building more closely.

Barna Mia is well worth the visit, and consider that DEC can be more confident about taking ownership of their work and knowledge of the area and sharing this more enthusiastically with visitors. Note: You need to book your visit with the Narrogin District Office.

Tours are after sunset. Unlike the animals in the sanctuary, I think Numbats have much more sensible waking hours

science communication and education

The Masters of Science Communication and Education was launched yesterday afternoon by Professor Robyn Owen, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Research Training) and Professor Lyn Beazley, Chief Scientist for Western Australia.

Professor George Stewart, Dean, Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences was the MC for the event, and other speakers included Dr Nancy Longnecker, Teaching and Learning Co-ordinator/Science Communication Courses Co-ordinator, Rich Weatherill, Director Outreach, Scitech, and there was one other whose name escapes me at the moment. He was either representing the education side of the new masters degree, or the administrative process or committee that got the programme up.

Rich did the sugar in champagne demonstration, followed by the menthos in pepsi, which unfortunately didn’t hit the roof and was a bit of a fizzer.

I found all the talks of interest. Mostly they were re-iterating how few school students go on to do science, mathematics or engineering and emphasised that this was because there were a diminishing number of suitably qualified and enthusiastic science teachers.

I do wonder what is going to happen to Western Australia once we no longer have anything to dig up, as does Professor Dong-ke Zhang from the Curtin University of Technology at the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering’s 30th Annual Symposium “Resources Boom: Opportunities and Consequences” this week.

Science Communication students (current and previous) had red dots on their name tag. The only eek! moment was when Nancy encouraged those without dots on their name tag (most guests) to go and talk to those that did. All of the people that came and spoke to me were very nice and seemed genuinely interested in science communication and the new masters degree.

The event was very pleasant as I got to catch up with colleagues and fellow students some from other cohorts, over a drink and abundant nibbles.

uni week 13

The last week of uni was week ending Friday 26 October. But we left for Dryandra via Bremer Bay the following morning so I did not get a chance to say how the semester ended.

We had two guest speakers, Nell from the Berndt Museum of Anthropology and David Blair, School of Physics.

Nell came to our tutorial room and talked to us about her work as a curator in the Berndt Museum of Anthropology and museology in general with specific examples from the Berndt Museum.

The main focus of the Berndt Museum is to collect contemporary Aboriginal art within a year of finishing. This is so that both tangible and intangible attributes are preserved, including experiences and material from the artists themselves. Also, it is important to the museum that the collected art is what Aboriginal people themselves deem significant.

Nell explained that most of the collection came from fieldwork, so the museum has strong ties with community. Opening with 1600 objects and 200 photographs in 1976, the collection has grown to 11,500 objects and 40,000 photographs, as well as other material. The museum is seeking a new building to house its collection, and Ernie Dingo is the Patron of the Berndt Museum Campaign.

The exhibition example that caught my attention was that of the Koorah Coolingah (Children Long Ago). A box of these drawings were re-discovered and exhibited in Perth and Katanning as part of PIAF in 2006.

The other project that was fascinating was the material that is being digitally repatriated. That is, some objects are fragile or owners wish the museum to hold the pieces, so a photograph of the object is taken to return to the community for use and or display.

The second half of our tutorial session was a talk with Professor David Blair round his round table in his office. The previous night, it was announced that he had won the 2007 Western Australian Premier’s $100000 Scientist of the Year Award. So although the talk was informal, it was interrupted by media, colleagues and friends seeking more information and offering congratulations.

Prof Blair talked to us about the Australian International Gravitational Observatory and The Gravity Discovery Centre, including the Cosmology Gallery (Buckyball dome) and the Leaning Tower of Gingin (40m high). Creating exhibits to engender public participation and enthusiasm for physics, cosmology, and the universe through science and art was eagerly discussed by our class with Prof Blair.

We were encouraged to visit The Gravity Discovery Centre as it is located in one of the twelve biodiversity hotspots of the planet, and is en route to New Norcia and the Pinnacles.

uni week 12

Taking turns at being an excursion leader or tour guide, we spent four hours walking around UWA, Swan River foreshore, and Kings Park,

Guided walks included:

• Human Evolution (UWA, Anatomy and Human Biology)
• Art and Science (UWA, Anatomy and Human Biology)
• Biodiversity on the Verge (north end of Matilda Bay starting from UWA Boat Club)
• Bushtucker (Bushland Nature Trail, Kings Park)
• Banksia Conservation (Banksia Garden, Kings Park)
• Seasons Through the Eyes of the Noongyar People (Tree Top Walk, Kings Park)

Although many of the topics were not new to me, I had not done these particular walks before this assignment. It was interesting to have a theme developed around a topic and see the topic through different eyes. Also, It was an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon even if it was an assignment.

uni week 11

The Science Communication Displays, Exhibits, and Interpretation unit has got to be the best class to take at UWA. Interesting and compelling guest speakers, excursions and field trips - assignments, and no exams.

This week, Stephen Anstey, Curator, Western Australian Museum had all of the class enthralled for over 2 1/2 hours talking about how the ‘Howzat!’ exhibition came together at the WA Museum.

Now, I’m not the teeny bit interested in cricket, but I would have gone to this exhibition after hearing Stephen’s talk. The good news is, that it will become available again (if you are prepared to travel out of Perth), but without The Ashes and displayed in 150 sqm instead of 400 sqm.

After class, it was up to Karakamia Sanctuary, a one hour drive from Perth, just outside Chidlow.

At the sanctuary, I saw Woylies and Quendas for the first time. In addition, we saw kangaroos, Tammar Wallabys, and Ringtail Possums.

I think I need more practise at taking photographs of moving objects, as we saw plenty of mammals, but most of the photographs were of a fuzzy back end and tail. This is the least fuzzy one of a Woylie.

We were lead through five different habitats by Simon the walk guide, who very enthusiastically told us about the resident flora and fauna of the Karakamia Sanctuary. I tried to record the sound of the Banjo Frogs, but they were just too far away. Simon’s imitation was pretty good though Note: The recording on my digital camera was just a bit too crackly, otherwise I would share it here.

It was a magic walk. One hour at dusk, and one hour in the dark spotlighting for the animals.

After that, it was off to Little Caesars Pizzeria in Mundaring. It was a good pizza, but I still prefer Pizza With Attitude the best. Reason being, alfresco at Little Caesars is a little like having a table in the middle of a truck stop.

All of which, was part and parcel of my course at UWA.

uni week 10

No scheduled classes this week, as the following week combines our regular lecture and tutorial sessions with an excursion to Karakamia Sanctuary starting at sunset.

Study this week included writing up the evaluation report on the Numbats Under Threat Exhibit, Perth Zoo which I presented in the previous session.

Also, preparations began on the next assignment - a guided experience within 5kms of the university. I walked through my draft script and decided that I needed to choose somewhere else to start. The time was not completely wasted though, as the purpose of choosing my particular theme (Biodiversity on the Verge) was so that it can be conducted anywhere there is a verge or median strip. My concern was that my starting or meeting point was a little too busy with road traffic, so I felt I had to choose a different location.

It turns out that the new location I have chosen is more interesting anyway, even though we are walking along the foreshore and I cannot do a circular route without wading or swimming

I remembered there was a book in the Co-op Bookshop about the Swan River, so I went to the bookshop mentally wearing side-blinkers to the October book sale. The book did not suit my needs, but I found a much better (although more expensive) and larger book in Perth Plants: A Field Guide to the Bushland and Coastal Flora of Kings park and Bold Park, Perth, Western Australia published by the Botanic Parks and Park Authority. The book will be an excellent resource for may assignment and my growing hobby of wanting to name the weeds naturalised plants in and around my home garden.

uni week 09

In this week’s session of Science Communication Displays and Exhibits, and Interpretation we each presented our evaluation of a display or exhibit.

Classmates’ presentations included:

• Subiaco Museum (City of Subiaco)
• DNA Tower (Kings Park)
• Paruna Sanctuary (Australian Wildlife Conservancy)
• Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre (Department of Fisheries, Western Australia)
• Diamonds to Dinosaurs (Western Australian Museum)

And I presented my evaluation of the “Numbats Under Threat Exhibit”, which is part of the Australian Bushwalk at the Perth Zoo.

All of the talks were interesting and I think introduced us to some places that we did not know about, and may wish to visit ourselves without the necessity of a uni assignment.

uni week 08

This week we were at Scitech for our lecture and tutorial session.

The afternoon started with Sarah, presenting “Introduction to a Science Centre 101″. The preliminary information I think most of us had heard before, but it was interesting listening to material that is now becoming familiar presented with a different voice. Of more interest was Sarah’s own experience in her role as a Science Communicator of the exhibits and activities based at Scitech.

Denham then lead us through the exhibition floor highlighting aspects of various exhibits and displays. He described various issues for designing, constructing, and maintaining exhibits. It appears that it is not as easy as you think to make interactive and interesting exhibits that are also robust. But it was also rather interesting to find out how exhibits have unintended uses. For example, horizontal surfaces are often used as change tables. Ugh.

We also learned that the plastic pieces for children to make their own DNA end up thrown into the centre of the DNA tower and sometimes a collection of children can be found in there as well.

A favourite exhibit with our group was the infrared camera where the image of body heat is projected onto a vertical screen.

And they still have the chickens Although they are housed in a much more sophisticated and purpose built hatchery.

We were then led into the workshop where the exhibits are designed and assembled. Denham said that they used to do a lot of the manufacturing in-house, but due to space restraints, the manufacturing is now kept to a minimum with design and final assembly being the major tasks in the workshop. This was the most interesting part of the afternoon being able to see how concepts, wood, steel and plastic, become transformed into an interesting exhibit.

I’ve decided that although this unit (Science Communication Displays, Exhibits, and Interpretation) is full on with assignments, the site visits and guest speakers make it a lot of fun. The assignments require steady work, but at least there are no exams.