LSC helps host Communicating Science workshop

The Department of Life Sciences Communication partnered with the Arts Institute and other entities across campus to put on a one-day Communicating Science training for UW–Madison scientists on Monday, March 30. LSC professor Dietram Scheufele gave the opening plenary talk titled “The Science of Science Communication: Why Knowing Your Audience Matters.” Ron Seely, LSC senior lecturer …

Featured alum: Michael A. Cacciatore

Michael A. Cacciatore (PhD) graduated from the Department of Life Sciences Communication during the summer of 2013. While finishing up his doctoral degree he accepted a tenure-track assistant professor position at the University of Georgia (UGA). Having just completed his first semester in Athens, he reflects on his time in LSC, including how his graduate …

Grad students and faculty gain insights at AAAS

Three graduate students and two faculty members from LSC presented their research at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in San Jose, California on Sunday, Feb. 15. AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific society and brings together scientists, communicators and policy makers annually to further the missions of scientific …

Students partner with nonprofits for video projects

Video can be a powerful medium for communicating scientific issues that affect our world and no one knows that better than the students who take LSC’s video production class. Groups partner with a nonprofit organization or initiative to produce a public service announcement (PSA) or advertisement for them, connecting LSC with its community. Madeline Kalicka, …

Thai scholars enjoy learning in LSC

Four journalists from Thailand studied in the Department of Life Sciences Communication this past fall semester as part of a program that has connected Thai scholars with the department since 2009. The program is in its fifth year and is a partnership between LSC, the Wisconsin Alumni Association, the Wisconsin Alumni Association in Thailand, and …

LSC remembers Thomas Schomisch, former faculty and chair

Members of the Department of Life Sciences Communication are honoring the life of former LSC faculty member and chair Thomas P. Schomisch, who passed away at the age of 70 on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015. Tom had a long and distinguished history with UW–Madison and LSC, when the department was called Agricultural Journalism. Tom earned …

Tom Still: Public perceptions of science, tech often filtered through values versus data

The following column was written by Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Tech Council and an LSC senior lecturer. It’s been published by the Wisconsin State Journal and republished here.  A recurring phrase from candidates in the fall 2014 elections, especially those hoping to deflect questions about climate change, the Keystone pipeline or labeling of …

Using social marketing to protect Wisconsin’s lakes

Wisconsin’s lakes are one of its many treasures. However, the lakes and their surrounding ecosystems are fragile and susceptible to change. Over the decades, more lakeshore property owners have developed their shorelines by removing natural vegetation to take advantage of their lakes’ recreational opportunities, as well as added lawns and beaches to achieve the look …

LSC announces new scholarship program

he Department of Life Sciences Communication is pleased to announce the creation of a new scholarship program, thanks to a generous donation from Farm Journal Media. The program is a ten-year, $60,000 scholarship program to help students interested in agricultural journalism learn about the exciting field. The scholarships are co-funded by Farm Journal and its CEO, Andy …

Risk communication roundtable gives students unique experience

Risk is a complex issue and it inundates every part of our lives. Some risk decisions are mundane. Is it more risky to fly or drive? How risky is it to eat raw fish in sushi? But when it comes to science and technology there are bigger questions to ask. What are the risks involved …