S11E6 - Jory Weintraub – Telling Your Science Story

Mar. 18, 2025 GES Colloquium | This short, interactive workshop will explore why and how to use storytelling to communicate your research, and give you a chance to practice and receive feedback.
Telling Your Science Story: The Power of Narrative in Research Communication
This short, interactive workshop will explore why and how to use storytelling to communicate your research and give you a chance to practice and receive feedback.
Jory Weintraub, PhD
Director of Science Engagement in the Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs at NC State University | Profile Jory Weintraub is the Director of Science Engagement in the Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs (OUIP) and an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Communication. Previous positions have included co-PI and Director of Professional Development and Training for the NSF-funded Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society, Science Communication Director and Senior Lecturing Fellow with Duke University’s Initiative for Science and Society, and Director of Education and Outreach at the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center. He serves on the advisory board of the Triangle Center for Evolutionary Medicine and previously served on the board of directors of Science Communicators of North Carolina. He has a BS in biochemistry/cell biology from the University of California, San Diego, and a Ph.D. in immunology from UNC Chapel Hill, and received an NSF postdoctoral fellowship in STEM education/outreach. His professional interests include STEM outreach, science communication, societal impacts of research and diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM.
Abstract
Once upon a time, in labs and lecture halls far, far away, scientists were trained to avoid stories, anecdotes, and “making it personal” when talking about their work. However empirical evidence demonstrates that these approaches can be the most effective ways to communicate research to non-experts. This short, interactive workshop will examine the elements of a compelling story, explore how our brains respond to storytelling, and introduce a simple, fun template for telling the story of your science in just three sentences. Participants will have the opportunity to practice science storytelling and give/receive feedback, and as a result they will improve their science communication skills and live happily ever after—the end.
The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes.
GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Katie Barnhill and Nourou Barry, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. Colloquium meets weekly on Tuesdays from 12-1 pm via Zoom, with national/international guests joining us remotely, and local in-person guests every other week in Withers 331.
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