Alyssa Griffin Science Communication Portfolio
Reflections from COM 598 Spring 2024
Assignment #1: Recruiting Video
The purpose of this assignment was to create a short video that could be used to recruit high schoolers to major in meteorology. Since most people are fascinated by weather to some degree or have experienced severe weather before, I found it easy to explain what my major is and how it is applicable to real life. The most difficult part of this assignment was finding a place to film (I ended up using a Zoom background) and not doing a bunch of takes. I wanted my video to come across as authentic and not too scripted.
To view the video, copy and paste this link into your browser. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jB0mwtxpO5ejakkrRmDVDUpBA8zCh0V_/view?usp=drive_link
Assignment #2: Research Summary
The purpose of this assignment was to write a brief research summary of a recently published article that could be understood by someone who is not trained in my field. I enjoyed this assignment because I like taking science and reframing it in a way that makes people care or want to change their actions. I picked an article that was on my “to read” list but had not found the time to yet. This was one of my favorite assignments because I enjoy writing and could see myself needing to do this more frequently in my future career.
Assignment #3: Commentary/Op Ed
The purpose of this assignment was to write an Op-Ed on a topic related to meteorology and identify a place it could be published. My inspiration for the piece came from a conference I had recently attended. One of the sessions was about Citizen Science and engaging the public by encouraging them to collect their own rainfall measurements. I enjoyed this assignment because I like writing with voice, something that is often frowned upon in scientific writing. I also found this assignment valuable and something I hope to try more of in the future!
Assignment #4: Policy One Pager
The purpose of this assignment was to create a one page document you would leave behind with a policy maker. We had to brainstorm what we would talk to a policy maker about in regards to our research and have a deliverable of our ask to them. The hardest part about this assignment was the design because, as you can tell from this website, I do not have a visual eye nor do I have the patience for visual design. The experience gave me more appreciate for those who do have this skill!
Assignment #5: Mini Ted Talk
The purpose of this assignment was to create a 5 – 7 minute Ted Talk like presentation. Our presentation had to be memorized and we could only have one slide as a visual aid. This assignment was the most stressful of the semester because of the memorization piece. I do not mind public speaking but I have never had to memorize a speech before. It was fun putting the Ted Talk together and I practiced a lot in front of my roommate. I do not think this style of public speaking I would want to do again but it is cool saying I have done a mini Ted Talk!
Here is the link to the Ted Talk: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CETAQk_WTaMDZlZx_oyrP8b8Xo1RZV85/view?usp=sharing
Assignment #6: STEM Podcast
The purpose of this assignment was to make a short podcast episode on a scientific topic of our choice. Unfortunately, I had to complete this assignment differently because I was ghosted by the person who was supposed to help me edit and record the podcast. Instead, my partner and I wrote our script and recorded it on a Iphone. This did not disappoint me because I have no interest in creating podcasts or learning how to use video editing software. I liked the idea of this assignment, to practice verbal communication, but overall it was probably my least favorite due to my lack of interest.
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