MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Interview with Rachel Weisend, ASLO Spring/Summer 2023 Science Communication Intern

Abstract

In April 2015, ASLO launched a new Science Communication Internship (https://www.aslo.org/opportunities-in-aslo/scicomm-internship/). The selected interns work with the ASLO Communications Office on a variety of communication, social media, policy, education, and public outreach projects designed to provide direct experience in how science is communicated to a variety of audiences.

Rachel Weisend was selected as the Spring/Summer 2023 Science Communication Intern. Rachel has been working with Brittany Schieler, ASLO Communications and Program Manager, on a variety of initiatives, including communications and social media for the recent and upcoming ASLO conferences, as well as on the Limnology and Oceanography Research Exchange (LOREX) program.

ED: WELCOME, RACHEL. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO APPLY FOR THE INTERNSHIP.

RW: Thank you for having me! I am a marine geomicrobiologist currently finishing my PhD at Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi. My dissertation focuses on how microbial communities drive methane production and consumption in mangrove wetlands. This project is inherently interdisciplinary with concepts within geochemistry, microbiology, and ecology being investigated simultaneously. As a researcher and science communicator, I love getting to incorporate several pieces of research to help resolve big picture questions.

Overall, I am working toward a multifaceted career that enables me to communicate among coastal communities, government officials, stakeholders, and scientists. To work toward this goal, I applied for this internship in hopes of learning more about the ins and outs of science communication and publishing while working within a professional scientific organization.

ED: WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT ASLO DURING YOUR INTERNSHIP? IS THERE ANYTHING THAT SURPRISED YOU?

RW: During this internship, I got to explore all of the programs and opportunities ASLO offers its members. It was rewarding getting to hear from members firsthand how these programs in turn impacted them. I also learned a great deal about how to communicate with the ASLO audience. From the timing of social media posts to the types of emails we send, to the number of clicks a link received, I was able to analyze the patterns of our audience and help increase our reach. What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed the delicate balance between meticulous planning and spontaneity that science communication requires.

ED: ASLO SWITCHED THE SCIENCE COMMUNICATION INTERNSHIP TO A VIRTUAL (VS. IN-PERSON) OPPORTUNITY IN 2020, INITIALLY DUE TO COVID. HOW DID WORKING REMOTELY IMPACT YOUR EXPERIENCE?

RW: Knowing that this would be a virtual position, I set my personal goals for my time as an intern accordingly. I still wanted to be as involved as possible, and the flexibility of working remotely allowed me to work on several projects with ASLO members from all over the world. This switch also removed significant barriers to entry that relocation for an in-person internship may cause. Most importantly, I want to credit the communications office for ensuring a sense of community with weekly team meetings, daily chats, and pet show and tell.

ED: WHAT WERE SOME OF THE PROJECTS YOU WORKED ON DURING YOUR INTERNSHIP? HOW HAVE THOSE IMPACTED YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT?

RW: As an intern, I was able to work on several projects within ASLO. I interviewed ASLO awardees, promoted events for the Aquatic Sciences Meeting in Palma, and advertised for the upcoming Ocean Sciences Meeting. I met with members of the Early Career Committee, the Raelyn Cole Fellows, and the other organizations in the Consortium of Aquatic Science Societies group.

My favorite projects I worked on were the Global Outreach Initiative and LOREX. Both projects focused on international research and collaboration and gave me experience in project management. These skills will be incredibly useful in my professional journey as I pursue careers that require managing project timelines and deliverables, and working in collaborative environments.

ED: TELL US ABOUT YOUR SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE WORKING ON THE LOREX PROGRAM. GIVEN THAT YOU WERE A MEMBER OF THE FIRST LOREX COHORT, HOW DID THAT EXPERIENCE AS A LOREX PARTICIPANT SHAPE YOUR EXPERIENCE SUPPORTING THE PROGRAM AS AN INTERN?

RW: As a former LOREX program participant, I know how much this program can create personal and professional growth. My time at the Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry in Lismore, Australia allowed me to gain confidence both in and out of the lab while collaborating with researchers whose papers I had been citing in my dissertation. I wanted to ensure the members of cohort 3 were able to make the most of their exchanges. Having been through the program myself, I was able to answer questions ranging from “How can I best prepare for my exchange?” to “Are there any coffee shops you recommend?” Most importantly, I wanted to make sure the LOREX students had the skills to document and reflect on their exchanges through blogs and Instagram takeovers. It has been an honor to work with the LOREX students to share their unique experiences with the ASLO community. I am excited to see the program continue for a forth cohort!

ED: WHAT EXPERIENCES FROM YOUR INTERNSHIP WILL HELP YOU AS MOVE FORWARD INTO THE NEXT STAGE OF YOUR CAREER?

RW: I think many of my experiences will transfer into the next stage of my career. One of the biggest transferrable skills I gained was learning how to write copy, or content, with the goal of prompting a specific action. I can foresee this skill carrying over into grant writing, scientific writing, and other science communication endeavors. My experience with ASLO as a whole has expanded my view on scientific careers. Getting to take part in several programs and meeting a diverse group of researchers has reinforced the notion that there are several ways to be a part of the scientific community. It has been refreshing to see the many paths scientific researchers take. I hope to keep this in mind as I begin to pursue a career that incorporates research, policy, and science communication.

ED: RACHEL, YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ASLO COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE HAVE BEEN OUTSTANDING! WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS EXPERIENCE TO YOUR PEERS?

RW: I would absolutely recommend this internship to my peers. It has been a great experience getting to develop science communication skills, learn more about publishing, and manage international research programs. I would like to thank ASLO, the communications office, and the many colleagues I have met along the way for making this internship so impactful.

ED: THANK YOU, RACHEL.