After a summer of science, INBRE scholars at the August research event can look forward to a dash of art – the art of communication, to be exact.
As the conference’s keynote speaker, Shaunda French-Collins, PhD, dean of Chadron State College’s School of Business, Mathematics and Science, will present on how to effectively communicate as a researcher.
“One of my jobs as dean is to help create educational partnerships with organizations, nonprofits and other members of the community,” Dr. French-Collins said. “Often, when I ask, ‘What are we missing? What does our curriculum need?,’ what I frequently hear is those soft skills – for example, being able to have a conversation with someone face to face.”
One of the areas that students are most interested in learning about is how to effectively present their research, she said.
Among the keys to communicating your research: “Make sure you understand who your audience is, why your work is important to them and how it may affect and influence them,” she said. “I’m also going to discuss communication skills that we often overlook, including effective introductions and the importance of nonverbal communication.”
Dr. French-Collins, who calls INBRE phenomenal, said she’s excited to see Chadron State College students advance their research by participating in the summer program.
“It may open their eyes to new things, new areas of research or new careers that they hadn’t even thought about.”
It also provides a networking opportunity, she said.
“It’s important for students to be able to connect with peers from other institutions, to review their research and to critically think with their peers. I always say kudos to those who know exactly what area and what pathway they want to go into, but I also try to encourage students to not be so focused that they don’t also consider other avenues.”
Dr. French-Collins said she was honored to be asked to give the keynote at the event.
“I’m eager to learn more about what these young adults are researching,” she said. “I look forward to seeing students’ research and specifically for our three (Chadron State) students, their growth and progress and what they will continue to research this upcoming academic year here at CSC.”
Paul Sorgen, PhD, principal investigator of the NE-INBRE grant, said he is looking forward to Dr. French-Collins’ presentation.
“Our scholars spend the summer doing meaningful biomedical research, and the August Annual Research Conference gives them the opportunity to share that work with others,” he said. “Dr. French-Collins’ keynote is a perfect fit because communication is a critical part of becoming a successful scientist. We want students to leave INBRE not only with stronger research skills, but also with greater confidence in explaining why their science matters.”