​“So how does that work? How do you get a bunch of books or whatever into DNA format?” –my Dad

A recent article my Dad read in The Atlantic ("Fun with DNA") about DNA spurred an interesting conversation about the state of genetics, our knowledge of DNA, and even more so, about the depth of (mis)understanding between the scientists and the public.

The Society for Environmental Journalists met recently in Sacramento California.  I went to two events. While both events were well-planned informative and entertaining, I was left with a lingering question: why would I want to learn how to become a good science communicator?

Three obvious possible answers come quickly to mind:
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1. It strokes my ego to see my name in print;
2. I can help make the job of being a journalist easier;
3. I think that by talking to journalists my science will more readily reach the ears of the policymakers I’m trying to inform.