Stand up for Science: Practical Approaches to Discussing Science that Matters

Expert Voice Q&A – Nia Heard-Garris

Nia Heard-Garris on Audience

Who do you interact with when working in science media? What makes this audience different from other groups that you might interact with?

I have been fortunate to work with journalists, editors, radio show hosts, and the public directly. I think working with people across sectors is fun yet challenging. Researchers need to be able to communicate the science, including the nuances in “digestible”, understandable language, and sometimes this can be challenging. I think another difference is that people within the media generally have very quick timelines, which means researchers need to respond promptly to media requests. Finally, directly interacting with the public allows researchers to see how lay people respond to their work and ideas. However, similarly to manuscript reviewers, it may not always be positive, so researchers have to be ready for those negative responses.

What suggestions do you have for making interactions with jscience media producers or consumers as effective as possible?

Be friendly and collaborative. Researchers are the experts of the science, but journalists/editors are the experts of the media world, and researchers should utilize their expertise. It may be valuable to look at other stories media producers have been involved in to ensure that you are satisfied with the quality of their work. Researchers also may want to make themselves available for follow-up after an initial interview for additional questions.

What is the biggest challenge you face when trying to work with science media producers or consumers? What is the biggest reward?

I think challenges arise, when the scientific findings are not communicated effectively or is just plain incorrect. This can be an uncomfortable situation, but in this case, it should be rectified immediately. I think discussing any concerns and presenting solutions to correct the misinformation, which could salvage the story. For me, the most rewarding part of working with media producers, is having the public directly respond to my work. There are no subscription fees to journals, scientific jargon, or complex statistics as barriers.

What are you trying to accomplish when you write to or speak with science media producers or consumers?

Generally, I am trying to increase awareness and I hope to provide new knowledge when I engage with media outlets. I enjoy informing the public on an issue or problem that may not have been in the forefront  of peoples’ minds previously.

Information about Nia Heard-Garris

What is your name, title, and role at the University of Michigan?

My name is Nia Heard-Garris, MD, MSc, FAAP. I am a Physician Scientist, Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar, Pediatrician, and Clinical Lecturer at the University of Michigan Medical School in the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases.

Why are your public engagement efforts in science media important (to you and/or to the cause you’re working to promote)?

The people and communities that I serve are one of the main reasons that I do research. I feel strongly that research findings should be communicated to the public. Our research findings and scientific discoveries should not only sit in journals in hopes that one day someone will read them, but we have a duty to disseminate our information to others. For many researchers receiving federal funding, taxpayers are directly supporting research. From an ethical standpoint, I think taxpayers along with subjects directly involved in research have the right to know what we’ve found. Also for researchers engaged in work around social justice, we do not have the time to wait for people to stumble upon our work. We need to get our findings to the public, policymakers, and advocates to change injustices.