Medill Media and Science Communication Program
Giving STEM students training in communicating science to the public
Northwestern’s Medill Media and Science Communication (MMaSC) program integrates journalism and communication skills with scientific research training to increase individual and lab effectiveness and engagement with public audiences around the importance of science, the mechanisms of science, and the wonders of scientific discovery. MMaSC teaches media literacy to Northwestern-trained scientists, giving them outstanding tools to improve science literacy and engage with public audiences beyond academia.
The program prioritizes professional skill development in writing and communication of scientific ideas, comprehension of the media landscape and consumer audiences, and preparation for the high demands of public engagement in science throughout the academic and professional sectors. The program is administered through a partnership between the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications and The Graduate School. Students can choose to take a three-unit cluster of classes or earn a five-unit certificate granted by The Graduate School at Northwestern University.
In order to make others understand the importance of my work, I’ve had to reflect a lot on my own research accomplishments and contextualize them in a world in which many scientific fields are progressing every day. This has really helped me grasp my own contributions in my field and crystallize my own goals in my PhD and beyond.
Logan Fenimore, MMaSC program participant and fourth year chemical engineering PhD student
