Field trips will normally take place in January and expose the students to a wide range of communication styles and techniques exemplifying effective communication. Students will be responsible for assignments based upon critical analysis of selected experiences during the trip. Institutions which may be visited include: the National Museum of Science and Technology, Ontario Science Centre, Royal Ontario Museum, Metro Toronto Zoo, Montreal's Botanical Gardens, Insectarium, Biodome and Cosmodome. There are also opportunities to attend science communication related conferences throughout the year.

2010 - 2011

7th Annual Science and Technology Network (STAN) Conference

The Science and Technology Awareness Network is a national network open to all organizations and individuals committed to improving science and technology literacy for all Canadians.  The theme of this year's STAN conference was "Building Connections".

The Perimeter Institute

The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is a basic research centre dedicated to exploring the world around us at its most fundamental level.  It has established itself as a forefront, world-class institute for theoretical physics.

SNOLab

SNOLab is an underground laboratory dedicated to research in neutrino and dark matter physics.  It is located 2 kilometres underground in the Vale Creighton Mine.  The SNO (Sudbury Neutrino Observatory) experiment is no longer recording data, but many other experiments devoted to uncovering the mysteries of dark matter and of supernovas are currently in progress.

Guest Lecturers

Every week we have guest lecturers in the field of science communication present to the class. They showcase career opportunities in the field and provide real world context to the theories and practices taught in class. Topics presented range from public speaking tips, and science journalism to medical writing and risk communication.

Past Guest Lecturers:  

Helen Leask, Script Medical - Medical Script Writing  

Helen is the founder, president and creative director of Script Medical, an award-winning medical communications agency based in Toronto, Ontario. Her ability to see the "so what?" in the science - and put it into words - has shaped innumerable pharmaceutical communications programs globally and inspired many new medical writers entering the business.

Stephanie Hawkins, Toronto and Region Conservation-Conservation public engagement  

Stephanie Hawkins is an alumni of the science communication program and the Project Manager for the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan. She has completed graduate studies at Queen's University (Biology - Aquatic Toxicology). Prior to joining Toronto and Region Conservation earlier this year, she held positions with the Department of National Defence - Land Force Central Area, and the Nunavut Regional Office of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

Chi Nguyen, MASS-LBP - Conservation public engagement  

Director of participation and process at MASS-LBP, Chi Nguyen has fifteen years of experience in developing community-based programs primarily for young women. Chi has also worked with the Citizenship Foundation, the National Association of Women and the Law, the Toronto Women's City Alliance and as political staff to Dr. Carolyn Bennett, MP, St. Paul's. She also serves on the board of the Canadian Women's Health Network. A recipient of the 2004 Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case, Chi holds an MSc from the London School of Economics in Health, Community and Development.

Franco Mariotti, Science North - Public speaking  

A staff scientist at Science North, Franco has over 25 years of science communication and is well versed in translating natural science for the public. He has made hundreds of presentations to community groups, and was co-host of the Down to Earth television show for six years.

Andy Fyon, Ontario Geological Survey - Aboriginal Community engagement  

Andy is the director of the Ontario Geological survey and specializes in Aboriginal community engagement, geological survey planning, science organization leadership, and demonstrating value for public investment.

Dougal McCreath, Laurentian University - Nuclear waste risk communication  

A Civil and Mining engineering professor of Laurentian University, Dougal McCreath is currently an advisor to Canada's Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO). The nuclear industry funds the organization for the specific purpose of finding safe choices in handling nuclear waste.

Lisa Lambert, Council of Canadian Academies - Social media  

Lisa is an alumni of the Graduate Program in Science Communication. While undertaking her graduate studies, she developed her interests in the public understanding of science, science and society, science as it relates to government and policy, and science communication through new-media. She also holds a B.Sc. (Hon.) from the University of Western Ontario with an Honours Specialization in Psychology and a focus in cognitive behavioural neuroscience. At present, Lisa is completing a Diploma in Technical and Professional Communication from the University of Western Ontario.

Scott Fairgrieve, Laurentian University - Forensic science communication  

Dr. Fairgrieve is the founding Chair of the Department of Forensic Science at Laurentian University. As Director of the Forensic Osteology Laboratory, he is the Forensic Anthropology consultant to the Northeast Regional Forensic Pathology Unit (Directed by Dr. Martin Queen), located at the Sudbury Regional Hospital. Dr. Fairgrieve is published in the areas of forensic anthropology, microscopy of bone, and the analysis of intentionally burned human remains. He has testified in court for the Crown in Canada and for the defence in the United States.

Tim Lougheed - Writing  

A writer and editor specializing in science, medicine and education, Tim Lougheed's work has appeared in a number of Canadian newspapers and magazines, including Arthritis News, Canadian Consumer, Canadian Geographic, Family Practice, Equinox, The Financial Times of Canada, Laboratory Focus, The Medical Post, Ottawa Business Quarterly, the Ottawa Citizen, and University Affairs. A former president of the Canadian Science Writers' Association, he has worked with communications staff and researchers on projects at Queenís University, Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, as well as various government agencies and private organizations. A former general assignment reporter for the Sault Star and the Windsor Star, he has been freelancing full-time in the Ottawa area since 1991.