As a science communicator, I consider myself an advocate for good science (and a critic of bad science).
One of the things I learned early on is that science actually needs defending. We're up against pervasive science denial. And I'm more experienced with that than most...
One of the things I learned early on is that science actually needs defending. We're up against pervasive science denial. And I'm more experienced with that than most...
You see, I grew up in a community with fundamentalist beliefs - not a science-friendly faith. My homeschool curriculum censored topics like evolution and the big bang. Science was something to be distrusted, and experts (including doctors and medicine) were viewed with suspicion.
I shared my story leaving fundamentalism behind to study biological sciences with @leapsmag last year, if you're interested in reading a bit about my background. I was also interviewed by @natashamitchell on her radio show Science Friction.
leapsmag.com/my-parents-rai…
leapsmag.com/my-parents-rai…
My family and their community's beliefs have change over time, but there is still a distrust of science and medicine. It's made for tough conversations, particularly about hot-button issues such as vaccines.
I wrote about it for @SciCommPLOS: blogs.plos.org/scicomm/2019/1…
I wrote about it for @SciCommPLOS: blogs.plos.org/scicomm/2019/1…
This is where my interest in science denial and controversial issues stems from. Science literacy changed my life for the better, and that's why I care about helping others understand it. So this is my disclaimer, the perspective I am coming from when talking about these issues.
It's hard to talk about this stuff, as it's a sore spot in my personal life and a constant source of family drama (since I write about science denial and I'm putting myself through college). But it has taught me valuable lessons and given me a greater appreciation for science.
