Communicating Science through Storytelling and Stand-up Comedy

Understanding science is vital. It can help us solve everyday problems, change our behavior for the better and make more-informed political decisions. But, let’s face it: science can be confusing!

This is why Danielle Eiseman is helping undergrads hone their science communication skills and use comedy and storytelling to explain scientific concepts to the general public. As a Faculty Fellow in Engaged Learning, Eiseman is developing a new subsection of COMM 3020 Science Writing for Media that will introduce students to science stand-up comedy and storytelling and empower students by teaching them skills to enhance their understanding of communication through different forms of media. Eiseman will also evaluate the effectiveness of this material for a future semester-long course dedicated to storytelling and science stand-up comedy. In these courses, students will learn from experienced guest speakers and participate in a partnership with Trampoline, a local competitive storytelling group.