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Profile of a Science Journo: CLARE PEDDIE, Science and Environment Writer, The Advertiser How did you get into science/environmental journalism? I decided to become a science writer when I realised I could combine my ability to understand the sciences with my love of reading and writing (at the tender age of 15). I chose to study health sciences at the University of Adelaide with the idea I could be come a health / environment / science writer. Topped it off with a graduate diploma in science journalism from Deakin University and then grabbed the first opportunity that came along - science communication for a medical Cooperative Research Centre (vaccine technology) based in Brisbane. One thing led to another... then after several years (seven I think) in science communication I hit the big "30" and realised I wasn't getting any younger, so I'd better try being a science journalist. I heard about the vacancy at the Advertiser through the AusSMC! What are the main obstacles you face? Now? Deadlines. Competing demands for my time. Stressed people who can be difficult to deal with. Organising photos (eg find a family with young kids to get wet and pose with our shower timer in their bathroom). Selling my stories so they are placed (and don't end up in the "not used" basket). Long hours. What aspects of science do you feel most passionate about? The environment, climate change and water issues in particular. I believe the actions of the people alive today will decide the fate of life on this planet. I know we have the technology to save ourselves and all that we hold dear, but do we have the will to make the required changes, quickly? Building design bothers me, because I know we can make houses that maintain a habitable temperature without artificial heating and cooling. I'm also passionate about passionate people. I love talking with scientists about what drives them to do what they do every day. What is your most memorable experience as a science journalist? My first week at The Advertiser - I'm here, I can do this, look there's my byline! Asking Malcolm Turnbull a question at Press Club on day 3 (and it was a good one). The first front page story. Do you have a particular philosophy when writing a story? I don't think so but that's an interesting question, I might think about it. What is your advice about people trying to get into science journalism? Just do it. I was told to volunteer for student newspapers (I did but not for very long), do work experience (did that too), but the best thing was joining Australian Science Communicators - www.asc.asn.au and networking. Make lots of contacts and use them. Write. What do you do now and then to get science out of your system? Drink. Eat. Be merry. Go to the gym. Walk the dog. Talk until my best friend tells me he's had enough. Go to the movies. Meditate. If anyone reading this would like to submit a story idea how would you like them to contact you?
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CONTRACEPTIVE PILL NOT ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED RISK OF DEATH CHILEAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI CLIMATE CONFUSION - SCIENTISTS ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS TROPICAL CYCLONES AND CLIMATE FEEDBACK (NATURE) BAN ON MEAT FROM BSE AFFECTED COUNTRIES SET TO END NEW RADIOACTIVE WASTE BILL TO BE INTRODUCED PAN FRYING WITH GAS MAY BE WORSE THAN ELECTRICITY FOR RAISING CANCER RISK PROTECTING SPACE HERITAGE LAUNCH OF NATIONAL SCIENCE COMMUNICATION STRATEGY WATER, CLIMATE CHANGE AND TREES WA DROUGHT UNIQUE FOR 750 YEARS (NATURE GEOSCIENCE) LANCET RETRACTS WAKEFIELD PAPER ON MMR/AUTISM COALITION'S CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY STAIN REPELLENT CHEMICAL LINKED TO THYROID DISEASE EXPERTS RESPOND TO GLACIER MELT DOUBTS ALCOHOL DURING PREGNANCY AFFECTS GENE EXPRESSION EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI TV TIME MAY CUT LIFE SHORT |
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