Penn State graduate students working on energy and environment-related topics are invited to learn how to make their research accessible to any audience. This COMPASS science communication workshop will help you share what you do, what you know—and most importantly, why it matters—in clear, lively terms. Grounded in the latest research on communication, this training will explore what makes people sit up and pay attention and how to build a meaningful connection with your audience.

In this interactive virtual workshop, you will learn tools and strategies to help you distill your knowledge and communicate with diverse audiences. You will learn to use the Message Box, COMPASS’ fundamental tool for breaking down complex topics into digestible messages. This workshop will involve hands-on practice, feedback, interactive exercises, and lots of breaks, so please join using a webcam and be prepared to actively participate.

If you want to participate, we ask that you participate in both days of the training; sign up is limited to 25 people. If you sign up but then cannot participate, please cancel your registration via Eventbrite or let us know so that your slot can be used by someone else.

FAQ’s

Q. I need to arrive late/leave early- is that ok?

A. Please do not register unless you are able to fully participate in both sessions. On day 1, we are unable to admit participants who arrive more than 15 minutes late due to the progression of material presented. If you unexpectedly need to leave the workshop during a portion of the event or early, we cannot guarantee we will be able to readmit you to the workshop, depending on how long you are gone. This is for the benefit of the group and the paired exercises and feedback.

Q. My webcam doesn’t work- can I still attend?

A. Yes- as long as you will still be able to verbally participate in group discussion and paired exercises in breakout rooms.

Q. Can I call in to the workshop?

A. This workshop includes visual content viewed via Zoom screen sharing and browser based content, so it is not recommended that you call in to the workshop.

Q. Will the workshop be recorded?

A. No. For the privacy and comfort of all participants, this workshop will not be recorded.

Q. What does it mean to be waitlisted?

A. We create a waitlist for workshops that are already full so we can offer spots if and when they become available. If there is a cancellation and a spot becomes available, we will open up registration for the first person on the waitlist and then work our way down the list if other spots become available. We will contact you directly to let you know if a spot has opened for you.

Penn State IEE/COMPASS Science Communication Workshop for Graduate Students