The power of science communication has never been more important in an era of rapid change and growing worldwide issues. Amid changing climates, diversified ecosystems, and technological advances, the art of storytelling emerges as a critical instrument, blazing a beacon of clarity and lighting the road to knowledge and answers.
Dr. Hannah Brown, a science communicator, social scientist, and journalist, combines her love for writing, storytelling, and environmental commitment to lead in the field of science communication. Growing up in Florida and being deeply connected to the environment, she brings a unique blend of experience and passion to her work.
Today, serious global concerns such as the importance of science literacy and competent science communication has grown dramatically. Their combined significance strives to create an educated, forward-thinking society that makes informed decisions.
Brown emphasizes the importance of making scientific issues relatable and understandable to the public. She states, “two issues that hit me hard are plastic pollution, specifically in the oceans, and toxic chemicals like PFOS [Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid] ... It's sad that most people don't know about these things and that they're exposing themselves.”
New scientific discoveries frequently appear in academic journals and are primarily discussed among experienced professionals. It is in this context that skilled science communication comes into play, transforming complex data into simple, understandable conclusions. The democratization of information guarantees that the public is kept informed, broadening the reach of research beyond the academic elite.
Science literacy serves as a foundation for critical thinking and informed decision-making in the digital era. It equips the public to participate thoughtfully in discussions on pivotal issues and to sift through the wealth of information to identify veracity amidst misinformation.
Brown's role in science communication is essential, as she dedicates her efforts to conveying information clearly and effectively, thereby igniting curiosity and comprehension. Her work at NOAA and in journalism underscores the importance of delivering unbiased information, which is essential for the public to make autonomous decisions and collaboratively contribute to global solutions and advancement.
Brown was a beacon of curiosity in her early years. The wonders of nature drew her in, encouraging her to go deeper and explore more. But as she transitioned into her professional life, graduated from the University of Florida with a doctorate in interdisciplinary ecology and a master's degree in journalism, Brown found herself at the crossroads of science and storytelling.
Brown strongly believes in the power of storytelling in environmental communication. She asserts, “A big part of communicating science and complex environmental issues is touching on the human side... It's important to humanize the researchers that conduct science, making the process seem more human and less sterile.”
Brown’s relentless determination to bridge the communication gap between scientific discovery and public understanding shows through. She thinks that every dataset, graph, or statistic reveals a human narrative.
Brown’s dedication is evident in her multifaceted background. As a journalist, social scientist, and science communicator, Brown stands at the crossroads of academia and storytelling. Her emphasis on accessible communication is a testament to her belief in demystifying science.
This understanding gave Brown the motivation for founding The Marjorie stemmed from her realization of journalism's limitations. She describes, “All of us had done work in the journalism world but were familiar with the limitations of that.”
Her aim with The Marjorie was to provide a platform that prioritized depth, context, and nuance over the rush of the news cycle
“For complex environmental issues, you need more time not only to write and understand the issue but to gain trust from different players,” said Brown.
Brown has recently stepped into a significant role at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where she is dedicated to enhancing environmental scientific initiatives through strategic communications and public engagement.
Her work involves crafting clear and impactful messages to support the sustainable stewardship of coastal and marine ecosystems, ensuring that the complex work of NOAA is accessible and relatable to diverse audiences.
Brown finds personal fulfillment in her work at NOAA and with The Marjorie, stating, “Even if I'm not able to see some really big impact from my work on the world, I feel like personally it's fulfilling.”
Through her efforts and collaboration, she continues to influence and shape the direction of environmental conservation for the betterment of our world.
In her work, Brown focuses on promoting science literacy, “With The Marjorie, we do a lot of work just trying to cover the complexity of the topic... focusing less on the conflict between different groups but more on where they have common ground.”
At her core, Brown is a storyteller.
Brown's advice to aspiring science communicators is that “the more you can embed yourself in a topic, whether it's being there in person or even just having a long conversation, the better you're going to be able to tell the story... It's more about clarity, imagery, and trying to tell a story that's compelling.”
Facts provide the bedrock, but narratives infuse them with life and purpose.
Brown’s strategies in science communication shine a beacon of hope in addressing today's multifaceted challenges.
"We need to inspire collective action,” Brown explained. She achieves this by making environmental science accessible and relevant to the public.
Through her work with The Marjorie, she provides in-depth analysis on environmental issues, fostering a platform for education and dialogue. Her storytelling not only informs but also engages audiences, empowering them to participate in environmental stewardship and policy-making processes.
For Brown, the goal is empowerment through knowledge. She dedicates herself to creating a world where well-informed citizens actively support a sustainable future.
Those interested in joining this vision can follow her contributions and advancements by engaging with the in-depth environmental stories and discussions she curates at The Marjorie, becoming part of the movement towards a more informed and environmentally conscious society.
Author Bio:
Hi, I'm Alessia. I'm studying Agricultural Communications for my bachelor's degree. I was born and raised in Venezuela, where the government controlled what we could say and hear in the news. Despite this, I developed a strong love for communication and science, and I saw how they were connected. When I moved to the U.S. where education and free speech were valued, it was eye-opening. I realized how important it was for society to be educated. Since then, I have explored how telling stories and science go hand in hand. I found that they're like best friends. I wanted to share the stories of people who were making a significant impact in bridging science and society. My journey shows how important education and freedom are, and how storytelling and science can change the world for the better!
Photo Credits:
Hannah Brown, Ph.D.
Alessia Perez Sortino