Point Park Physics Professor Named a 2020 Science as Story Fellowship Recipient Wednesday, May 6, 2020
"In many ways, humanity is what makes science interesting and relatable and sharing human stories is one of the most effective ways to bring science to others."
Assistant Professor Brendan Mullan, Ph.D., who teaches physics and astronomy at Point Park University, was named a 2020 Science as Story Fellowship Recipient by The Creative Nonfiction Foundation.
As a Fellow, Mullan is currently taking part in a series of writing workshops, led by writer Katie Booth, that explore the use of narrative in science-focused stories.
"This isn’t just an ordinary popular science writing workshop. Instead of explaining science concepts and topics for a general audience, our task is to focus on the human element, the story behind the science. It’s a unique and interesting challenge for me. I spend so much time in the classroom and my nonprofit work giving voice to science concepts, applications and process, I never get to elaborate on the human side of it. In many ways, humanity is what makes science interesting and relatable and sharing human stories is one of the most effective ways to bring science to others. As a science communicator, this is a great opportunity for me to get better at something I care about," Mullan explained.
The CNF workshops explore lyrical poems, personal stories with science as the backdrop and quirky tales of scientists.
"These workshops are also a fun creative space to explore the weird and wonderful intersection of humanity and science. This group of fellows is a diverse and accomplished bunch of scientists, researchers and writers with some amazing stories to share and I’m honored and humbled to work with them. I know my writing will involve my work on SETI (the search for extraterrestrial intelligence) and I’m excited this talented group of fellows will help me hone my creative voice and develop and share those stories," he added.
Mullan is also a scientist with the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science and director of science for The Wrinkled Brain Project, a nonprofit initiative that promotes inquiry and critical thinking in STEM education. He is also a National Geographic Explorer and travels around the world to bring science to people everywhere.
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