Scientific Communication

Based on decades of SciComm research, we have developed the following training opportunities:

• Mentor workshops to get practice in evidence-based approaches to SciComm mentoring
  
• Funded training programs for postdoctoral and predoctoral trainees
• Trainee forums to learn best practices in SciComm and the job search
• Individual consultations for mentors and/or trainees
• Online resources and tips to help trainees and mentors

The SCOARE project consists of a workshop for mentors of doctoral and postdoctoral research trainees and a companion research study of workshop participants and their research trainees.

The companion research study involves pre- and post-workshop surveys to mentors and up to 2 of their trainees. Compensation for mentors is offered for completion of a post-workshop assessment survey.  Compensation for trainees is offered for completion of each of the pre- and post- assessment surveys. The study is funded by the National Cancer Institutes of General Medical Sciences (R25 GM125640, Carrie Cameron and Shine Chang, MPIs) and has received approval from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Institutional Review Board (Protocol #2018-0206).  

There are two ways to participate: 1) attend the workshop and participate in the study, or 2) only attend the workshop. During these free workshops on scientific communication skills, mentors will learn how to:

• Accommodate trainee linguistic differences
• Set expectations
• Give actionable feedback on SciComm
• Develop strategies to increase trainee SciComm productivity

Visit https://is.gd/SCOARE to register for any of the following upcoming workshops facilitated by Carrie Cameron, Ph.D. and Shine Chang, Ph.D.

1. Atlanta, Georgia (Georgia State University) - Monday, August 13, 2018
2. Boulder, Colorado (University of Colorado) - Thursday, August 23, 2018
3. Chicago, Illinois (Northwestern University) - Thursday, September 20, 2018
4. Houston, Texas (Gulf Coast Consortia) - Thursday, December 6, 2018
   

Over the last five years, we have completed two phases of our research in SciComm and we are now beginning the intervention phase:

Phase I

• Unmatched data of predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees and mentors at MD Anderson and the Texas Medical Center area
• Focus groups with mentors (N = 50) and trainees (N = 43)
• Cross-sectional survey of mentors (N = 174) and unrelated trainees (N = 510)

Phase II

• Matched mentor-trainee dyads, longitudinal data (4 time points over 18 months) National survey (33 states, N = 153)

Intervention Phase  

In an effort to strengthen research career intention and help our diverse trainees, we now provide training for mentors. We guide mentors on how to develop their own best practices for SciComm mentoring by providing a highly interactive workshop and follow-up resources. As part of the project, we will be assessing the effectiveness of the workshop over the next 5 years.

Mentors

1. Sign up for SciComm training
   1. Learning resources for mentors
   2. SciComm facilitator training
2. Give trainees feedback on their scientific communication
   1. Give responsive, construictive feedback on a continual basis (not just when there are deadlines)
   2. Guide mentees in asking questions during meetings
   3. Make sure mentees understand feedback and clarify concerns
   4. Established high expectations for practicing oral presentations

1. Work on SciComm goals
2. Practice SciComm (in front of non-expert and lay audiences)
3. Ask for targeted feedback from mentor and colleagues on SciComm tasks

For more information, contact Dr. Carrie Cameron at CCameron@MDAnderson.org or (713) 794-1476.