Science in a vacuum has little chance of guiding meaningful policy, accurate reporting, or the next wave of research on a topic. Successful science and policy requires not only well executed work, but also sharing the outcomes of these efforts with other researchers and policymakers, as well as the broader public. Learning the skills to become a more successful and confident communicator need not be daunting—in fact it can be downright fun!
Join Dr. Gifford Wong and Adena Leibman, J.D. for 90-minutes of communications skills training, taught through activities derived from comedy, theater, and improvisation. Get to know your WAN colleagues during the activities and in a more open networking opportunity following the event.
No previous theater or comedy experience is required. Bring a positive attitude and a willingness to participate. The workshop will include public speaking (a prompt for some pre-workshop thinking will be shared with registrants before the event) and work largely in pairs.
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
6:30-8:00 pm EDT
Via Zoom (link to be shared after registration)
WAN Member: $5
Non-Member: $10
Dr. Gifford J. Wong is no stranger to adventure. He’s studied glaciers, fought wildfires, taken to the sky in helicopters, and traversed the Greenland Ice Sheet. Since moving to DC, he’s held positions in the U.S. State Department and U.S. Senate, and is currently a Research Staff Member at IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute focused on environment, energy, resource management, space, and U.S.-China bilateral relations. Throughout Gifford’s career, he has incorporated a personal passion for improv theater and science communication. He holds a B.A. in Asian-American studies from the University of California, Berkeley, an Honours in Antarctic studies from the University of Tasmania, and a Ph.D. in glaciology from Dartmouth College.
Adena Leibman has learned through her education and career to speak many languages, including scientist, attorney, and policymaker. From the coastal marshes of South Carolina to Capitol Hill, her career has allowed her to explore and combine her interests in research, public education and outreach, law, and policy in the name of ocean conservation. She currently serves as Senior Oceans Policy Manager with the Environmental Defense Fund, and previously held positions in the U.S. Senate, federal agencies, and non-profit organizations. Adena has also been performing stand-up comedy for over 13 years and started dabbling in improv and sketch writing more recently. She holds a J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, OR, and an M.S. and B.S. in marine science from the University of South Carolina (where she won the university’s student standup comedy competition).
