 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Profile of a Science Journo: CLARE PEDDIE, Science and Environment Writer, The Advertiser How did you get into science/environmental journalism? I decided to become a science writer when I realised I could combine my ability to understand the sciences with my love of reading and writing (at the tender age of 15). I chose to study health sciences at the University of Adelaide with the idea I could be come a health / environment / science writer. Topped it off with a graduate diploma in science journalism from Deakin University and then grabbed the first opportunity that came along - science communication for a medical Cooperative Research Centre (vaccine technology) based in Brisbane. One thing led to another... then after several years (seven I think) in science communication I hit the big "30" and realised I wasn't getting any younger, so I'd better try being a science journalist. I heard about the vacancy at the Advertiser through the AusSMC! What are the main obstacles you face? Now? Deadlines. Competing demands for my time. Stressed people who can be difficult to deal with. Organising photos (eg find a family with young kids to get wet and pose with our shower timer in their bathroom). Selling my stories so they are placed (and don't end up in the "not used" basket). Long hours. What aspects of science do you feel most passionate about? The environment, climate change and water issues in particular. I believe the actions of the people alive today will decide the fate of life on this planet. I know we have the technology to save ourselves and all that we hold dear, but do we have the will to make the required changes, quickly? Building design bothers me, because I know we can make houses that maintain a habitable temperature without artificial heating and cooling. I'm also passionate about passionate people. I love talking with scientists about what drives them to do what they do every day. What is your most memorable experience as a science journalist? My first week at The Advertiser - I'm here, I can do this, look there's my byline! Asking Malcolm Turnbull a question at Press Club on day 3 (and it was a good one). The first front page story. Do you have a particular philosophy when writing a story? I don't think so but that's an interesting question, I might think about it. What is your advice about people trying to get into science journalism? Just do it. I was told to volunteer for student newspapers (I did but not for very long), do work experience (did that too), but the best thing was joining Australian Science Communicators - www.asc.asn.au and networking. Make lots of contacts and use them. Write. What do you do now and then to get science out of your system? Drink. Eat. Be merry. Go to the gym. Walk the dog. Talk until my best friend tells me he's had enough. Go to the movies. Meditate. If anyone reading this would like to submit a story idea how would you like them to contact you?
BACK to: Who's reporting science?
|
| Latest releases | Archive |  |
|
WOOLLY MAMMOTH DNA DECODED SOIL CARBON ACID OCEANS WATER ISSUES SAFETY OF RECYCLED WATER GENETIC VARIATION LINKED TO TRANSSEXUALISM GENETIC VARIATION LINKED TO TRANSSEXUALISM CLIMATE: URGENT CHALLENGE 2008 PM's PRIZES FOR SCIENCE NEW CONCERNS OVER STEM CELL TOURISM NEW CONCERNS OVER STEM CELL TOURISM AUSTRALIAN FLU EXPERT, GRAEME LAVER, DIES IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES - EXPERTS RESPOND IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES - JANE GOODALL RESPONDS GARNAUT FINAL REPORT - EXPERTS REACT CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS STILL BOOMING - NEW DATA GOOD BACTERIA MAY PROTECT AGAINST DIABETES ECO-LABELS: A THREAT OR AN OPPORTUNITY? GIVING CHILDREN PARACETAMOL INCREASES ASTHMA RISK - LANCET GIVING CHILDREN PARACETAMOL INCREASES ASTHMA RISK - LANCET CHEMICALS IN PLASTICS LINKED TO CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND DIABETES
|
||
 |
© Copyright 2005-2008 | Australian Science Media Centre | Credits | Disclaimer
Street Address: Armoury Building (SA Museum) North Terrace Adelaide South Australia 5000
