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October 31, 2002
A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK IN
RI
You probably have opportunities to take courses in art, history
of art, writing and literature. But you can also combine your
interest and talents with an interest in science, if you want.
Scientific communication requires good writing (non-fiction
strongly preferred, of course!) and good visual presentation.
There are artists who specialize in scientific illustrations
- look at any issue of Scientific American and you'll see
their work. Illustrations for medical journals are another
opportunity. Here's a description of what it takes to become
a medical illustrator - see http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/4270.html
Your artistic design sense can help you present data clearly
in any field. Edward Tufte has written three wonderful books
on displaying information effectively - see http://www.edwardtufte.com/290901521/tufte/books_vdqi
Sometimes there are courses in technical writing - but often
in writing courses you may be given freedom in choice of topic
and you could write about science. John McPhee's many books
about geology are terrific examples of how a writer made excellent
use of his college geology course(s)
http://www.dropbears.com/b/broughsbooks/science/geology_mcphee.htm
He makes the issues come alive for all of us - and you could
try to do the same for any branch of science.
Have fun!
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