Science Communication Intern

C2ST: Chicago Council on Science and Technology

Mentor

Alexandra “Sasha” Prokuda, PhD, Executive Director

Erica Bisognano, Manager of Programs and Internships

Company Description

The Chicago Council on Science and Technology’s (C2ST) mission is to inspire and engage all segments of our society about science and technology and their impact.

Since our beginning in 2007, C2ST has become the connector for the STEMM sector, a trusted provider of science education and outreach for all ages, and a go-to resource for STEMM content for all communities in Chicago and beyond. 

Our programs span the gamut — from large TED talk-style presentations to booths at community events and accessible public spaces. You’ll find us hosting Science Speakeasies at local bars and restaurants, setting up in parks with our STEAM in the Neighborhoods and Science in the Parks series, or inviting folks into world-renowned institutions for behind-the-scenes tours. We also co-create programming with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to bring tailored STEMM learning to the people they serve.

To date, we’ve hosted over 430 programs with nearly 300 partner organizations and featured over 900 experts reaching audiences of all ages. Through our YouTube channel, C2ST TV, our newsletter, blog, and social media platforms, we make accessible, relevant, and reliable content available to anyone, anywhere with an internet connection. Because, whether you’re in Chicago or across the globe, science should be for everyone.

Internship Description

C2ST seeks an exceptional writing intern to develop content for C2ST virtual platforms on our blog, newsletter, Facebook website, IG, and others. Examples include interviews with field experts, blog posts about current science research, opportunities for prospective or young science professionals, and developing relevant science education, outreach, and research content. This internship also provides an opportunity to interface with a caring mentor, develop a writing ‘voice’, and build community with peers within the internship.

Possible outcomes:

• Increased confidence and ability to communicate science related to interns’ field of study
• Increased comfort navigating, understanding, and explaining science separate from interns’ field of study
• Increased confidence and ability to successfully communicate all ideas through writing
• Ability to translate communication skills through various media
• Ability of interns to code-switch based upon the audience they are currently communicating with
• Marketable professional skills like email communication, schedule-keeping, conducting and participating in interviews, deadline management
• Understanding of nonprofit operational procedures

Commitment

This opportunity is mostly virtual with some in-person components. The intern should commit to 10 hours/week for the winter semester, for 13 weeks.

Qualifications

• To be considered for this position, you must be a graduate in a STEMM field. Students will submit a resume, which should include relevant courses and experiences, and a 1-page statement of purpose which outlines what their experience with science communication is, what they hope to do with their career, and how this internship could help them advance their goals and enrich their graduate experience.