Bridging the Gap Between Complex Physics and Public Understanding
My Experience
As a science communicator in CERN‘s outreach centre Science Gateway I gained experience in different formats of Science Communication:
- Guided Tours: Guiding various different audiences from school groups to general public to some of the world’s most unique physics experiments, among them the first ever particle collider at CERN or the activate factory which is the only place in the world where antimatter is created.
- Lab Workshops: Facilitating hands-on experiences to both school groups and families in which they learn about the fundamentals of particle detection, engineering challenges at CERN, or experience quantum effects like superconductivity.
- Science Shows: Conveying complex topics in three languages (English, German, and French) such as the working principles of a particle detector or accelerator to big audiences of up to 400 people while still maintaining interactivity.
- Exhibitions: Engaging with the public to discuss their questions and concerns they have about CERN and the science drive there.
As a PhD student in the Teacher & Students section of CERN I was furthermore engaged in conveying complex topics in writing and presenting to a scientific audience:
- As part of my PhD project I created multimedia learning material to convey concepts related to particles and their interactions using images used by scientists: So-called Feynman diagrams. This interactive learning material is available here.
- See the list of the publications and presentations I have (co-)authored and presented during my career as a physics education researcher, among them some highlights not directly related to my PhD project: