Linda Glaser, news & media relations manager at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, shares #WhySciWri in this short Q&A.
Linda Glaser
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I’ve been a writer at Cornell University for about 10 years and I’ve loved just about every minute. Since I work for the College of Arts & Sciences, I get to cover a huge range of topics. My role has recently changed, so I am now managing editorial strategy, media relations and another writer, as well as writing about research.
Q: How did you get interested in science writing?
A: Science writing found me, rather than the other way around. Initially hired at Cornell to work on website content, I found myself assigned to writing about research instead; soon I was perfecting nut graphs and ledes and learning how to translate a jargon-filled interview into 600 words of English. It was a shift I was delighted to make, since I’ve always loved science and learning new things.
Q: What do you love most about your job?
A: Talking to researchers about their latest study is like getting a gift every day — gifts made even better because I get to share them with others. Right now I’m working on a story from the Behavioral Analysis of Beginning Years (B.A.B.Y.) Laboratory about baby babbling. I’ll never look at a baby the same way again.
Q: What's the website you visit most often for work?
A: Wikipedia, in order to learn about the basic science underlying the research I’m covering. I also spend a lot of time roaming around the Cornell Chronicle archive, looking up previous articles featuring the scientists about whom I’m writing.
Q: If you could write about any scientific event/breakthrough/topic (past, present, or future) what would it be and why?
A: My dream story would be the discovery of extraterrestrial life. I’ve been a Trekkie since I was a kid, and I’ve always been convinced there’s life out there, if only we knew how or where to look. One of the coolest parts of my job is working with Cornell’s Carl Sagan Institute, where researchers are figuring out ways to identify life on other worlds. I don’t think any story could top getting to write about one of them discovering life beyond Earth.
Q: Why did you join NASW and what kinds of professional connections/opportunities are you seeking?
A: I joined with the goal of meeting other writers, learning about resources, and developing professionally. And I just love hanging out with other people who get excited about science.
Follow Linda on Twitter @LindaGlaser1
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