On March 19, 10 IGC fellows — Mary Adebote, Erin Crone, Oluwaseyi Dasho, Nathan Duerr, Emily Matthews, Carly Sear, Sophia Smith, Coutney Werner and I — stepped away from our data to explore a different kind of research tool: the art of the narrative. As the Professional Development Committee Chairs for the IGC Graduate Student Organization, Mary and I collaborated with VT's Center for Communicating Science to host the Storytelling for Global Change Researchers workshop. This session was led by Dr. Patty Raun and Dr. Carrie Kroehler.

The afternoon began with unexpected energy as fellows used theatrical techniques like humming and neck rolls to activate their voices and physical presence. By associating our names with specific movements, we broke through the formality and prepared ourselves to communicate as people rather than just researchers. The atmosphere quickly shifted from playful to introspective as Patty guided us through a 5-part story structure. Using narrated prompts to reflect on our daily lives and research, we began to mine our experiences for raw materials.

Patty Raun speaking to workshop attendees

The room became a vulnerable space where we shared personal stories that rarely make it into a lab report. These moments of honesty helped us bridge the gap between complex global change topics and the human experiences that drive them. Ultimately, the workshop revealed that a science story is most effective when it is authentically personal. We walked away with more than just communication techniques; we gained a deeper understanding of ourselves and our motivations. By embracing our own humanity and sharing the challenges and triumphs of research life, we are now better prepared to connect with the general public in a way that inspires action.

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Written by Ying-Xian Goh, IGC Fellow and Ph.D. student in Environmental Microbiology in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

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