Communications Internship Reflection
As a fourth-year Economics and Management student at the University of St Andrews, this summer, I had an incredible opportunity to join LifeArc as a Communication Strategy Intern through the Saltire Scholarship Programme. This opportunity has been a transformative experience, allowing me to apply my skills in a dynamic, real-world environment while gaining invaluable insights into biomedical research. At LifeArc, I was primarily responsible for creating marketing materials for the Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies and producing communication materials for various events. While these key responsibilities formed the core of my internship, I was fortunate to participate in various additional activities that ultimately enhanced my experience.
From day one, I was immersed in a world of cutting-edge science and innovation. The contrast between my academic background in economics and LifeArc's medical focus provided a unique perspective. This challenged me to quickly bridge the knowledge gap between these disciplines and develop a versatile skill set. Undoubtedly, coming from a different academic background helped me to successfully break down complex terms into easy-to-understand materials for audiences with no scientific background, like myself.
Throughout my internship, I have had an opportunity to engage in numerous projects and events that have enhanced my professional capabilities and deepened my understanding of the critical role effective communication plays in advancing scientific research and public engagement. In the following reflection, I will share some of the most impactful experiences and key takeaways from my time at LifeArc.
Cheltenham Science Festival
One of the highlights of my internship was attending the Cheltenham Science Festival in June. Growing up in Ukraine and attending a public school, I had no previous exposure to similar educational events, so it was quite an unusual setting. Undoubtedly, this experience has showcased the power of public engagement in science, especially from an early age.
The highlight of the festival was the panel session on the potential of gene therapies. The panel featured renowned experts, including Professor Bobby Gaspar, Dr. Rajvinder Karda, Dharmisha Stezaly, and Vivienne Parry, who shared their personal experiences and expertise on the prospects of this field. It was fascinating to learn about the promising potential of one-time treatments that come with life-long benefits, supported by a real-life example of Sebastian Stezaly, who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) at 13-weeks old and received gene therapy shortly after. It was inspiring to see how much progress he has made so far and to learn that the continuous benefits of the treatment are yet to come. This topic particularly resonated with me due to a personal connection. A family member of mine received gene therapy for treating melanoma a few years ago, which fortunately led to remission. This experience, with Sebastian's story, underscored the life-changing potential of gene therapies for me.
Beyond the panel discussion, I had the chance to participate in the Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies interactive stand, where, together with other volunteers, we created a fun and engaging environment for the younger generation to explore science. We had a variety of activities designed to spark their curiosity and make science accessible and exciting. Children could make bracelets with beads representing different DNA sequences, get temporary tattoos featuring DNA designs (these were so popular that we ran out of them on the first day!), fold origami to create DNA models, and even perform genetic experiments using science kits. The activities were so popular that we always had a long queue of children waiting for their turn to engage! Seeing the excitement and curiosity on their faces as they discovered this new side of science was genuinely inspiring. Throughout the event, it was clear that not only the children were impressed by the engaging activities, but even their parents and teachers, often taking notes and photos to incorporate similar ideas into their school science classes, hoping to spark enthusiasm and curiosity in their students.
Communication and Outreach Initiatives
A significant part of my internship involved various communication and outreach projects. Following the Cheltenham Science Festival, I wrote a blog piece reflecting on my experience as a festival volunteer and an article featuring critical highlights from the panel discussion. This opportunity helped me to further develop my ability to translate complex scientific concepts into engaging, accessible content for a general audience.
For the duration of my internship, I was also responsible for managing the Innovation Hubs' social media accounts. Having extensive experience in social media management and content creation, I realised the crucial role digital presence plays in science communication.
Additionally, I was also responsible for co-writing and compiling the quarterly newsletter for the Innovation Hubs. This publication featured updates from each Hub, highlighting recent developments, breakthroughs, and upcoming projects. It served as a vital communication tool, keeping everyone informed about the progress and achievements across the network of the Innovation Hubs.
Interactive Infographics Project
One of my most significant contributions was leading a project to create infographics about gene therapies. When developing an initial idea, I identified that many people lack a comprehensive understanding of gene therapies and can consequently develop a set of false beliefs about this field. So, the primary goal of this project was to raise awareness and educate our audience about this revolutionary field. We aimed to engage our followers by explaining the fundamentals of gene therapy with accessible materials, addressing common misconceptions, and debunking myths surrounding the topic. Additionally, I worked on more comprehensive and detailed pieces aimed at potential customers of the Innovation Hubs and any researchers/scientists in this field. This project challenged me to adapt complex scientific information into visually appealing and easily understandable formats, enhancing public understanding of gene therapies.
Personal growth and skills development
Throughout my internship, I have developed a diverse set of skills that I believe will be invaluable in my future career, regardless of the industry I decide to pursue:
- Science communication: I have learned to effectively translate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, from children at the science festivals to professionals reading our leaflets.
- Project management: Leading the interactive infographics project taught me how to work with pressing timelines, coordinate with colleagues from different departments, and see a project develop from an idea to a fully detailed piece.
- Research and analysis: Compiling information for the newsletter and infographics required thorough research and grasping new information quickly. Gene therapy was a new field for me, so I had to understand a lot of background information effectively before moving to in-depth research.
- Digital marketing: Managing social media accounts and creating engaging content has given me practical experience in digital marketing strategies within a scientific context. I learned to differentiate between different audiences and adapt the materials accordingly.
Overall, my internship with LifeArc has been a truly transformative experience, offering invaluable insights into biomedical research and science communication. It has broadened my understanding of the impact of scientific advancements and the importance of public engagement in science. Reflecting on my experience, I am grateful for the opportunities to contribute meaningfully to LifeArc's mission and develop skills that will undoubtedly shape my future career path.
Throughout my internship, I have had the privilege of meeting great individuals from various organisations and sectors. Each interaction with them has been a learning opportunity that has contributed to my professional growth. This internship has equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge and sparked a passion for the field. I hope to continue contributing to advancing biomedical research and science communication, building on the solid foundation this experience has provided.
Mariya Spatar
LifeArc Communications Intern (June - August 2024)