How I Became a Professional Science Writer

[@benhallett1537]

As a scientist watching your videos I realize how much scientists could/can/should learn from science writers. “Don’t look up” (the movie) and the public’s malaise about climate change that is satirized therein should be our motivation. As a teacher, I’ll be sharing your content a lot as it’s directly related to the regional geology I teach. Thanks for making and sharing these!

[@AlexisDahl]

Thanks, Ben! I really appreciate that. (I also think there's a lot science writers can learn from scientists, ha. Things go well when we work together!)

[@douglasengle2704]

Keep in mind after global warming had been going up at tenths of degree Celsius per decade in the 1960s, 70s, 80s, till hitting 1.1°C in the early 1990s when global warming paused and in 2022 global warming was still reported at 1.1°C. There has been no change in global warming in 30 years. 1970s high school earth science describes earth's greenhouse effect as adding 10°F (5.55°C) to earth's average temperature due to water vapor's strong ability to trap inferred radiation coming from earth's surface. There is no underling hard science mechanism that would allow noncondensing greenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide and methane, to significantly change earth's greenhouse effect even if their atmospheric concentrations were cut in half or doubled. The United Nation's International Panel on Climate Change reports, provided you read the entire report which I can no longer find online, are very clear they only discuss greenhouse gasses as a cause for global warming and ONLY sample those greenhouse gasses at an altitude of 20,000 meters which is above earth's troposphere where earth's greenhouse effect takes place at over 99% due to water vapor to a lower estimate 97% and way into the stratosphere where in comparison water vapor is near zero. That high stratospheric altitude allows the noncondensing greenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide and methane, to have a 40% share in temperature forcing greenhouse gas proportion instead of the less than 1% share they have in earth's greenhouse effect. A reasonable estimate for additional greenhouse gas temperature forcing in earth's average temperature from human caused carbon dioxide emissions in the early 1990s was 1/100°C. It would take ten times that amount to cause a notable, but not significant change in global warming of 0.1°C.

[@t-yoonit]

I think your bubbly on camera personality and concise communication skills help immensely with your success.

[@C.Schmidt]

Ahh yes the ever present option of just doing more college and getting a PhD. I remember it well. Funny enough a large number of my fellow bio majors started off with "I want to be a MD." Then it was "Maybe a just PhD" and we all ended up with "I just want to graduate already" haha. But painful learning moments aside. It's so cool to see this summation of your journey so far! It's always exciting to see each new step you take!

[@AlexisDahl]

Ha ha, I am so familiar with that feeling! I have a huge amount of respect for people who complete any kind of grad program like that - it's a whole different ballgame than undergrad for sure. Also, aw, thanks! You've been around for a huge part of it - thanks for sticking around even when I was much worse at this than I am now! (This probably will not be the last time I say that, ha ha.)

[@C.Schmidt]

@@AlexisDahl you've never not been amazing! I've had so much fun over the years! You're so talented at making videos, and taking pictures, and painting, and science communications, and singing too!

[@AlexisDahl]

Aw, you're too kind! For real, thank you! ☺️ That's so heartwarming. Grateful to have you here!

[@rudygarcia3451]

I love a ton of the channels you've helped out with and they've definitely filled my curiosities and boredom. I know you likely gained from being a part of their creation, but that's another amazing way you contribute to the world and I'm so glad you do. Also, I love your smile! Cheers, a future math teacher

[@rudygarcia3451]

Also, _____ communicators wasn't a job I ever thought about until a few years ago, and really before now was something I thought was niche but I'm coming to understand the importance of it, and truly, it's amazing, thank you 🙏

[@AlexisDahl]

Thanks so much, Rudy! And can confirm: I definitely benefited a /ton/ from working with the teams I have. 🙂

[@LAPISTime25]

"Be clear not clever." In that case, I have nothing to say. :p

[@AlexisDahl]

Ha, story of my writing career, truly. :)

[@brianbaker5671]

You are so great. Your bright eyed enthusiasm is refreshing. You and Kyle hill. Have my two favorite science channels. We all need to share these to friends n family. Let’s get this girl to 100,000 and beyond 🎉❤😊

[@AlexisDahl]

That's so kind of you. Thanks, Brian! 🙂

[@janjocham7720]

Sometimes, we don't really know what to do after high school. If it's luck or destiny. You diffently have the talent to do what you do. I love your videos.

[@ekbhatnagar]

I always wanted to write about science, to make it accessible to the common folks, but it is art to simplify the themes and ideas to a understandable level that I lack. What is your opinion on writing about science for people for whom the scientific method has been so inaccessible that it is difficult to present the ideas and joy of science in an accessible manner to them. Good video like always.

[@AlexisDahl]

Thanks, Ekansh! I think that's a great question. An idea that I picked up from my time at SciShow that I really like is the idea of meeting people where they are. So, my first question in that situation would be "What does it mean that the scientific method is inaccessible to this person? How is it affecting my communication with them?" Does it mean they aren't interested in science and don't see how it's relevant to them? Does it mean there's a knowledge barrier? Does it mean there are biases or fears around the scientific method? I would start by asking questions like that and seeing where the conversation goes, and if I should change how I'm communicating in any way.

[@nathancranford6369]

Congrats. It took me several years but I now work full-time as a science writer at NASA JSC. Cheers!

[@AlexisDahl]

That's awesome! That sounds like a great role. I hope it's everything you hoped for!

[@thehealthpulsewithAngel]

How did you do it?

[@thehealthpulsewithAngel]

Hello! It was great listening you talk about your profession with such passion. I also love writing and currently am studying to get a bachelors in science. Could you make a video talking about the steps to science writing? Like the misconceptions, surprises, and just your expectations coming into it. Thanks and will be looking forward to more content!

[@AlexisDahl]

Hi, Angel! Thanks for the suggestion! I've been toying with doing some more scicomm-related content, so will add this to my list of ideas. 🙂 In the meantime, good luck with your studies!

[@johnt6673]

Your doing a awesome job.. Such a cutie, awesome personality and bring facts to the story.. Keep up the great content.

[@jeramyinzunza1374]

Thank you for sharing with us. I love your work. You rock👍

[@AlexisDahl]

Totally! Thanks so much for the kind words, Jeramy. I'm glad you're here!

[@BrandonGraham]

Alexis: I talk about geology a lot on this channel... Jeremey: You rock👍

[@AlexisDahl]

Pffft, incredible. 😂

[@KrazyKobold]

Michigan Tech (right next door to you) has a really great Science, Technology, & Communication undergrad program through their Humanities Dept. They have an excellent Grad Program too -- my degree was in Rhetoric & Tech Comm, but they have renamed/rebranded since. But some of those folks at MTU though should really hear your story -- I hope you can make some connections at MTU! I know a lot of undergrads would love to hear this/your story.

[@AlexisDahl]

Oh, that's awesome! I'm not too familiar with the program, but it sounds like such a great thing. And thanks for the kind words! 🙂 I'm always happy to share with people - are there any people at MTU you recommend I reach out to?

[@KrazyKobold]

@@AlexisDahl As is always the sad case once you've moved on (and a decade later at that) almost everyone I first could think of is in some form of "retirement" -- so I'm not 100% sure who is in charge of the program now. My first recommendation would definitely have been Dr. Karla Kitalong: www.mtu.edu/humanities/department/emeriti-faculty/kitalong/ who is still listed as "emeritus" staff so she should still be somewhat connected and could direct you to who is in charge now. Alternately, you could reach out to the department generically: www.mtu.edu/humanities/department/contact/ My name is Lucus Palosaari and I was a graduate of the RTC grad program in 2011, feel free to mention me if you'd like. It looks like the current advisor for the Scientific & Tech Comm Undergrad program is Maria Bergstrom, whom I only knew I don't specifically recognize. www.mtu.edu/humanities/undergraduate/stc/

[@johnjunge6989]

Great advise, even though it would never apply to me, I hope someone sees this and finds direction in life/profession! I wanted to design cars/trucks for a manufacturer, but wound up, due to an injury, helping design security systems for institutions ( hospitals, businesses, universities, etc).

[@johncordes7885]

Keep truckin on

[@benberglund7755]

That sounds a lot of fun

[@AlexisDahl]

Thanks, Ben! It has been, for sure. A lot of hard work, and a lot of lessons learned, too - but I have no regrets about my career choice so far!

[@JorfDB]

Thanks for sharing, still struggling to figure out what I want to do myself

[@AlexisDahl]

My pleasure! Figuring out things like this is such a process - even now, I feel like I can't answer the question "Where do you want to be in five years?" I hope you're able to find some clarity on what's next for you!

[@Lcngopher]

Kinda shocked michigan doesnt have a journalism program

[@AlexisDahl]

The more you know! I do believe there are courses intended for folks interested in journalism, and there is a communications department - neither of them were just a great fit for me at the time.

[@dagordon1]

Always thought the Michigan Daily was full of journalism students - not sure where Mike Wallace, Rich Eisen, or Adam Schefter got their starts

[@Grumpyoldman037]

Alexis, You have neglected to recognize one skill that you have. You are a wonderful communicator. Look at your videos. Can you imagine the appeal you would have if you presented your videos in a dry, factual and boring manner? You would be lucky if you had any subscribers at all. The way you present yourself makes your work interesting and exciting.

[@pattongilbert]

I’m just now trying to figure out where I want to go in my life. Just got out of college, and well, I feel just as lost as everyone else.😅

[@AlexisDahl]

That totally makes sense! (Also, congrats on finishing your college time!) Do you have any sense of what you're interested in, or are things an open book at this point? (No pressure to answer, too - I'm just curious.)

[@justinsaletnik6656]

No wonder we have had 101 nuclear fusion net gain breakthroughs and no nuclear fusion power plants that are operational

[@derekbentley334]

Ever write anything on esoterics and physically life

[@dagordon1]

Alan Alda would be proud of your work, because the STEM fields need more promotion.

[@elh93]

Go Blue!

[@sreechithra973]

Thanks Alexis for this lovely video. I am interested in science writing and would like to explore by doing some sort of course or internship. Could you recommend something helpful? Thanks

[@sreechithra973]

Online course/internship*

[@AlexisDahl]

My pleasure! Unfortunately, I don't have any great recommendations as far as courses/internships go. A lot of my experience just came through practice: studying the work of writers that I liked, and writing a LOT of mediocre videos and essays, ha. One thing I found helpful, though, was running those practice pieces by friends I trusted to give me honest opinions. It was helpful to get outside eyes on a piece and ask questions like "What didn't make sense to you?" or "Where did you lose interest?" and use that feedback on my next piece!

[@MalissinA]

You're a natural! 😁

[@AlexisDahl]

Aw, thank you! The secret is that I actually have years of practice at this, ha - if you saw my early work, "natural" probably isn't the first word you'd think of! 😂

[@MalissinA]

@@AlexisDahl 😳 Alexis the early years special when?

[@AlexisDahl]

@@MalissinA Do you mind clarifying your question? There might be a typo, but I'm not sure I follow.

[@bog6106]

WOW!

[@budwilliams6590]

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, do you believe that early you would follow it?

[@derekbentley334]

I quit college. They had cares for teaching. Why universe rules university!

[@connorleach6370]

Wow, to think that tumblr played such a pivotal role in your life! Haha :) awesome

[@AlexisDahl]

Ha ha, it's wild. 😂 Never underestimate the power of social media marketing, I guess!

[@SisterShirley]

Alexis, in regards to you talking about your college studies not mattering that much, at least you didn't go the Woman and Gender studies path.

[@rrrajlive]

This video has at least a thousand cuts......more than Zack Snyder 😅

[@scottmaytham3578]

Enormously Wealthy, Thanks 💟

[@scottmaytham3578]

Peninsula's

[@scottmaytham3578]

🤑 Be 🤑 Wealthy 🤑

[@freepalestinanow]

Nicee

[@jharback]

Your pronouns are? Go woke, go broke. I'm outta' here.

[@thomastoth435]

Right!! It's "science" that her pronouns are "she/her". Did she really have to say that? I love her videos on Michigan, though.

[@DAKOTANSHELBY]

"My pronouns are .....". I'm out. Bye.

[@bitrage.]

Hahaha EXACTLY how I feel as well

[@rrrajlive]

Partly agree. Unfortunately, you need to say it to the recruiter.

[@TeethToothman]

No one cares what you think. Keep your bigotry to yourself.

[@TearyEyesAnderson]

Your story reminds me a bit of Emily Graslie's story and how she got into science education. I still hope to see her in new projects, or read stuff she writes. I started writing about science after watching a lot of documentaries, and listening to podcasts. Sometimes I'd read comments from people that didn't understand the topic, and I'd try to explain it better. Other times I'd hear about things like "Faster Than Light Neutrinos " and be more interested in the experiment and what it did, rather then the false-positive result. watch?v=WVKrZ2lg5ZU Now days I mostly only write about science in short stories that tell how to create your own science experiments, and explain science topics, which I post on Internet Archive /details/BeakmansWorldCasteloRaTimBumTheCompleteSixStorySeries my best advise to people wanting to become a writer is tell people about what you like, and as you tell people you learn what they know, and what people have difficulty understanding.. From there you can explain your ideas better, and create more fans of the things you enjoy, as well as, get knowledge about how things work, and educate people about what you think is important.

[@AlexisDahl]

Oh, amazing! Emily's work is great. Also, that's really cool! Thanks for sharing more about your experiences with writing - even just writing short things like that sounds like a fun time.