Presenting my research to my Ph.D. committee was pretty straightforward. But explaining it to a general audience with little scientific knowledge? That was a challenge. I didn’t even have real 8th graders in front of me; the crowd just lacked scientific background.
In cancer cells, special DNA structures called G-quadruplexes fight cancer by halting cancer cell growth. This is like the superhero Batman fighting the villain Poison Ivy by stopping her plants from wrecking the city.
To make it fun, I compared my research to a superhero battle. I was studying how certain DNA structures can stop cancer cells from growing, almost like Batman taking down Poison Ivy to protect Gotham. In my story, Batman uses his cool gadgets to stop Poison Ivy’s plants from taking over.
Science communication became a big part of my journey. I got started as an undergraduate at Stony Brook University, where I wrote for a campus science journal. This job combined my love for writing with my passion for science.
Years later, I found volunteer opportunities in science writing. I joined OncoBites, sharing bite-sized articles about cancer research. Later, I became part of ASBMB Today. These experiences reignited my passion for storytelling in science.
Through this work, I learned to simplify complex ideas. Writing for an audience that includes undergraduate students meant I had to explain things clearly, making scientific topics accessible.
Jessica Desamero
In 2023, I presented my research at two science communication events, where the audience was mainly grad students in biology and neuroscience. These students weren’t familiar with my specific topic, and that made it exciting. I used analogies and visuals to explain my ideas. For one slide, I created a comic book origin story to describe my research methods. Linking science to something relatable, like comics, made it more engaging.
What I love most about science communication is learning from others. During a writing internship, I interviewed two cancer survivors. Their inspiring stories about awareness and support touched me deeply. They reminded everyone that they are not alone and encouraged them to stay informed.
Science communication challenges and inspires me. The more I dive into it, the more I enjoy it. Who knows? Maybe I’ll come up with another heroic tale featuring Batman and Poison Ivy as I continue this journey.
