AAAS fellowship brings science reporter to the Idaho Statesman news team
.png "Writer Tanushri Sundar will cover science news for the Idaho Statesman for the summer of 2022 thanks to an American Association for the Advancement of Science Mass Media Fellowship. A recent graduate of Brown University, she studied computer science and cognitive science.")
Three years ago, I had an internship studying avian influenza at the National Institutes of Health. Since I’m somewhat afraid of birds, I was lucky that my avian analysis was mostly behind the computer — except for dealing with a particularly mean Canada goose on my commute to work.
I was amazed to learn that much of the data I analyzed had not been collected by scientists but instead by amateur birdwatchers with a deep curiosity about the world in front of them. I understood, for the first time, that the information that drives complex and fascinating analysis is often right under our noses. We just have to be curious enough to find it.
That’s what drove me here. I fell in love with science journalism and the idea of making research easily accessible to the people and communities it impacts. This week, I joined the Idaho Statesman as a science reporter. Thanks to the support of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, I will spend 10 weeks highlighting science that impacts your community, here in Boise.
As a student at Brown University, I studied computer science and cognitive science and dabbled in research, journalism and teaching along the way. Through these experiences, I grew to appreciate the power of conversational science communication, which appeals to a broad audience and benefits everyone.
This summer will be my first in Boise, and I am eager to explore the surrounding wilderness and learn about your home. Please reach out to me if there are any local science topics that interest you.
