Where science meets citizenship, there is always a clash of opinions. As part of this year’s theme, “Now is the Time,” TEDxSanAntonio speakers Miriam Juckett and Jonathan Berman take on ways to navigate this crossroads while maintaining all parties’ autonomy at the Main Event on November 18, 2017.
The Complicated Intersection of Science, Industry, Citizens & Public Policy
Miriam Juckett, Program Manager for Environmental Protection & External Hazard Assessment at Southwest Research, spends her time directing traffic at the intersection of science, industry, concerned citizens, and public policy as an environmental specialist for nuclear energy regulation projects. As part of her role, Juckett helps plan, design materials for, conduct, facilitate, and review information gathered from public meetings for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
“When it comes to decisionmaking, there’s no denying that human emotions and preconceived notions matter, often in spite of scientific or engineering facts. From my experience, it’s clear that scientists often communicate poorly, fail to appreciate how ‘facts’ will be misinterpreted, and ignore the impact of fear. It’s also clear that citizens and other affected groups sometimes don’t hear the facts or hear only what supports their preconceived ideas.”
With over a decade in public outreach, Juckett has developed a passion for restoring the public’s trust in science. She holds a BS in Chemistry and an MS in Environmental Science. Read more about Juckett.
How to Become a Passionate Advocate for Science
Currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Jonathan Berman takes a look at the intersection of science and activism and how scientists and activists can work together for sound science in government and public life.
“Science denial threatens human health, the climate, global food production, and our government’s ability to make informed decisions based on the best available evidence. Scientists need to become active and visible community members who don’t mistake the dispassion of data gatherings and analysis for dispassion in the public discourse. Likewise activists need to learn to think more scientifically, by refusing to allow ideology to override evidence, and working for evidence-based policy.”
Berman initiated and co-chaired the March for Science, the largest public science education event in human history. He has a PhD in Physiology and a BS in Biology. Read more about Berman.
Join us!
We invite you to join us for both Talks and many more at our Main Event on November 18, 2017 at the Witte Museum. Visit www.TEDXSanAntonio.com to learn more about our events, become a sponsor, or join the team.
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2017 TEDXSANANTONIO MAIN EVENT:
DATE AND TIME
Sat, Nov. 18, 2017
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST
LOCATION
Witte Museum