Designing Science Conversations
Designing Science Conversations
Episode 5: Context with Dr. Kim Arcand
The lens through which we view the objects of our curiosity informs the context, as do the spaces in which we choose to converse. In this episode, we look at the topic of context from various angles, with astronomical insight from the one and only Dr. Kim Arcand, Visualization Scientist and Emerging Tech Lead for NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory. We discuss the mnemonic quality of space and the role of context in communication before Kim shares similarities between the micro and the macro, and the comfort she found in shifting from microscope to telescope. Kim’s role as a data visualizer and science communicator involves the consideration of alternative, non-visual ways of representing the universe, making science more accessible to everyone on earth. In our conversation, she fills us in on her incredible data sonification project, as well as the challenges and benefits of mapping astrological data into three dimensions for immersive AR/VR experiences. Join us as we contemplate the equalizing effect of conversing under the stars, the beauty of marrying art and science, and so much more!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Introducing NASA data visualizer and science communicator, Dr. Kim Arcand.
- Co-host Fred Dust explains script spotting and the role of context in communication.
- The mnemonic quality of space and how spaces inform conversations.
- Kim’s role as a visualization scientist.
- Considering non-visual ways of representing the universe.
- Kim recalls the State of Women's Summit and shares her professional history.
- Her shift from microscope to telescope, and the similarities between the micro and the macro.
- How changing the lens through which we view something shifts the context.
- Kim’s most memorable moment under the stars.
- Her reaction to hearing the sonification of the galactic center for the first time.
- The importance of alternative, non-visual representations of scientific data.
- The challenge of mapping astrological data into three dimensions for immersive experiences.
- The learning potential AR/VR offers.
- The intention of VR experiences to enrich, rather than replace the planetarium experience.
- The benefit of exploring immersive, spatially based experiences
- The story behind Kim’s astronomical parody book, Goodnight Exomoon.
- The equalizing effect of conversing under the stars.
- The change required in the scientific field, in terms of inclusivity and diversity.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Designing Science Conversation
Magnitude: The Scale of the Universe
Making Conversation: Seven Essential Elements of Meaningful Communication