Presented @ Maryland Science Bowl, Montgomery Community College January 2010

2. ! from the Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge”
! in its broadest sense, any systematic knowledge-
base or prescriptive practice that is capable of
resulting in a prediction or predictable type of
outcome
! investigating phenomena, acquiring new
knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous
knowledge.
! 7 branches : Astronomy , Biology , Chemistry,
Geology, Mathematics , Physics , Psychology

4. ! Inquiry drives Science Discovery
! Discovery defines new directions in society
! Careers “evolve” as society adopts new
perspectives
! Individual interests drive “inquiry” ; individual
careers are a life journey that follows…
! Career Roles may be interdisciplinary,
interinstitutional, international

6. ! Women in
Science
! International
Leaders
! Young leaders
! Diversity leads
to better science

7. ! Current Issues:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/
! Involve people from various points of view on
interdisciplinary problem solving
! Often from varied institutions with different
agendas, values, or cultures, but must work
together to advance understandings, and apply
in society.
! Example: Global Warming/ Climate Change:
Environmental Science & Policy

9. ! IMPORTANCE OF
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
! DISCOVERY OF
PROBLEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE: MODERN
“Silent Spring”
Rachel Carson

10. HISTORICAL
CONTEXT
• ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT (60’s AND 70’s)
• CLEAN AIR AND WATER ACTS, ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT,
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT

11. HISTORICAL
CONTEXT
• NOW PROBLEMS MORE SUBTLE AND
COMPLEX
PFIESTERIA WILDFIRE

12. VALUE SYSTEMS DIFFER!

13. • NO SENSE OF
FASHION
• MOST OF TIME DO
NOT AGREE
• TRAINED TO
QUESTION
• AVOID PEOPLE
WHO ARE NOT
LIKE US
• PREFER TO
REMAIN
ANONYMOUS
SCIENTISTS
In science, we must be interested in things,
not in persons
Marie Curie

14. POLITICIANS
• SENSE OF
FASHION
• TRY TO AGREE
• DON’T LIKE
CONTROVERSIAL
QUESTIONS
• PRETEND TO LIKE
EVERYBODY
• WANT
EVERYBODY TO
LIKE THEM, i.e.,
GET RE-ELECTED!
In politics stupidity is not a handicap
Napoleon I. Bonaparte

15. BUSINESS
• Create new fashions for
you to buy
• Often do not ask for
other’s opinion
• Want only bullet point
answer to questions
• Like you if you can help
them get ahead
• Expect you to like them
• And, they could be your
boss some day!
A business that makes nothing but
money is a poor business
Henry Ford

16. STUDENTS
• MUCH MORE SENSE
OF FASHION
• READY TO ARGUE
• DON’T LIKE TO BE
QUESTIONED
• WANT TO BE “COOL”
• BUT MAY BE
UNSURE OF FUTURE
• DECIPHERING
CAREER OPTIONSI am too much of a skeptic to deny the
possibility of anything
Thomas H. Huxley

17. MORE RELIANCE ON
“EXPERT AUTHORITY”
WHO ARE THE
EXPERTS?
One must divide one's time
between politics and equations.
But our equations are much
more important to me.
Albert Einstein

18. Richard V. Pouyat: Bioclimatologist
Science, Ecology, Policy
! The “Woods”
! Montana
! Big break!
! College
! Soil Lab: Big break2!
! Graduate School
! Central Park/NYC: Big break3!
! Graduate School (Again)
! Science & Society

19. My Journey
ESA More Podcasts & Career Stories!

20. ! What are your Individual Talents?
! What are your most Vital Values?
! What is your area of Inquiry or Interest? What problem
do you want to solve?
! Where and how can you Learn More?
! Who are the Current Experts?
! Who are the Current Businesses applying the science?
! How might Policy affect your area of interest?
! Define Your “Career Project” & find your partners!

22. Eran Egozy – Computer Science, Engineering &
Music
See more at NOVA:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/secretlife/