ABOUT THIS PROJECT

Write Like a Scientist is designed to aid students in writing more effectively in the genres that professional scientists routinely read and write.

Write Like a Scientist differs from the many available scientific writing guides out there. We know that simply reading a tip (“be concise!”) doesn’t immediately translate into understanding and into improved writing.  Instead of simply telling students what to write or providing to-do lists, we provide guided practice in recognizing and emulating the features of effective writing and in making intentional writing choices. In doing so, we help students become more flexible and reflective scientific writers who can successfully address multiple audiences.

 

The Write Like a Scientist Team

Molly Costanza-Robinson

Molly Costanza-Robinson

Author

Molly Costanza-Robinson is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Program for Environmental Studies at Middlebury. Costanza-Robinson co-authored the writing textbook Write Like a Chemist (Oxford University Press, 2008) and has taught scientific writing and writing-intensive science courses at Middlebury College and elsewhere for more than 15 years.

Alison Maxwell

Alison Maxwell

Co-Author

Alison Maxwell is a Middlebury graduate (Biochemistry '15) who served as a Peer Writing Tutor in writing-intensive undergraduate science courses. Maxwell was critical to launching WLaS1.0, contributing its initial design and content. She is currently at the University of California, San Francisco, pursuing a PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology and providing essential feedback on WLaS 2.0.

Sonja Burrows

Sonja Burrows

Instructional Designer

Sonja Burrows is an Instructional Designer for Middlebury's Office of Digital Learning & Inquiry. Burrows has been crucial to the launch and development of the current site (WLaS 2.0), improving design, usability, and self-test features that are critical to achieving the site’s educational mission.

Nadani Dixon

Nadani Dixon

Nadani Dixon

Instructional Design & Digital Pedagogy Intern

Nadani Dixon is a Middlebury undergraduate ('20) studying Biochemistry and Computer Science. Dixon is an intern within the Office of Digital Learning & Inquiry where she combines her interest in digital technologies, science, and the arts.

Support for Write Like a Scientist

Catharine Wright and Mary Ellen Bertollini in the Middlebury College Writing Program, and Bill Koulopoulos and Heather Stafford in Middlebury’s Office of Digital Learning & Inquiry provided invaluable support and encouragement to the project. We gratefully acknowledge the Middlebury College Center for Teaching, Learning, and Research (CTLR) for supporting Maxwell’s work on the project.

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