Overview: Over the course of the REU program, you will create a communications project that effectively explains your research and personal journey to a general audience. Your final product should be engaging, informative, and demonstrate your growth throughout the summer.
Choose your format
Video (1.5-3 mins)
Podcast (5-10 mins)
Faculty interview (5-10 mins)
Music Video (1.5-4 mins)
Blog (500-1,000 words)
Scientific demonstration (3-5 min tabletop presentation)
K-12 hands on lesson (15-20 mins)
Other creative formats – Please get approval from Isabel and Kathryn before proceeding with an alternate format
Identify a target audience that is less familiar with your research or field. This will guide how you present and explain your work. Possible audiences include:
Elementary school students
High school students
Your local community
Your congressperson
Teachers
Family
Adults without a science background
Adults with minimal science background
Begin recording, filming or outlining your project early. You may use a script, storyboard, or organizer to help with planning and structure.
Project Prompts:
What got you to the Harvard REU program? (Feel free to highlight specific mentors, communities, or programs).
Is there anything you are nervous about coming into the program?
What impact do you hope your research will have?
What is your research about? Explain it clearly and in a way your audience will understand.
What have you learned this summer and how have you seen yourself grow?
How might your research experience impact others or your broader community?
What advice would you give to other students?
What are your career goals?
Outcomes: By the end of this project, you should be able to effectively communicate your research to a non-specialist audience. You will reflect on your personal and academic growth and articulate the broader relevance and potential impact of your research. You may be selected to have your project posted on Harvard SEAS’ social media.
Requirements
Clear and engaging communication of research
Thoughtful reflection on personal and academic growth
Answers some or all of the prompting questions (Please note that responding to all prompts is not required, please feel free to branch out beyond these parameters).
Each student must produce their own project, but you are welcome to participate in each others’ projects.
Information is presented in an accessible way to your selected audience
Creativity in presentation format
High technical quality in (Audio/visual/etc)
Important Dates
9 June - Communications Overview with Leah Burrows
27 June - Communications project outline due. This can range from a short paragraph describing what your project will be, or a full script.
11 July- First draft due
30 July- Project due for feedback
6 August- Communications project presentations
Resources
Harvard access to photo and video editing software
Lamont Multimedia Lab - For editing and exporting videos. You can get a virtual assistance meeting.
Camera and tech loans via Harvard Libraries
Cabot Media Studios - Equipped with lights and soundproof rooms for recording
https://www.videoscribe.co/ - Form making animated videos