Samantha Jones
Samantha Jones, PhD, is a science writer, podcaster, and YouTuber with the American Chemical Society (ACS). After earning her BA from Vassar College, Samantha went on to pursue graduate research in molecular biology before transitioning into science communication. As a freelance writer, Samantha has contributed to Psychology Today, Complexly’s SciShow, and more. She is now the writer and host of the YouTube series Reactions, the ACS podcast Orbitals, and her own podcast STEMpod, where she interviews women in STEM.
Can you describe your academic and professional background? What path led you to pursue this field?
I received my PhD in Biomedical Science from UCSD in 2018. A couple years into my PhD I began realizing that academia was not the be-all and end-all for me. At the same time I was learning that I found a lot of joy in explaining my research to people outside of academia. I liked the challenge of taking really complex, niche subject matter and making it publicly accessible. I started thinking more seriously about science communication as a potential career, which led me to a UCSD Extension science writing course. That course confirmed my interest, and I was hooked! From there I began freelancing as much as I could – at first without pay – for local institutes, and then began pitching my work to science news outlets. I knew that having a couple years of science writing experience was essential if I wanted to enter the science communication world full-time after graduation. In 2018 I moved to Washington, DC to work as an assistant editor for Chemical & Engineering News. In May, 2019, I began my current position as the science writer and host of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and PBS Digital Studios YouTube series Reactions. I'm also the writer and host of the ACS podcast Orbitals and co-creator and host of STEMpod.
How did you start your own podcast?
Starting your own podcast is actually simpler than it might sound – all you need is something to record your voice (an iPhone can work!) and maybe some editing software (like Adobe Audition). That being said, making an interesting, well-produced podcast is more difficult and definitely takes a lot of time!
Can you tell us about your current responsibilities? What is a typical day or week like in your role?
No weeks look exactly the same for me, but my to-do list always includes: writing a script or two (for a video or podcast), filming footage (maybe in a studio or at some other site interviewing someone or filming some kind of science demonstration), chatting with experts, and lots of editing.
What do you enjoy about your current job and work environment?
I love the enthusiasm that most science communicators bring to their work. We love science, and we want other people to love it too – to feel like it's for them. There's a strong sense of community that comes from that passion.
What are some of the challenging aspects of your job? Is there anything you wish you had known about your job or industry before joining?
As a science writer it's important to be able to take constructive criticism in stride. You will not always agree with everyone who edits your work. Learning when to let go is important (and takes a LOT of practice). If you strongly disagree for a reason outside of personal preference – say, the editor has introduced some inaccuracy – definitely stand up for yourself and what you've written.
What are some future career paths that could open up for someone in your position, 5-10 years down the road?
If you're interested in science communication, start thinking outside of just writing. Writing will always be my first love, but over the last few years I've learned that there are other incredibly rewarding and important ways of communicating science. Like podcasting or video, which I think are both here to stay. If you're a novice in both those arenas, podcasting is a much lower lift, so if it interests you start listening to science podcasts you like and see if one inspires you to create your own. Consider ways you could do something different, while not totally reinventing the wheel.
What activities, internships, or organizations would you recommend someone get involved with to help them break into this field?
Definitely check out organizations like the National Association of Science Writers, ComSciCon, and any local writing chapters. For example, in Washington, DC we have DCSWA (DC Science Writers Association). If you're ready to start writing, see if there are any institutes in your area that need help writing press releases or things in the realm of blog posts. You might not get paid for the first few pieces you write, but you need to start somewhere. Once you have a handful of clips you're proud of then you should absolutely expect to be paid for your work.
Do you have any final words of advice for those navigating these career questions?
If you see someone who has your dream career, reach out to them! Ask them how they got to where they are today, and what essential experiences they had along the way. People are more open to chatting than you might think.
