University of Pittsburgh
Physics Today Science Writing Intern
American Institute of Physics
Madison Brewer Final Presentation.pdf
Abstract:
When it comes to publishing, there is a lot of behind the scenes work—writing isn’t the only thing to be done. There's also research and interviewing and editing, processes that require at least five people in addition to the writer. I have gotten to see this firsthand as well as take part in it this summer. Much like science, writing is a collaborative process. And at science publications like Physics Today, writers and researchers must work together to create an accurate and exciting story. I will outline the process of composing a story, from finding the research to posting it on the website. Other steps include interviewing, writing, and editing. This presentation will focus on "Jerk causes energy loss on the loop-the-loop," an article I wrote for the Physics Today website about the iconic demonstration.
My name is Madison Brewer, and I am a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in astronomy and non-fiction writing. As a double major, I am able to use my interdisciplinary education to tackle science and technical writing. I have worked for Carnegie Mellon University's (CMU) College of Engineering as a Writing and Communications Intern. While I write some student and alumni feature stories, my writing at CMU primarily focuses on faculty research, and four of my stories were republished on Phys.org. Before CMU, I wrote for the University of Pittsburgh’s student newspaper, The Pitt News, where I wrote about campus events and news. This fall, I will service as President of my university’s chapter of SPS. I am also Vice President of Women and Minorities in Physics at Pitt. My goal is to create a positive culture of growth and support among students in the physics and astronomy department.