Streams of Consciousness

Students working with us will come from either a science or creative writing background, but all students will get the opportunity to actually conduct science and craft a story about their experiences. The students will help me collect insects from urban (exposed to artificial light) and pristine (dark) streams, and then bring those insects back to the lab to run experiments to determine if the insects have adapted to light exposure or not. Students will also have the opportunity to design more specific experiments of their own interest within this framework. I will then be able to use the data collected by the students to write a research proposal for a much larger project. I will also lead the students through a review of the scientific literature through the early 1900s—present day so they can examine how the form and structure of science writing has changed through time while gaining background knowledge about the study system. Finally, I will also help them keep a “stream of consciousness” journal about their scientific experiences that will allow them to shape a story with Stephanie’s help.