Broadening their views
“The biggest takeaway for me was meeting really cool, dynamic individuals from different disciplines,” says Portaro.
“As engineers, we often stick to our research and our field. By broadening my scope, I was able to see possibilities for collaboration and to better understand how our respective research applies to different aspects of our lives.”
Desirée de Jesus, a PhD candidate in Film and Moving Image Studies, says the program encouraged her to think of more expansive ways to share her passion for film beyond the traditional classroom. While her research focuses on women’s and girls’ experiences in cinematic works, she never thought of working on cultural policies before taking the program’s government relations training.
De Jesus loves teaching and now sees it as an extension of her interest in arts advocacy. Public policy is an avenue she is now seriously considering.
Deep learning
Portaro, who runs his own business and also enjoys teaching, believes the program will serve him in both areas. He admits he learned a lot by observing his peers.
“The public relations aspect of the program will certainly be useful for me as a researcher and businessperson,” he says.
“When I started, I didn’t think people were using Twitter to promote academic research. It was definitely an eye-opener and an incentive to invest more time in this platform!”
De Jesus says the program prompted her to reflect on what makes her unique.
“Being a public scholar helped me accept my own journey as a graduate researcher,” she says. “I now better appreciate who I am and how I can impact the community.”
Follow the new cohort on the public scholars blog or on Twitter! #publicscholars.