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It's funny how often some of the non-scientists I meet are shocked that I have a life. Like, a real life, with hobbies, friends and (gasp!), fun. It's true that I work a lot, in the office, with young people or in the lab, but I've got lots of other stuff going on, too!
The general perception that scientists and engineers are lab rats with no social skills or outside interests is a long-standing one, but that perception is definitely starting to change as more scientists are coming out of the closet with their hidden talents and interests. Remember NIH head Dr. Francis Collins, best known for leading the Human Genome Project, singing and strumming his guitar on camera? For some of us, those kinds of moments are akin to Bill Clinton's 1992 saxophone performance on the Arsenio Hall show - who knew that super-nerds and politicians also have talents and hobbies like the rest of us?
Well, Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) does, and their new series of online-only short videos about this very subject debuted this month. From the team that brings us NOVA Science NOW, the series is called The Secret Life of Scientists, and in each episode a scientists talks about - among other things - his or her secret life. Long distance running, photography and culinary arts are among the activities the featured scientists are passionate about. Three episodes are online so far, with new ones being added each week; 16 scientists have been interviewed to date. Check back as they add new scientists!
One of the best ways to demystify science is to talk to a scientist or engineer in person - you might be surprised at how ordinary we are. And when you do talk to one, ask what his or her secret life is - he or she will probably love to tell you all about it!
-Rabiah
Author's Note: Sources:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/secretlife/
Editor's Note: For more blogs from Dr. Rabiah, visit Science Chicago's website at: http://www.sciencechicagoblog.com
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