Denise K. Casey Science writer/editor Human Genome Management Information System (HGMIS) Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, Tennessee What do you do? Our group acts as a clearinghouse for information on the Human Genome Program of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the wordwide Human Genome Project. We serve as an important resource for a broad audience that includes scientists and the interested public. My job is basically to explain the goals of this project and its progress and impact by writing articles for our quarterly free newsletter (Human Genome News) and technical documents, to help maintain and continually improve a comprehensive website (http://www.ornl.gov/hgmis) on the project, and talk with individuals and groups. Our group also provides information on related biological and environmental research projects sponsored by DOE. Our audience is broad and includes students at all levels and from all over the world; professional groups such as genetic counselors, doctors and teachers looking for explanatory material and updates on the genome project; families seeking information on genetic diseases; designers of science museum exhibits; biotechnology industry representatives looking for ways to explain their work to nonscientist CEOs and the community; and members of the media. Recently I have become involved with efforts to educate judges on the basics of genetics and gene testing to help prepare them for the flood of cases with genetic evidence that will soon reach the nation's courtrooms. Like most people, they have very little science education, and need very clear and direct explanations. What is your educational background? I have a B.S. in biology from George Mason University and pursued M.S. level courses in biostatistics and epidemiology at Georgetown University. In addition, I have taken continuing education courses in technical writing and editing. What led you to this field? My fascination with the elegance of life at the cellular and molecular levels grew from a job cataloging science and medical books in the library at Rockefeller University in New York City. Rockefeller University was a cradle for the molecular biology revolution in the 1940s. It was here that Hershey and Chase proved that DNA was the genetic material using viruses and a Waring blender -- how could anyone fail to be inspired by such a storied past? I pursued a biology degree part time while working in the library, and then moved to a laboratory position as a research technologist at the American Red Cross Blood Research Laboratory in Bethesda, Maryland, working on a protein involved in blood clotting that is defective in people with hemophilia. I found laboratory tasks too narrowly focused, however, and soon left for employment as a research assistant in data collection and organization for epidemiologists at a national cancer survey group associated with Georgetown University. Epidemiology, the study of disease determinants and distribution in populations, was attractive to me because it allowed me to take a broader view. I finally came to science communication as a practical way to meld my interests in different aspects of science with an enjoyment for writing and teaching. Also, I am convinced of the importance of communicating the information clearly and accurately to researchers as well as the public. Communication efforts like ours are crucial to the growing number of projects that cross traditional discipline boundaries. For the Human Genome Project, this means the fields of biology, biochemistry, computer analysis of biological data (called bioinformatics), physics and engineering. Effective communication between these fields can enhance data and the use of research resource and may result in new collaborations, insights and ultimately in new discoveries. There is a great need for the public to be educated about this project and applications of this and other genetics research. They must be made aware of the scientific realities (often at odds with media reports) as well as the ethical, legal and social implications the new discoveries will have on society, both positive and negative. Also, the public needs to understand how its tax dollars are being spent. How many hours do you work each week? I work a part-time schedule that usually averages out to about 32 hours per week, and I read extensively to try to keep abreast of the new developments in this constantly changing and exciting area of biology. What do you enjoy most about your job? One of the best things about my job is spreading excitement about science. We're on the cutting edge of what's going on in biology. It crosses so many different fields and that's what's really exciting about it. We try to get the information out to the public to facilitate any collaboration and to let people know what's going on in this field. I enjoy communicating research results and explaining their meaning and implications to people by writing articles, making our website a more interesting and accessible communication tool, and talking to people from all over the world who contact us by phone, mail, e-mail and, increasingly, through an interactive feature on our website. What do you enjoy least about your job? Spending long hours alone in front of a PC. What advice would you give someone interested in this field? Science training is definitely an advantage for someone who needs to translate it accurately and understandably to the public; it also provides a foundation for understanding the dynamics of scientific research. We are seeing an increasing number of people with science backgrounds entering the field of science writing. As a matter of fact, gaining admission to some science writing programs requires an undergraduate degree in science. Good science communicators should also be well read, and not just in science. Keep up with journals, newspapers, books and Internet sites to keep informed and to better understand the need for scientific information and how society perceives and uses it. Salary range Varies widely -- usually from around $25,000 - $55,000. Back to Interviewee List