Science talk '21 Speaker Series: Marlit Hayslett

Welcome to the Science Talk Blog’s Meet the Science Talk ‘21 Speaker series! Each week we will highlight some of our exciting speakers. Registration for Science Talk ‘21 is now open!

Photo courtesy of Marlit Hayslett

Marlit Hayslett, PhD, is the Director for Communication Training and Strategy in the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs at the University of Virginia. She works with graduate students on sharing their research with non-technical audiences.

She will be leading the workshop “Building Analogies to Explain Complex Ideas” (limited seating) on Friday, March 26. The full agenda is available on the Science Talk website.

Get to know Marlit 

What inspired you to engage in or sparked your interest in science communication? 

Early in my career, I worked at a university and my job was to serve as a liaison between our researchers and our state legislators. It wasn’t long before I recognized the differences between them: priorities, working styles, time horizons, vocabulary, etc. The truth is I fell in love with this communication problem and wanted to be a part of the solution. I’m still in love!

What advice would give a new science communicator? 

Be a listener. All of us are tempted be the source of information and wisdom that others need. Try listening to your audience before you speak. Make sure you understand why they are there and what they need.

What are you most excited about for SciTalk 2021? 

Definitely meeting new colleagues and planting seeds for enduring relationships. I look forward to sharing lessons learned as well as secret formulas!