Finding Your Place in Science: A reflective writing workshop on belonging, identity, and scientific paths

A scientific identity – essentially, whether a person feels they belong in the world of science —is associated with longevity and success in STEM-related fields. But what does it mean to belong in science? Does it matter if you identify as a science person?

As part of the Wisconsin Science Festival, the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) is offering a writing workshop focused on scientific identity, aimed at undergrad and graduate students, but also open to the public. We’ll discuss some of the components researchers have identified as part of this sense of belonging in science; consider some of the conscious and unconscious assumptions we might have about who belongs in science; and expand our definitions and explore how varied a scientific identity can be. With a mix of discussion in small and large groups and impromptu writing, we’ll investigate the broad concept of an identity and how it can be useful in the face of obstacles. Finally, we’ll consider the more specific idea of belonging in the scientific realm, what helps you find that sense of belonging and what might prevent it.

This workshop is not solely for people who already feel they belong–plenty of people study and work in science without being certain if they do–but for anyone who is interested in using writing and discussion to consider and clarify what this concept of scientific identity means to you.

This workshop is led by the Illuminating Discovery Hub’s Writer-in-Residence, Michelle Wildgen.