Bridging Science and Story: Communicating Complex Ideas through Media

In a world where media shapes how we understand science, finding the right balance between accuracy and storytelling is key. How do you make complex scientific ideas engaging for a broad audience without oversimplifying? Join us for a lively discussion about blending science and media, navigating the academic publishing and science journalism worlds, and experiences and tips for turning research into stories that stick. Whether you’re into journalism, filmmaking, or just curious about how science stories get told in today’s world, this conversation will dive into how to bridge the gap between scientific insight and storytelling across different media platforms.

Scott Anderson has a degree in physics and mathematics and an abiding interest in biology. Scott is also a programmer; he wrote Fantavision, an animation program for kids and educators, and he led the team that created LEGO Island, an award-winning bestselling computer game for kids. He has written multiple articles and books about programming, computer graphics, and videomaking.

Scott has also written several books on scientific breakthroughs including Human Embryonic Stem Cells with Dr. Ann Kiessling of Harvard and The Psychobiotic Revolution with John Cryan and Ted Dinan of University College Cork. Of the latter, the respected journal Lancet said, “This is a book that you would reluctantly lend to friends, in the fear that they might not return it.”  He currently writes about the gut-brain axis for Psychology Today and New Scientist and consults for major healthcare companies.

In 2020, Scott founded Scanderson Labs, a company to manufacture prebiotic supplements. Based on 20 years of research, Scott has formulated a prebiotic blend called Clarity, as well as a prebiotic sweetener called Preet.

Allison Kiessling Ed.M. '05 is a screenwriter working in both TV and features. She has worked mostly in TV, with projects at ABC, TV Land, DC Comics, and Warner Bros, among others.  She was also a writer on the Hulu series FUTURE MAN produced by Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg. Her feature work includes projects with Millennium Films and Altar Rock. She has a Bachelor's in Economics from Boston University and her Master's from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Allison served as the President of Harvardwood from 2011 to 2023. She also headed up the successful re-launch of the Harvardwood Writers Program, which fosters a collaborative, supportive environment for writers to grow their careers.

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