Zap! Pow! Remediators Unite: Environmental Science in a Comic Book

Aspect feels lucky to have a strong connection with Western Washington’s Huxley College of the Environment in Bellingham. Associate Scientist Kirsi Longley (Huxley College alumnus; featured on page 38 of the below comic!) and Principal Hydrogeologist Steve Germiat have guest lectured there over the years, talking the ins and outs of environmental remediation along with the day-to-day realities of being an environmental consultant. In fact, Steve Germiat presented to the class in March 2020, just a day before they stopped meeting on campus due to COVID-19 risks.

We wanted to turn the spotlight on this innovative and creative group taught by Professor Ruth Sofield. In just one example of creative communication, the students in the Science, Management, and Communication of Contaminated Sites (SMOCS) have taken their learning of environmental remediation and powered it into comic form. The comic is an innovative form of public outreach – and communicates the complexity of environmental cleanup to reach all audiences.

Given the recent COVID-19 public health recommendations, the class is now meeting exclusively online thus highlighting, even more, the importance of unique science storytelling that can reach many audiences even when not physically in the same location.

See the latest example of The Remediators here: https://issuu.com/ruth.sofield/docs/volumefive

James Packman Presents on Urban Environmental Planning to University of Washington Class

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Aspect’s James Packman presenting on environmental planning as a profession to University of Washington students

Aspect Senior Hydrologist James Packman presented on environmental planning for the second year to a class in the College of the Built Environment at the University of Washington.

The students in the “Planning as a Profession” class learn about urban planning from a different guest lecturer each week who is a professional working in their field. James presented environmental planning from a holistic point of view—from the skills and interests that lead a person to the profession and the different disciplines working in the industry to the laws and regulations that drive project design, permitting, and building and examples of water-focused planning. His overarching message focused on interdisciplinary skills, and he gave examples of Aspect projects where collaboration between disciplines was vital to both win the work in a competitive consultant market and address the environmental elements.

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One example of an urban planning project is Seattle’s SEA Streets Project, which changed several streetscapes in residential neighborhoods to decrease stormwater runoff.

For example, James discussed how planning and executing urban stormwater management projects – such as the City of Seattle’s innovative SEA Streets program in north Seattle – have many benefits: reducing stormwater runoff before it reaches the sewer and downstream water quality; improving habitat diversity; narrowing streets that make cars slower and increase safety, and increase street aesthetics and property values.

For the homework and in-class activity, James introduced the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). In small groups and guided discussion, the students learned about the many environmental planning elements required to complete a SEPA checklist. Through this exercise, they developed a list of skills and areas of knowledge required for each SEPA topic, which will be a valuable reference as they transition into their careers and work in urban planning.

Science Writing and the Editors that Champion It

In situ. Glacial till. Nephelometric turbidity unit

Technical reports contain a variety of terms to define and explain the science behind a consultant’s work. All these terms must be researched, marshalled, and then clearly communicated to a wide variety of audiences. A regulator, city planner, lawyer, farmer, homeowner – sometimes all of the above – are counting on the writing to clearly explain their path forward. The scientists and engineers behind these words do have help in their mission for clarity – technical editors.

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Technical Editors Kristen Legg, Jen Koogler,Hannah Garrison, and Marcy McAuliffe before their panel
Photo Credit: Hannah Garrison

Recently, at the Northwest Editor’s Guild biannual Red Pencil conference, a group of technical editors discussed the interesting career path of an editor in the science and engineering industry. Aspect’s Jen Koogler moderated the panel, which included Kristen Legg, Managing Editor at Floyd Snider; Hannah Garrison, Technical Editor at Anchor QEA; and Marcy McAuliffe, owner of McAuliffe Technical Editing Services.

The discussion covered a variety of technical editing topics, including:

• Using queries and redlines – asking questions and explaining your methods/thoughts

• Light touch vs. heavier touch with edits

• Style guide (using it as a “common ground” resource)

• Being curious and thinking critically

• Building trust over time

• Career paths for editors

The panel created a tipsheet that covers some tips on how to break into technical editing as a career. See that here.

Thank you to our participating panelists and companies — Anchor QEA, Floyd Snider, and McAuliffe Technical Editing Services