Day two of my internship is done and I have to say, I’m loving it. What could possibly be better than researching science stories all day?
Catalyst has a staff of about 20 or 25 people to create its weekly half hour program. There are five reporters who present the stories, production people, editors, program coordinators, and of course, researchers. I am working with the researchers to suss out background information that the reporters can then use to film the story. Specifically, I have been asked to research a 5-min story on indoor air quality and to come up with some story ideas on water. The indoor air quality is a piece of cake because I worked on IAQ issues with Alberta Environment so am familiar with the subject matter. Water on the other hand is frustrating. Putting a fresh spin on the crisis is tricky. And then of course, there is figuring out what has already been done…
While I enjoyed my time at Whitehorse Star, I have to say, Catalyst is far better, not because it’s the glamorous world of TV but because, I have always said I wanted to communicate science to people. I wanted to interpret research and make it relevant in people’s lives and that is what I am doing. I am talking to researchers and people in-field to knit together a story that is informative and interesting. Nice to know that what I thought I wanted to do is actually what I enjoy doing.
As for Sydney, it’s great although I have yet to see the sun–I’m starting to think it’s always grey and overcast here. Weather aside, my hostel is three blocks from the ABC building and five blocks from Darling Harbour. I’m a stone’s throw from the Opera House and smack dab in the middle of Chinatown–great for sightseeing, and eating although I’m still not going to try chicken feet.
PS: there is a moth infestation here–they are everywhere. Apparently, they were blown off course while migrating.