From the Editor’s Desk: Science Communication as a Whole

Tabling for SOLE Fest 2025!

Hello Fellow Tar Heels!

My name is Reagan Gulledge, and I am currently serving as the Co-Editor-in-Chief this year along with my amazing partner, Natalie Druffner. This coming May 2026, I will graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science, with a concentration in Water and Climate Change. As I’m navigating my senior year of undergrad at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I have found myself reflecting on the powerful role that science communication has played in my journey and why it’s such an essential skill for all of us.

Flashback to my fall semester of my freshman year: I was a new undergrad eager to find my place within both the university and science community. As an Environmental Science major, I’ve always believed it’s vital for society to understand the world around us and the changes it’s undergoing. That’s where science communication comes in. What began as a fun club to join my freshman year quickly evolved into one of the most valuable and transformative experiences of my college career.

Science communication is the life force of research—the bridge that connects complex knowledge to public understanding. You cannot have one without the other. It's how we make both science and research accessible, relatable, and meaningful to a broad range of audiences. By learning to translate specialized information into clear, engaging narratives, we foster scientific literacy, encourage curiosity, and build public trust in the research shaping our future.

During my time with the Carolina Scientific community, I have gained invaluable skills and forged meaningful connections that continue to shape my academic and professional journey. This organization has helped me grow not only as a writer but also as a collaborator and communicator. Through Carolina Scientific, I’ve had the opportunity to immerse myself into the groundbreaking research happening both here at UNC and across the broader scientific landscape, deepening my appreciation for how discovery drives progress.

The skills I’ve developed through Carolina Scientific have carried over into other areas of my work, particularly in my roles as a Communications Intern for the North Carolina Collaboratory and as a volunteer with the Net Zero Tracker. My experience with Carolina Scientific directly led me to writing articles for the Collaboratory, where I engage with researchers and stakeholders across North Carolina to share their innovative work with wider audiences. As a volunteer for the Net Zero Tracker, I apply sustainability goals, translating complex information about carbon neutrality and net-zero commitments into accessible insights for the public.

My favorite article that I wrote in the Fall 2023 edition of Carolina Scientific!

Science thrives when it’s shared, so I challenge you to embrace science communication and become part of the bridge connecting research to the world around us. From reading and writing articles to sparking curiosity in others, there are endless ways to make an impact, and your journey can begin right here with Carolina Scientific.

Forever and always, go heels!