Dear College of Science Faculty and Staff,
Over the break I received my RSV vaccination (a protein vaccine). I needed to sleep a lot the next day, but I’m thrilled to have more protection against winter illnesses. If you have not, please do get your Flu vaccine (targeting four Flu strains this year, identified through a complex global process) and COVID (mRNA) shots – there’s an uptick across the country and we’re fortunate to have these vaccines available. Related, the Dean’s Office always has masks upfront, so come by and help yourself!
The honesty of the BuzzFeed commentary gives much to consider. Particularly, what do people in general need to know about science? We use lots of technology without understanding – your iPhone, my new boiler, the car. People who do understand get great jobs designing or repairing and take stress off us when whatever it is stops working. I think Biology is different because it’s about you in the most intimate sense. What does someone need to know about mRNA? Or protein? The more the better, in my view. When you’re prescribed a medicine, having some sense of how it acts is useful. How does your body work? Your digestive system, your brain, your muscles? What’s a cell and what’s inside one? What’s DNA, and how does this relate to your genes? What is mRNA and what’s a protein? I’ve been asked whether proteins are alive. Does it matter that you understand no, proteins are non-living outputs of living cells – components that help cells work? I think it does - how Life works is incredibly interesting and personally useful in the deepest sense.
In the College of Science, we are tackling bringing science to non-scientists. Everyone - faculty, staff, postdocs and students can play a role of explaining what you understand about science to people who may not know, and who may find science scary. You may find yourself teaching your neighbor, your family member, your community, often one person at a time, some fascinating, important aspects of science research – quantum, black holes, plastics, climate change, sustainable energy, medicine development, addiction, Alzheimer’s, on and on. One great College of Science program for Boston Public School (BPS) students has long been pioneered by the Math department as Bridge to Calculus. This is now extending as Bridge to Science including Biology, Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Physics. Our faculty and students partner to enlighten BPS students that science is relevant to everything, including art, photography and robotics, while mentoring students towards possible STEM careers. Outstanding related programs across the College include BioBus, opening the wonder of microscopy; and BEACHES from Marine and Environmental Sciences, promoting success in graduate school application. I am deeply grateful for the crucial work many of you are doing towards our Strategic Plan Goal ‘Open Science to Everyone’. Thank you! for this important work!
I hope you had a refreshing break and are ready to tackle the new semester. Warmest regards to everyone.