Hi there! My name is Nancy Coddington and I am the Director of Science Content at WSKG. You might get a kick out of my story because it wasn't my original intention to enter public media with a science degree. However, if there is any throughline here, it's truly my passion for science education that led me to the work I have the privilege of doing today!
Even before entering the public media world I was one of those individuals who wanted to engage those around me with my passion for science. With a degree in biology and environmental science, I set out my post college career to work for a local museum where I implemented numerous educational programs for the community. I learned so many invaluable skills here, like cultivating community partnerships, honing my presentation skills and creating educational content that sparked the "wow" factor for the community. I didn't know it at the time, but these were going to be key as I grew in my career.
After about eight years at the museum, I decided to try something new and stepped foot into the doors of WSKG as the Grant Manager for a wellness project. During this period I developed strong departmental and community relationships, but I also took advantage of some flexibility I had on the side and contributed to content creation for the station. At the time, WSKG did not have a science division, so it took a lot of self advocating and hard work to create a role that didn't yet exist. However, through the buy-in and leadership support, my slow pivot to science content became a full time gig. After about six years the title followed too, and I became the Director of Science Content, Services & Programming.
What I Do:
In public media, we do a great job of educating and sparking curiosity for the things that aren't seen in the everyday. As the Director of Science Content I have this amazing opportunity to do just that with my love for science, media and community. Here at WSKG it is my job to manage the station's distribution of science programming and content for all platforms including radio, digital and broadcast.
There are many aspects that make this role rewarding. The first is that I get paid to be a learner and a creator! I am a researching new discoveries and local news every day, and it lights me up to develop topics into dynamically engaging opportunities for others. That leads me into the next: I truly enjoy educating and creating community. Working in this role has allowed me to develop partnerships with organizations and scientists both locally and around the world. This would include a current partnership with Cornell University where I co-teach an undergrad science communication class which ended being the first collegiate university PBS Student Reporting Lab. Others are simply fun engagement opportunities, like our monthly Science Pub - a community event at a local restaurant to hear guest speakers and eat great food.
However, one of the most meaningful partnerships I facilitate is called SCIGIRLS (produced by Twin Cities Public Television), which is an after school mentorship program for girls interested in the STEM field. Here, we have this rare chance to usher in the next generation of female scientists through curriculum, connecting them with local leaders in various industries, and coaching. It was my dream when I was a little girl to become a marine biologist, but I had so many voices telling me it wasn't logical. This is why I am an advocate for creating programs such as this one. Young, formative minds need to have that supportive empowerment to follow their dreams!
Dreaming About the Future:
I might not be a little girl anymore, but I still dream to grow in this field of media and science communication. Here at WSKG, I'd like to expand the scale and reach of science engagement through our digital content and community partnerships. Why? So that our community can continue to engage in new, meaningful ways. For the long term? Eventually I would like to work on a science series that takes me around the world, diving into exciting and new content combining my love of science and travel.
Words of Wisdom:
This leads me to some words of wisdom for the readers. For those who are interested in pursuing science and media, now is the perfect time because this field is about to experience so much growth. Discovery and advocacy is constantly booming around us and the world needs good communicators to share those ideas. So, stay curious and find new creative ways to engage in the industry! Let your convictions provide the needed confidence to seek out opportunities and don't invest in those outside voices who have smaller goals for your life. This is wisdom that transcends the realm of science communication too.
I've been in public media for about twelve years now, and if there's any career advice I can offer to you, the first thing I would say is to not be afraid to take the risk, because big risks offer big rewards. For me, that risk was to advocate for a job title that didn't even exist! Risk also meant following my gut with the big ideas I had when others tried to make those ideas smaller and more palatable for everyone else. Have the wisdom to graciously decline their input in your life and partner with those who want to work alongside you to make a bigger impact for others. That leads me to my next piece of advice: continue creating good relationships across your station and in your community. When developing this new role at WSKG, it was truly the relationships formed at the station that became my biggest champions for the creation of a science division. We are a small station in upstate New York, but it's through the support and collaborative spirit of WSKG that makes every goal achievable.
Looking to connect with Nancy and learn more about her experience or to obtain additional career advice? Email her today at: ncoddington@wskg.org
