Classes: Issues in Science Journalism, Mass Communication Theory, Media Ethics, Research & Writing

First year at KU: 2004

Degrees: B.A., journalism, University of Mississippi; M.A., journalism, University of Alabama; Ph.D., Mass Communications, University of Florida

“Teaching should help students develop a tool box of skills. When students can build one skill on top of another, they gain more confidence and a vision of where they’re headed.” — Kristen Swain

By Lindsey Scott, Emporia, Kan., senior

Kristen Alley Swain grew up as a laboratory kid. Her father was a chemistry professor and she spent many hours watching him conduct research in the lab, and conducted a few lab experiments of her own in high school. When she began college at the University of Mississippi, biomedical research was her main interest, but then she discovered she enjoyed writing more. As an undergrad, she explored both literary and journalistic writing and found her calling in magazine journalism.

It wasn’t until she entered graduate school that she found a way to combine her passion for writing with science and health research. Her emphasis in both these fields sets her apart from other faculty members in the J-School, and she adds a new teaching and research element to the school.

"I have a specific interest in science and health communication. This is a new and growing field, and more programs are being developed to help educate the public about research advances. Journalists can help close the gap between the researchers and the public,” Swain said.

Swain’s early projects focused on adapting AIDS prevention models for different cultures. She currently is focusing on topics that are more scientific than medical, including how the media has covered stem cell research, environmental justice, and the anthrax scare after Sept. 11. She hopes to help journalists understand the complexities of hot topics in science and medicine. Swain recently conducted bioterrorism preparedness research for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"I hope to help the Journalism School link with other programs on campus. Scientists often don’t trust journalists, while journalists don’t understand scientists. Creating links between departments could help us better understand how the two groups could work together more effectively,” Swain said.

Swain is an experienced professor, which she says was an easy career choice because both her parents and grandparents were teachers and because she was surrounded by professors and academic culture most of her life. She has taught at the University of Alabama, University of Florida, Texas A&M University, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She also headed the Science Journalism Center at University of South Florida St. Petersburg.

Her first teaching experience was helping 3 year olds learn to play violin in a Suzuki program at Ole Miss, while she was working on her bachelor’s degree. After working as a newspaper reporter for several years, she taught journalism for the first time at the University of Alabama while working on her master’s degree. She enjoys the academic environment but continues to work on professional projects. She has written for many newspapers and magazines, acted as managing editor for an online newspaper, and produced a civic journalism radio talk show.

At KU, she teaches students at all levels. She teaches research and writing, the first undergraduate writing course, a seminar about issues in science journalism, and a graduate seminar in mass communication theory. In the spring, she also will teach media ethics. She hopes to teach students skills they will use in their professional careers.

"Teaching should help students develop a tool box of skills. When students can build one skill on top of another, they gain more confidence and a vision of where they’re headed,” Swain said.