Norbert Pienta is a Professor at University of Georgia and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Chemical Education, and one of the Co-Editors of the new, digital-first ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication, coming in 2020. What is your area of research? I was trained as a physical organic chemist and conducted research on photochemistry and photophysics, molten […]
What is your area of research?
I was trained as a physical organic chemist and conducted research on photochemistry and photophysics, molten salt chemistry, and solvent effects for the first 15 years of my career. For the last 25 years, I have conducted chemistry education research.
What was your reason for working on the new ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication?
Writing and communication are essential skills for chemists at any level of education and at any level of expertise or experience. My interest in education also means that these skills need to be implemented in both undergraduate and graduate curricula.
What are you most excited about with the new ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication?
It attempts to be authoritative and complete, a reference for practitioners at every level. Besides, it’s new and updated.
Why is the new ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication so important to their industry?
Communication is essential to all types of scientists and the ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication can serve as a very useful reference, both those still being trained and those who are already practicing chemistry.
What one piece of advice would you give for young chemists?
Work hard. Read often. Practice your writing, presentation, and other communication skills.
Why would someone in the education industry benefit from access to the ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication?
Writing is a skill that is acquired and expanded upon through experience. Everyone benefits from the opportunity to improve their communication skills. The ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication provides a useful resource.