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Media Training

Understanding the media: A starter guide for scientists

This course covers the basics scientists need to know about media engagement.

Scientists: Connect with SciLine

What are SciLine Media Trainings?

SciLine has facilitated thousands of interactions between scientists and journalists, always with the goal of adding research-backed evidence and context to news stories. We know that “the media” can seem like a black box to scientists and that speaking to reporters can be confusing or even intimidating.

This free, virtual, one-hour course—designed specifically for media-curious scientists with little or no media experience—teaches the basics scientists need to know as they consider dipping their toes or diving deeper into media engagement. We provide an overview of the U.S. news landscape, including the different types of media outlets and reporters a scientist might encounter (and what each is looking for), professional similarities and differences between journalists and scientists, and the risks and benefits of participating in interviews.

The course is led by Ph.D. neuroscientist Tori Espensen, with participation by former investigative journalist Haley Rush (CBS News). Attendees will learn what makes a science story newsworthy, how to become more “findable” by journalists, and key concepts and etiquette norms to know when speaking to a reporter.

Can’t make this session? We will be scheduling more dates for this course early next year! 

Tori Espensen

Training director
she/her

Tori leads SciLine’s training programs, which help both scientists and journalists learn to work better together to bring accurate, engaging scientific evidence to general audiences through news stories. Her role includes developing curricula, facilitating workshops and webinars, and finding creative ways to make teaching science and communication skills dynamic and interactive. Tori’s Ph.D. in biological psychopathology and postdoctoral fellowship in psychiatry, both from the University of Minnesota, allow her to connect with the scientists she trains and share her deep understanding of scientific skills and concepts with journalists.

Haley Rush

Content manager, TV News

Haley is a seasoned broadcast journalist with experience in newsrooms across the country. At SciLine, she leads editorial efforts designed for television news by pitching, producing, writing, and editing content for broadcast journalists. She also helps journalists on deadline connect with scientists through its Expert Matching service. Previously, Haley worked as a local television reporter in Oregon, New Mexico, and Louisiana. Most recently, she was an investigative producer for CBS News and Stations, focusing on environmental stories at both the local and network levels. She has a B.A. in broadcast journalism from the University of North Texas, with a minor in political science.

More Understanding the Media sessions will be scheduled in the future. Scientists, you can sign up here to be alerted when the next training is scheduled and to join SciLine’s network of scientists.

Past sessions were held on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, December 16, 2025
  • Tuesday, March 4, 2025
  • Monday, November 18, 2024
  • Wednesday, August 21, 2024
  • Tuesday, May 21, 2024
  • Thursday, February 22, 2024
  • Tuesday, December 5, 2023
  • Thursday, September 14, 2023
  • Monday, June 5, 2023
  • Wednesday, March 15, 2023
  • Thursday, September 8, 2022
  • Thursday, June 2, 2022