Scientific research is such an enthralling idea. All of the technology around us that we take for granted was made possible due to tedious research and development. The research that is being done now in private industry as well as in universities all over the world will end up integrated into products that save lives, make our days easier, and protect the future of the environment. For my passion blog, I want to take a look at some current research being done, and see how it may improve our lives in the future. The one thing that I must still determine is the scope that I should adopt.
One possibility, that I am favoring more at the moment, is to focus on current research that is being done here at Penn State. The benefit of this is that it would provide a much more personal feel to the blog (at least for readers here at Penn State) and inspire some sense of pride and ownership for the developments being made here. Because all of the faculty doing the research is right here at University Park, it would also be feasible to actually talk to the professors or students in the labs and get a more intimate view into the research. I particularly like this scope because it would force me to start looking into all of the research that is being done here before I start trying to get into lab work myself.
The other scope that I am considering is world-wide. I would get to cherry-pick the most exciting and promising research and development that is occurring all over the world, which may lead to a more engaging blog. On the down-side, without careful consideration of my composition, it could easily lead to being a technology news type of publication that one could easily find on CNN or the BBC.
Both blogs could be successful and engaging and each has unique pros and cons, but I think I would take more enjoyment out of writing about what is happening right outside my dorm. Just focusing on Penn State would also create a much more unique experience for the readers and show just why Penn State is one of the best research universities in the country.
I find your idea about focusing on research at Penn State really interesting. There are so many amazing projects being done by our peers and professors that I would be excited to learn about. Being a music major, I don't usually hear very much about breakthroughs occurring in labs so I would definitely watch for your blog each week to learn about new research and I think other students would find it engaging as well.
ReplyDeleteI find your idea about focusing on research at Penn State really interesting. There are so many amazing projects being done by our peers and professors that I would be excited to learn about. Being a music major, I don't usually hear very much about breakthroughs occurring in labs so I would definitely watch for your blog each week to learn about new research and I think other students would find it engaging as well.
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea to focus on technological advancements Penn State. Your point about it hitting close to home is true- it would be cool to see what our community is doing. Also, you'd have a lot of information to use by utilizing the professors here who, I'm sure, are more than happy to share their work with curious students.
ReplyDeleteI think you have some fantastic ideas! I do agree that basing your blog on the Penn State level will make for a more personal interaction with the readers. I'm assuming we have a fair number of students in this class that are at least interested in doing their own research at some point here, so it could be both interesting and beneficial for that reason. I think the global approach would be easier, as there would be a wider range of information to pull from, but I think it would be less engaging for this select audience. You already seem to feel this way, so good luck in making your decision!
ReplyDeleteWhile I think a world-wide approach would be very interesting, it may be a lot to handle. I think the Penn State approach will be easier to manage and will help the reader relate more to the topic that you are discussing. If you are able to talk to the individuals on campus who are actually working on this research, I think it will really add to your blog and convey a more personal feeling to your readers.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with you that focusing on Penn State research is probably a better topic. If you focused on world-wide research, beyond becoming a publication similar to CNN or the BBC, you would end up just regurgitating what they are saying. However, that doesn't mean that focusing on world-wide research is impossible, there are plenty of blogs that manage to do so; for instance, check out some of the blogs hosted by Scientific American. You would just have to put in the work to go beyond mainstream news and search out more obscure research. I do think the Penn State focused blog would be naturally more engaging as it would also involve your story investigating the research. The determining factors, as I see it, are what sort of work are you more willing to be doing and how engaging you can make your blogs.
ReplyDeleteJohn, both topics would be perfectly viable for this assignment, and you've articulated the benefits and limitations of each approach realistically. That being said, you really can't go wrong here. You'll have plenty to discuss with both approaches, whether it's a local flavor or global feel.
ReplyDeleteGood luck deciding!