Interview with a biology professor

For my interview, I talked to Dr. R, a biology professor. She explained that in the field of biology, writing is a way of passing on information, whether it be in a peer-reviewed journal, or a scientific magazine. It is important, she said, to be able to explain what you’ve found to someone who has no idea what you’re talking about. Unfortunately, these journals always have a word/paragraph cap, and most have strict word rules. Therefore, the biologist with a keen grasp of grammar must be able to pass on information precisely and briefly. No flowery language, and few frills, just straight down to business writing. Dr. R. also said that what most impresses her in a student’s writing is that ability to pass on information. It is the substance of the paper that matters, not the symbolism.

-Jim