Those Uncomfortable Spaces Scientists Navigate: Identity and Communication

There have been numerous occasions when I would have practically talked myself out of doing science. From the discouraging voice telling a young 16-year-old girl that "science and engineering are not for you," to the thirty-something mom who was exhausted by the demands of parenting and doctoral research, the path has not been straightforward and involved several detours.

I didn't grow up in a family that always encouraged me to pursue a career in science or engineering. The imprint shaped me in some way that the identity of a scientist doesn't quite fit, or belong to me. But during my Ph.D., I became fascinated with the craft of science communication, which has changed the way I present myself in science. The process and outcome are not obvious at first, as highlighted by research indicating that science communication serves as a means to shape one's identity more than merely expressing oneself.

Science communication can create a sense of belonging and can influence who benefits from STEM research. — Menezes et al. (2022)

The study, "Minoritized Scientists in the United States: An Identity Perspective to Science Communication," looked at how scientists, particularly marginalized individuals, see themselves and how they believe others perceive them, and consequently, the ways identity and culture influence their communication styles.

Scientists of Color Navigate Diverse Dynamics in Forming Their Identities

The study inquired about how scientists from historically minoritized groups defined their own identities—the interviewees from university faculty revealed themselves mostly as Latino, immigrant, biracial, and woman. These scientists have been practicing science communication in either interpersonal or mediated platforms (social media). The study found, interestingly, that participants demonstrated a joining view of identity, describing multiple facets of their identity.

Before moving to the States, I was always very, very proud to be a Puerto Rican scientist. And then I moved to the States and I felt like I had to choose between being a scientist and being Puerto Rican. I felt like I couldn’t be the two things.

As cultural influences and the specific geographical context of their current surroundings can shape self-identification, the study highlighted that scientists of color frequently experience a process of reconstructing their identities. The dynamic nature of identity can bring about feelings of being "between two different worlds" or facing challenges in embracing various aspects of oneself.

"I Wanted to Be Seen as I Had Always Seen Myself"

Recognizing that scientists of color experience a fluidity and diversity of identity, the study continues to investigate the factors contributing to the varied self-identity among these individuals.

Firstly, relationships can influence their identities. The interviewees described times when they saw themselves differently than how others saw them. Some said that they only started thinking of themselves as part of a minority group after certain interactions where people labeled them in specific ways.

"In my early years, I saw myself like any other classmate. It was only when they pointed out my ethnicity, saying, "You did that because you're Asian," that I started realizing it. I wanted to be recognized as I had always seen myself, just like everyone else."

Furthermore, when there's a misalignment between one's beliefs and their behaviors and actions, one can feel disconnected or inauthentic to themselves. One example can be found in language use, as one interviewee said, “When English is not your first language and you’re about to give a talk and someone starts remarking about your accent right before your talk, it plays on your insecurities."

The third identity gap comes from a lack of community sense. A Mexican American woman, for instance, found it challenging to reconcile her Latin identity with mainstream American values. Participants, including those born in the U.S., faced difficulties in forming a communal identity, often due to concerns about unequal treatment. As one interviewee expressed, "I don’t have a sense of patriotism because I’m very cynical about how this country has treated people differentially in terms of access to education, housing, medical care."

Communication Strategies for Scientists of Color

So, how do scientists deal with identity gaps and feelings of being misunderstood and not heard? They change their ways of communicating.

The study suggested that the key factor shaping communication styles is the misalignment between one's beliefs and actions. Participants often mentioned self-doubt in conversations with others, worrying about their tone and constantly striving to articulate the right things in English because communicating in a non-native language may create a sense of not fully being oneself, leading to the communication outcome of feeling misunderstood.

The interviewees talked about times when they had to adjust their communication style because of the need to be more assertive and "louder," actions often perceived as speaking up more and strategically positioning oneself. One participant mentioned, "One thing that happened quickly was like 'they don't believe me' or 'I don't have the legitimacy.' So, I'm going to assert myself. I'll be a bit more dominant and take a confrontational approach."

Thoughts

I believe that the way you talk to yourself or present yourself to others can define who you are. The motivation and commitment to science communication go beyond merely expressing scientific concepts or turning complexity into simplicity (as many people perceive on the surface); it's equally crucial in shaping one person's identity.

In that sense, I fully acknowledge the study pointing out that elements like culture and language shock (especially for immigrants), names, family, experiences with racism, and motherhood, among others, inform minority scientists's identity in expressing themselves and communicating research.

When I initially got interested in science communication, entering a meeting room focused on discussions about writing, I stood out as a rare Asian face, possibly indicating English as my second language. I felt a bit unsure and intimidated.

Oh. Okay.

Right there.

Pause.

Upon reading the study, I recognized that in my early encounter with science communication, particularly in the idea of writing in my non-native language, I experienced the identity gaps discussed in the study.

One of my primary identity gaps emerged from the relationship aspect—I only noticed my difference when I emphasized my Asian identity in a room mostly occupied by non-Asian individuals. It's quite possible that language served as the primary barrier contributing to this sense of disconnection. (To be fair it's around my second year living abroad, and I must acknowledge that my English was hardly proficient and below average for casual conversations.)

Another aspect that caught my interest, and has been on my mind for years, is the study's note that immigrants considered names as important identity symbols. They use their original sound names as a means to bridge the gap between their personal identity and their identities in STEM. For example, a person identifying as a Mexican woman shared her process of introducing herself by emphasizing her name with a Spanish accent rather than an English one. She expressed frustration, noting that some in her department seemed uncomfortable with the way she pronounced her name.

When they attempted, it would be like, “(my name), right?" You can tell it’s uncomfortable for them.

Before officially starting my Ph.D., I attended several prospect student recruitment events. What struck me was that in almost every school I visited, individuals there—faculty, staff, and visiting students like myself—had little difficulty pronouncing my "original" name—the one not altered too much to fit an English accent. At that point, I had no hesitance in deciding not to make things easier for others by adopting a more pronounceable and familiar traditional English name.

To this day, I'm still not sure about the potential consequences—whether it might result in fewer chances of being remembered, or perhaps it doesn't matter since I would have been long gone from a place where people couldn't be bothered to learn how to pronounce my name properly.

In any case, I believe that differences always exist, whether between individuals or communities and so on. In today's emphasis on inclusion and diversity which seeks to bring people from different backgrounds together and reach an equitable structure, I do want to offer a maybe healthy perspective that I hope can avoid reinforcing differences.

Don't be quick to draw a clear boundary between yourself and everyone else.

If I had chosen to stay away from feeling uncomfortable, such as walking in a room where not many looked like me or sensing the discomfort gesture irradiated from those I interact with, I wouldn't be where I am today.