I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Writing Studies at the University of Minnesota studying technical communication, the rhetoric of science, and the public understanding of science.  My dissertation, "Science in the Science Museum: Representing Science for the Public," explores public representations of science through a cross-case analysis of three exhibits developed at the Science Museum of Minnesota: Race: Are we so different?, Mysteries of Çatalhöyük, and Disease Detectives.  Underlying my interest in the public understanding of science is a desire to grasp how institutions like museums use their exhibits to present a rich social, historical, and political representation of science without at the same undermining the public's confidence in science.  With the continuing battle over evolution and the confusion surrounding many health studies, preparing the public to negotiate these developing and politically charged issues is necessary, and the museum is one powerful site where these ideas continue to be explored.  I also incorporate these interests into my first-year and technical communication courses.  Click here to download my curriculum vitae.

Department of Writing Studies
180 Wesbrook Hall
77 Pleasant St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Email: gschneider [at] gmail [dot] com