Platelets

So, I just got back from donating platelets at our local blood donation center.  This actually always makes me feel ill for awhile afterward - the anti-clotting factor doesn't really agree with me.  For one thing, it acts as a calcium blocker, which means that I feel all tingly until things return to normal.. Also, I feel nauseous - also I am sure from the anti-clotting.

On a positive note, today was my one gallon donation day.  Given the nature of this semester however, I think it will be a span before I hit that two gallon mark.  This is a little too bad, because in September they have a new Sooner shirt coming out.

Currently, I am using this time to recover without taking my usual several-hour post donation nap.  I have a committee meeting tomorrow and I feel there are a few things I need to strengthen.  One of those things is the interdisciplinary nature of being a Deadly Ninja of Science Communication.

Granted, this is not the actual proposed title of my degree, although a rebel nerd part of me really wishes I had the courage to go ahead with this degree name.  While it would be awesome, it does not, however, have the professional ring to it that I think will actually land me a successful position in my future career.

For now however, let me elucidate the nature of Deadly Ninja-hood.

As a Deadly Ninja of Science Communication, I am at heart, a scientist.  I have been extensively trained in the natural sciences and it is nature that quickens my pulse.  Were I communicating anything else, I would be less excited.

However, my love of biological sciences is not one that can be contained, and as such, I want to "shout it from the highest hills and even tell those crazy daffodils" (this is from a Righteous Brothers song).  Thus, I must understand basic principles of communication that will allow me to describe my passion to non-scientists in ways they will understand and be convinced as to how exciting and useful is science.

One of the primary means of communication in the realm of science is writing.  Thus, I must have a decent grasp of rhetoric in general as well as demonstrate proficiency in technical, discipline-specific writing forms.  Being able to communicate and write personally, I feel, is not enough.  I wish to become a Ninja Master so that I may create a Ninja Army.  Thus, principles of education come into play.  This is also helpful in creating outreach programs that actually make a difference.

Finally, one cannot transform the present without understanding the past.  Thus, principles of History of Science are essential to being a balanced Ninja.  We're not the first ones to think of this communicating science to laypersons thing, you know.

Now I just need to write this so my committee will agree wholeheartedly!