The language we use to communicate difficult topics is critical—one of the many reasons Jade Lin enjoys writing so much. Thinking deeply about words and how ideas are presented lends itself to fostering greater connection with others, new ways of learning, and a better understanding of how we can move toward change. Without this attention to how we communicate ideas, especially science, a lot of information just sits in the void, Lin says.
Jade Lin joins the Global Health Education and Learning Incubator (GHELI) as the new Editorial/Digital Content Assistant, where she’ll work on various projects supporting GHELI’s digital resource repository, including writing and organizing educational materials and assisting with website and digital content. An aspiring science writer, she holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Northeastern University, bringing with her a wealth of writing experience, and a background that spans work in sustainability, environmental resilience, and health equity.
Jade’s entrance into the world of environmental science began early; she recalls the saltwater fish tank filled with tropical fish and coral her father started keeping in their home when she was young. Initially spurred by her older sister’s interest in marine biology, Jade pursued ocean science in high school as something to talk to her sister about – quickly finding a deep interest in the subject. This led her to Northeastern University, where she majored in environmental science, with a focus on marine science.
Her love for writing came later, growing slowly—and separately—over time. It wasn’t until her work at the Global Resilience Institute as part of Northeastern’s co-op program, that she realized she could bridge her two interests: environmental science and writing. At the Global Resilience Institute, she was responsible for writing news stories and creating reports on a range of social and environmental issues—from flooding to natural disaster infrastructure—which deepened her interest in science communication and the art of crafting narratives.
“What I like about writing is that I get to think about words and how topics are presented,” Jade says. In response to what keeps her up at night, Jade mentions climate change. But in addition to that, she ponders a larger question: How do we use the power of words to reach people who may be resistant to our messaging? And perhaps more importantly, how do we make sure to center empathy in the process?
At GHELI, these questions are familiar, as innovative ways to learn about and teach pressing global health topics remain at the forefront of the department’s work. Jade, who is also pursuing her Master’s in Science Writing at Johns Hopkins University, hopes to explore these questions through her studies and work at GHELI, where she continues to think about words and how to best use them—especially when it comes to education. She remains open to figuring it out, and her deep thoughtfulness, desire to be innovative, and unique lens at the intersection of science and communication, make her a powerful addition to the Incubator.
Welcome, Jade!