The document invites students in the RISE program and other science students to participate in a creative writing competition. Participants are asked to write a 2-5 page creative work in any nonfiction or fiction genre based on one of the RISE seminars from the semester. The goal is to inspire students to communicate scientific ideas creatively and make them accessible to broad audiences. Winners will receive a certificate of recognition and can list the award in their CV. The deadline to submit entries by email is May 1st and winners will be announced on May 8th.

1. UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO AT CAYEY
RISE Program
RISE Creative Writing Competition May 2015
Language Skills Component
Introduction
One of our objectives in the RISE Program is to get students to tap into and develop their
creative potential. We know how important it is for a scientist to look at a scientific
problem from many vantage points and through the prism of as many academic disciples as
possible. It is this mental flexibility and fluidity that will help scientists do their science
more creatively and effectively. We also know how important it is for the dissemination of
scientific findings that researchers learn to communicate with a broad audience ranging
from the person on the street to scholars versed in very different disciplines. This
combination of creativity and communicative skill are possible when we train ourselves to
appreciate the underlying principles inherent in all great discoveries. The discovery of
fundamental scientific principles are the triumphs we should all celebrate and want to share
with everyone. If they become the core of creatively written texts, then the general public
will buy into them. In addition, when you practice writing creatively about science you will
develop the ability to make complex ideas alluring and easy to understand. Creative writing
about science is good for the scientist and good for his or her audience. With that said, I
invite you to participate in the RISE Creative Writing Competition of this year. These are
the specification.
Who can participate?
We will include first year RISE students as well as our on campus researchers in this year’s
competition. In addition, any science student interested in participating is welcomed to
join.
What shouldthe creativetext be about?
You will select one out of the three or more RISE Seminars you went to this semester as the
inspiration for creative writing. You will write about the fundamental scientific principle or
principles discovered through the investigation and presented by the Seminar speaker. It is
this triumph or challenge that inspires you and is the coreof yourcreative text.
What literarygenrecan you selectfor yourcreativewritingtext?
You can select any one of the nonfiction or fiction genres listed below. This link includes
definitions of each genre http://genresofliterature.com
Nonfiction:narrative nonfiction,essay, biography
Fiction: drama, poetry,fantasy, humor, science fiction,short story, horror, mystery
Howlongshoulditbe?
It can be 2 to 5 pages double-spaced. Please use font Times New Roman size 12.
When andhowshouldit be submitted?
Please email me the text to elena.gonzalez1@upr.edu. by Friday, May 1th. The winners will
be announced on Friday, May 8 in Room 202 at 2:00 P.M.
What will winnersreceive?
First, second, and third place winners will receive a certificate of recognition and can
include the mention in their curriculum vitae.