Junk Science
Simpson Colloquium 101
“Junk Science” is when unjustified claims are improperly advertised as scientific. For example, have you ever wondered if…wet hair can give you a cold, if chocolate causes acne, if vaccines can lead to autism, or if organic foods are more nutritious? And how much truth there is to the “five-second rule”? We live in a nation that prides itself as a leader in science, but many of us base decisions on anecdotal evidence, inappropriately represented as scientific information. In this class we will investigate “junk science” and other unjustified claims in advertising, medicine, politics, and old wives’ tales. By investigating literature, internet and media resources, and personal experiences, students will learn to evaluate scientific claims to determine whether claims are data-supported or full of junk.
Meet Your Professor
Justin Brown, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Here at Simpson, I teach courses for the Biology, Psychology, and Athletic Training majors. As an undergraduate student, I earned my BS degree in Physiology at UCLA. I then attended Stanford University where I studied the biology of pain perception and earned my PhD in Neurosciences. In 2011 I relocated to Iowa and started my career at Simpson. Here, I am part of the Biology Department and teach several courses, including Introductory Biology, Neuroscience, and Human Anatomy. In class I enjoy teaching with hands on activities such as dissection, and in research I am working with students to study the perception and treatment of pain. Outside of the classroom I enjoy running and the outdoors.
Meet Your Simpson Colloquium Leader
Natasha Shehade
Hello! I’m Natasha Shehade, and will be a sophomore for the 2013-2014 school year. I’ll be your Simpson Colloquium Leader for the course “Junk Science” with Dr. Brown. I’m a huge science nerd, but I also have some pretty redeeming qualities (as long as you don’t insult NASA in my presence). I’m a pop culture junkie, making me an expert on all thingsKardashian. If you ever need a celebrity/trash gossip fix, I’m your gal.
I’m a biology major with a psychology minor here at Simpson. After my undergrad, I plan to go to medical school to get a degree in osteopathic medicine and hopefully become a member of Doctors Without Borders someday.
I’m from the podunk town of Slater, Iowa, and graduated from Ballard High School where I participated in band, color guard, NHS, Knowledge Master’s Open, and speech. Here, I’m involved pretty heavily with the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma where I am the Public Relations Chairman. In the scarce time that I have between classes, Kappa, homework, and my work study job, I like to watch my favorite shows (How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, Workaholics, you know, the good stuff), read, be with friends, and shop.
I’m excited to get the opportunity to be a SCL and help you figure out the ins and outs of Simpson College! I’m here if you need anything and want to make your transition as smooth as it can be. I’m on Facebook, Twitter, and the obvious, email, so you can contact me whichever way you prefer. I can’t wait to meet you all in June
Meet Your Writing Fellow
Kaylee Posey
Hello! My name is Kaylee Posey and I will be your writing fellow for Justin Brown’s SC class! I hail from a house in the country that just so happens to have a Norwalk address, but I graduated from Indianola High School. While attending IHS, I was active in show choir, drama club, orchestra, choir, and basketball. I participated in two speech contests and am an inducted member of the Thespian Society. I am the middle child of three having one older brother and a younger sister and I have many pets, which include two dogs (Ziggy and Joey) and quite a few farm cats. If you wish to know all the cats’ names, don’t hesitate to ask. I also plan on having many other types of pets at some point when I have my own place. That’s something else you can ask me about later. I have a tattoos, piercings, and plan on getting more (tattoos that is, maybe a couple more piercings). Some of my hobbies include: reading, writing, singing, archery, fishing, watching TV, and hanging out with my friends and family.
I am a junior English major with hopes of becoming an editor for a book publishing company and dreams of becoming a published author. I am a member of the Sequel staff, our literature and art magazine here at Simpson, am part of the Simpson Shooting Sports Club, and look to become involved it whatever suits me on campus.
I look forward to meeting all of you and to helping you improve your college writing skills as well as helping you adjust to college life here at Simpson and anything else you may need help with!