Madeline (Maddle) Henrickson, adjunct assistant professor in Integrated Pest Management at Iowa State University, recently shared strategies for incorporating creativity into academic and professional work during a department seminar on September 15th.
Henrickson, who combines STEM communication with her work in IPM education and extension through the Crop Protection Network, discussed how creativity can help researchers, educators and students approach their work in new ways.
A major theme of the seminar was challenging the idea that creativity is separate from science. Henrickson encouraged attendees to reconsider the common statement, “I’m not creative.”
“We were all unapologetically creative at one point. What happened?” she asked.
Henrickson encouraged attendees to give themselves permission to explore ideas, seek new experiences and identify areas that could be improved. She emphasized that creativity does not always require a major project or a large amount of time. Saving ideas, trying new skills and making time for hobbies can help maintain creative thinking.
She also addressed common barriers to creativity, including fear of failure, lack of time and limited funding. Rather than waiting for a perfect idea, Henrickson encouraged attendees to begin creating and improve their work along the way.
“Don’t get too attached to your first version,” she said.
For students and faculty interested in developing their own creative skills, Henrickson highlighted opportunities such as participating in outreach events, learning new skills and dedicating time to activities that are personally meaningful.
“Dedicate time to things that fulfill you. It helps you to continue thinking creatively,” Henrickson said.
Through her work in IPM, STEM communication and extension, Henrickson continues to explore ways to connect science with audiences both inside and outside the university.