Exploring Creativity and Science: An Interview with Dr. Jaya Viswanathan
Dr. Jaya Viswanathan, an accomplished neuroscientist, engineer, artist, and author, brings a fusion of creativity and science to the literary world with her book “Baby Senses,” a sensory neuroscience primer designed for readers of all ages. In a recent podcast interview, Dr. Viswanathan shared insights into her writing journey, her passion for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education, and her aspirations for making complex scientific concepts both accessible and engaging.
A Blend of Science and Art
Dr. Jaya, with a background in cognitive neuroscience, found her niche in marrying scientific knowledge with visual art. Her brain-inspired illustrations lift “Baby Senses” off the page, making the book a visual adventure as much as a scientific one. Highlighting 16 unique senses beyond the well-known five, the book encourages readers to explore the expansive ways humans interact with the world. Dr. Jaya emphasized her commitment to maintaining the integrity of scientific content while making it palatable for her audience, providing glossaries and references for those eager to delve deeper.
The Self-Publishing Pathway
Choosing to self-publish “Baby Senses,” Dr. Jaya navigated the hybrid publishing route with Archway Publishing. Although responsible for much of the process traditionally reserved for authors, she found the experience rewarding and adapted to wearing multiple hats. From pitching her idea to coordinating various elements of the publishing process, her journey exemplifies determination and innovation in making her dreams a reality.
Adapting to Different Audiences
Dr. Jaya expressed her dedication to reaching diverse neurotypes through multimodal learning approaches. Her work doesn’t end with “Baby Senses.” She envisions extending her catalog with a middle-school-level book and an interactive workbook to further engage readers. Her dedication lies in not only educating but also captivating her audience, ensuring complex ideas are accessible to children and adults alike.
The Supportive Community
Throughout her journey, Dr. Jaya attributed much of her success to her supportive network, including her family, colleagues, and individuals within the academic and artistic communities. She also mentioned the valuable feedback received from the Society for Neuroscience, which helped shape and promote her work to a broader audience.
Navigating Writing and Authorship
Reflecting on the distinction between being a writer and an author, Dr. Jaya highlighted the transition she experienced with her debut book. Aspiring writers often grapple with these identities, but Jaya believes commitment to the book-writing process turns one into an author, despite the initial hurdles of self-doubt and market navigation.
Dr. Jaya offered valuable advice for aspiring authors: read your work aloud to capture rhythm and clarity, especially for children’s books, and stay true to the integrity of your subject, even when simplifying for the public.
Inspiration through Pursuit
Dr. Jaya’s story is more than a book; it’s a narrative of following one’s passions, embracing intersections of art and science, and persevering through the challenges of the publishing world. Her work contributes to showing readers that nonfiction can be as engaging as fiction, inspiring curiosity and wonder through the lens of scientific exploration. As Dr. Jaya continues her journey with future projects, her dedication to making science approachable reinforces her place as a herald of educational innovation and creativity.
Overall, the interview offers an enriching glimpse into the mind of a versatile educator and author committed to making science both approachable and exciting for audiences of all ages.
Get in Touch With the Author
Website: https://babysensesbook.com/about-the-author-of-baby-senses/
Email: babysensesbook@gmail.com
Twitter or X: https://x.com/JayaNeuro
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaya-viswanathan-phd-80575127/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaya_viswanathan/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JayaViswanathan-Neuroscientist/podcasts
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayaviswanathan3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaya.viswanathan
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