Study the story behind the science in Paris

Science and scientists are part of a living, breathing world, and the straightforward discoveries that are presented in textbooks often have remarkable backstories.

In Paris, France, UD's Christopher Trimby, assistant professor of biological sciences, teaches a course that explores a specific scientific discovery, or set of discoveries, and the events that shaped them.

The current discovery being used is that of Jean-Baptiste Denis and the first blood transfusions in humans, which Trimby uses as a way to "explore the science of the cardiovascular system and the historical, political, religious and downright petty ego-based events (including murder!) that shaped his work (and the work of his competitors)." This approach could easily be translated to other scientific discoveries in other locations, and Trimby hopes to start exploring some of those in future study abroad trips.

This historic understanding can also help his students draw parallels to modern times - and to the political, religious and broader communications contexts that shape scientific progress.

"With current public and political discourse around a wide-range of scientific topics, from climate change, impacts of pollution and vaccination (to name a few) it is easy to see how societal preferences can influence the science being done," Trimby said.

Here, Trimby shares more about his experiences teaching overseas.