Overview of Scientists: Who Are They? What Do They Do?
A scientist tries to understand how our world (literally the Earth and everything else on and within the Earth) work. Then, can those things be made to work better or safer?
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Scientists use the “Scientific Method” – (1) make observations; (2) conduct extensive research; (3) offer an explanation or theory for what they have observed; and (4) test the theory in a way that can be repeated and possibly disproven.
TYPES OF SCIENTISTS
Some scientists spend most of their time indoors, analyzing data on their computers or in laboratories, looking through microscopes. Others work mostly outdoors, in such different places as farms, food factories, oceans and underground caves.
The following list of types of scientists is not all-inclusive. New sciences are constantly in development – for example, not too many decades ago, there was no such thing as Computer Science because computers had not yet been invented. Food chemists might have existed because food has existed since the days of the proverbial Cave Man but then, no one thought to study food. Yield engineer was not a career until computer chips were invented.
acoustics engineer – studies sound and noise vibration
agronomist – specializes in soil and crops
astronomer – studies outer space, stars, planets and galaxies
biomedical scientist – performs experiments to help develop treatments for diseases like cancer and diabetes. Related science occupations include microgeologists and biomedical engineers.
botanist – studies plants
chemist – studies the identification of the substances of which “matter” is composed; the five main branches of chemistry are:
organic -involves scientific study of carbon-based compounds
inorganic – study of chemistry of materials from non-biologic origins including metals, salts and minerals; used to study and develop catalysts, coatings, fuels, superconductors and drugs
analytical – deals with the qualitative and quantitative determination of chemical components of substances
physical – apply the techniques and theories of physics to the study of chemical systems, including the amount of energy they have
biochemistry – focuses on chemical properties of living things
cytologist – studies cells
data scientist – analyzes science data to solve problems and figure out how to show large amounts of scientific data in an easy to understand, visual format
ecologist – studies ecosystems: a geographic area where plants, animals and other organisms as well as weather and landscape work together to form a bubble of life
environmental engineer – designs solutions to environmental problems like reducing waste, improving recycling, providing access to clean water and zero emissions housing
epidemiologist – studies the spread of diseases
ethnologist – studies animal behavior
food chemist – works in food production plants to study the ingredient lists in foods, altering some to develop new flavors or healthier food
geneticist – studies how physical and/or mental traits are inherited; research may be utilized by physicians to develop disease treatments
geoscientist – studies the composition, structure and processes of the Earth to learn about its past, present and future. Many work for oil, gas or water companies.
hydrologist – studes water systems in the Earth’s crust, measuring properties of water like volume, stream flow, pH and pollution levels, to help solve water problems
industrial hygienist – assesses physical, chemical, biological or environmental hazards present in the workplace or public space that could cause injury or illness and then advises on how to eliminate or minimize the hazard
kinematic and mechanical engineering – kinematics is the study of motion; kinematic engineers are involved in the design, construction, operation and use of robots for industry, agriculture and medical uses
marine biologist – studies life in the oceans and sometimes the oceans themselves; may investigate the behavior and physiological processes of marine species or the diseases and environmental conditions that affect them; may also assess the impacts of human activities on marine life. Job titles include wildlife biologist, zoologist, fish and wildlife biologist, fisheries biologist, aquatic biologist, conservation biologist and biological technician.
materials scientist – uses chemistry to redesign materials like metals, ceramics and rubber to make life better for those using products such as artifical limbs (prosthetics) and sunscreen
oceanographer – studies ocean plants, microbes and animals. Physical oceanographers study ocean temperature, currents and tides. Some are divers.
social scientists – study socieities and the relationships among individuals within those societies. Examples are psychologists (who usually work with people on a one to one basis to help them understand themselves and how to fit in with society); psychiatrists are medical doctors who utilize psychology principles and are licensed to prescribe medication for their patients, when appropriate; industrial psychologists (study and try to improve working conditions) and sociologists (study activities of large populations of people.)
sustainability scientist – help city planners develop and construct buildings and utilities that protect natural resources and use land in an efficient and environmentally preserving way
toxicologist – uses scientific techniques to identify toxins such as asbestos, mold, chemicals like benzene, biological substances and radiation to assess the potential risks and harmful effects to public health
waste management – manages waste disposal, collection and recycling facilities; may be involved in waste treatment
xylogoist – forest scientists who study trees and shrubs; they manage public and private forested lands for business, recreational and conservation purposes
yield engineer – “yield” is the percentage of semiconductor chips that function correctly; yield engineers help increase the percentage of properly functioning chips
zoologist – studies animals and their interactions within their ecosystems; also studies the impact of humans on wildlife and nature habitats
