Groovin' with Science: Berlin's Cognitive Psychologist Wins 'Dance Your PhD'
Scientist Berliner Triumphs in Dance Competition for Scholars - Scientist Berliner emerges victorious in a dance competition for academic enthusiasts.
Hey there! Let's talk about Manisha Biswas, a cognitive psychologist who's making waves in the science world... and on the dance floor! In a video lasting just under nine minutes, she jives through Berlin's Gleisdreieck Park, rides the U2, and struts her stuff in a fictional club—all while explaining complex theories of identity formation and self-perception.
This jaw-dropping performance earned her first place in the renowned Science magazine's "Dance Your PhD" competition in the social sciences category. The prize? A cool $750! Biswas is no stranger to the Humboldt University's graduate school, a hub of academic excellence in Berlin, or to the pulsating rhythms of techno beats—which she ingeniously used to propel her dance and her message.
"When I tried explaining my PhD topic to my friends, they couldn't wrap their heads around it," Biswas chuckles. "I wanted to make science accessible to everyone, so I decided to take a swing at the 'Dance Your PhD' competition."
With the help of pals, Biswas organized the shoot and enlisted volunteer dancers, DJs, and a director to bring her vision to life. The club scene was filmed in a friend's basement, and despite her lack of formal dance training, Biswas was able to convince three professional dancers to join her. "I had to learn the choreography steps from the dancers, but it was all worth it," she says with a smile.
Biswas has already defended her 200-page PhD thesis. Next up? A field study in a club to investigate the synchronization of heartbeats between DJs and club-goers. "It's going to be a wild ride!" she exclaims, already planning her next move.
Berlin, teeming with innovation and culture, is part of Biswas's journey. The U2, a symbol of the city's vibrant spirit, and its techno beats, synonymous with its nightlife, may have played a role in Biswas's success. Science Magazine recognized her creative and captivating approach to presenting complex psychological theories, and she continues to inspire others to see science in a new, groovy light.
In keeping with her mission to make science accessible, Manisha Biswas plans to conduct a field study in a club to investigate the synchronization of heartbeats between DJs and club-goers, showcasing the connection between health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and community policy, mirroring the pulsating rhythms of Berlin's club scene. With her innovative approach in presenting complex psychological theories, Manisha Biswas continues to set dance and science policies, fueled by her passion for cognitive psychology and love for Germany's rich cultural fabric.
