Traditional scientific writing uses passive voice. Passive voice persists because it sounds objective and scientific, and because change can be threatening. “The cells were treated with . . . .”; “The subjects were followed until December 31 . . . .”. It’s stuffy, and at times difficult to read, and it purposefully distances the reader from the people who did the work.

It’s time to break the fourth wall of science. Be bold. Write in a way that is direct, clear, and transparent, acknowledging that people do science. Write in first person.
It may feel awkward at first, especially if you have been taught to write in passive voice. You might risk butting up a bit against your instructors’ direction. (And of course if this is the case, it is up to you whether to follow directions for a grade, or to take the opportunity to practice strong first-person writing). Luckily, you are living in a time when journals and grant reviewers are largely accepting of first-person writing.

You must first notice if and when you are writing in passive voice. And then flip the sentences around. It’s easy. Say what you did. You may have worked alone, and then your sentences will start with “I”. More often you will be working with others. “We enrolled . . . .”, “We performed a logistic regression . . . .”. “We measured . . . .”. Aim for direct, action-oriented writing that breathes clarity into your publications and the world.