top of page
Research Projects
Building an interdisciplinary field of Undergraduate Science Communication Education Research
Teaching undergraduate science students how to communicate about contentious science topics in a way that reduces conflict is important for the viability of science in the United States. However, research on how to train students is in its infancy. The Science Communication Education Research Network (SCERN) brings together science education researchers, communications researchers, and practitioners to advance research on how to teach undergraduate science students to bridge divides about science.
Instructional Frameworks for Undergraduate Science Communication
Conflict-Reducing Practices in evolution education
Public polarization about culturally controversial science topics requires a scientific workforce that is skilled at communicating with people who may have different views from themselves. We are currently building evaluation instruments, instructional frameworks, and instructional materials needed to advance undergraduate science communication education about culturally controversial science topics.
Oftentimes, when someone rejects evolution, it is because they perceive conflict with their religious culture and beliefs. This perceived conflict can be affirmed in the classroom when mostly secular biologists are teaching evolution to students who are religious. We study how both secular and religious instructors can reduce conflict while teaching evolution.
bottom of page