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Getting to the Heart of Science Communication

Faith Kearns, PhD, Science Communication Practitioner, California Institute for Water Resources

Website | @frkearns

A 21st century guide to communicating science on emotional and contentious topics

Abstract

From droughts to fires to climate change, many issues that scientists and science communicators work on are highly emotional, often contentious, and sometimes traumatizing, with high stakes for practitioners — who are often in precarious positions — and communities alike. Relating, listening, working with conflict, and understanding trauma, all with an eye toward justice, are key tools in the 21st century science communication toolkit. Using examples from her own and other’s work, Dr. Kearns will also share tips on navigating sometimes difficult discussions.

Related links:

• Getting to the Heart of Science Communication, Faith Kearns, 2021

Speaker Bio

Dr. Faith Kearns is a scientist and science communication practitioner who focuses primarily on water, wildfire, and climate change in the western United States. Her work has been published in New Republic, On Being, Bay Nature, and more. Her recent book “Getting to the Heart of Science Communication” (Island Press) walks readers through the evolution of science communication and how emotional and high-stakes issues have shaped the field, as well as offers a new toolkit for practitioners: listening, working with conflict, and understanding trauma, loss, and healing, all with an eye toward justice and community care. Kearns holds an undergraduate environmental science degree from Northern Arizona University, and a doctorate in environmental science, policy, and management from the University of California, Berkeley.

GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Jen Baltzegar and Sumit Dhole, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. As conditions allow, colloquium will be held in-person in Poe 202, as well as live-streamed via Zoom (at least January will be 100% virtual). Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and Twitter for updates .