SciComm Identities Project
Reimagining science communication training by helping scientists communicate with authenticity, confidence, and cultural responsiveness. #
The Opportunity #
Most science communication training teaches researchers how to simplify complex ideas, speak to the media, or engage public audiences.
But these approaches often assume there's a single "right" way to communicate—one that overlooks how scientists' identities, cultures, values, and lived experiences shape both how they communicate and how audiences respond.
The SciComm Identities Project set out to develop a different model for professional development: one that helped scientists communicate with authenticity while recognizing the cultural and institutional contexts that shape science communication. Together, our team designed and tested a new curriculum grounded in intercultural communication, identity, and belonging to better support scientists from marginalized communities.
Our Approach #
As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on a team, I helped design and facilitate workshops that blended evidence-based science communication with participatory learning.
Rather than relying primarily on lectures or presentation practice, our workshops invited participants to reflect, experiment, and learn from one another through storytelling, dialogue, improvisation, and applied theatre.
Each workshop became an opportunity to test new approaches, gather participant feedback, and continually refine the curriculum.
Begin with identity, not messaging #
Many communication trainings begin with techniques.
We began with people.
Participants explored how their identities, values, communities, and experiences shaped the way they approached public engagement. Through storytelling, dialogue, and visual identity mapping, they reflected on how authenticity can strengthen communication rather than undermine scientific credibility.
Learn by practicing #
Instead of only discussing communication strategies, participants actively rehearsed them.
Using improvisation and Theatre of the Oppressed, scientists experimented with responding to challenging situations, navigating power dynamics, listening across difference, and adapting to unexpected conversations.
These embodied activities helped participants build confidence while developing practical communication skills they could immediately apply.
Build learning communities #
The fellowship was designed as more than a series of workshops.
Across immersive trainings and virtual learning sessions, participants developed relationships with one another, shared feedback on communication projects, and experimented with new approaches in a supportive community of practice.
By creating space for reflection, peer learning, and iteration, the program fostered ongoing growth rather than one-time skill development.
Outcomes #
Over three years, the project helped develop and test a culturally responsive science communication curriculum for early-career faculty from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
The fellowship prepared 38 early-career researchers through immersive workshops, virtual learning modules, peer feedback, and communication projects while contributing new evidence about culturally responsive science communication training. The project also produced evaluation approaches, publications, and practical resources that continue to inform science communication educators and trainers.
More personally, this project transformed how I approach facilitation. It reinforced that meaningful professional development isn't simply about transferring knowledge—it's about creating the conditions where people feel safe enough to reflect, experiment, and grow together.
Gallery #
Project Details & Resources #
- SCIP website
- MSU Knight Center workshop feature
- Organizations: Michigan State University Knight Center for Environmental Journalism & University of Rhode Island Metcalf Institute
- Services: Workshop Design • Facilitation • Curriculum Development • Learning Design • Evaluation
Looking for something similar? #
Whether you're redesigning professional development, creating a fellowship, or developing workshops that move beyond one-size-fits-all training, I'd love to help create a learning experience grounded in participation, reflection, and real-world practice.
Continue exploring #
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