Kelp Lab

The Kelp lab focuses on science communication, with research in the field of science communication education as well as in health communication about infectious diseases. With both groups of projects, we are focused on inclusive science communication and promoting effective and equitable collaborations between groups.

research project

Investigation of Best Practices for Communication of Scientific Uncertainty

In collaboration with communication researchers and science education researchers, the Kelp lab is analyzing how scientists and STEM students communicate about scientific uncertainty and how diverse audiences respond, especially during emerging infectious diseases.

research project

Development of science communication educational activities for diverse students

The Kelp lab is creating educational activities for students at K-12 and higher education levels to learn how to communicate about complex socioscientific issues, with a focus on inclusive science communication. This includes collaborations with instructors across campus, CSU Extension, WiSCI Network, and Poudre School District, and funding from NSF.

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research project

Community-engaged education to address misinformation around pandemic disease

In collaboration with Ashley Anderson in Journalism & Media Communication and other groups, the Kelp lab is engaging with diverse students and community members to understand and address the spread of scientific misinformation.

research project

Improving Health Communication regarding Vector-Borne Diseases

The Kelp lab is collaborating with diverse vector-borne disease researchers to analyze and improve best practices in health communication regarding vector-borne diseases like West Nile Virus.

Publications

Murphy KM, Kelp NC. (2023). Undergraduate STEM students’ science communication skills, science identity, and science self-efficacy influence their motivations and behaviors in STEM community engagement. Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education, accepted and in press.

Vickery R, Murphy K, McMillan R, Alderfer S, Donkoh J, Kelp NC. (2023). Analysis of inclusivity of science communication training being provided to scientists and STEM students. CBE-Life Sciences Education, 22(1). DOI: 10.1187/cbe.22-03-0040

Cagle S, McGrew A, Kelp NC. (2022). The Evolving Role of Veterinarians in Public Education and Communication about Parasites. Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, 69:31-43. DOI: 10.56641/EMYE3776

Kelp NC, Witt J, Sivakumar G. (2021). To vaccinate or not? The role played by uncertainty communication on public understanding and behavior regarding COVID-19. Science Communication. December 2021. DOI: 10.1177/10755470211063628

Pisano A, Crawford A, Huffman H, Graham B, Kelp NC. (2021). Development and validation of a Universal Science Writing Rubric that is applicable to diverse genres of science writing. Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education, 22(3):e00189-21. DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.00189-21

more publications

People

Nicole Kelp
Nicole Kelp, Ph.D.

Lab Principal Investigator (PI)
Assistant Professor
Chair of the Medical Science Content Directors, CU School of Medicine

Shelby Cagle
Shelby Cagle

Graduate Research Assistant

Rachel McMillan headshot.
Rachel McMillan

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Katlyn Murphy headshot.
Katlyn Murphy

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Cheyenne Schad

MPH Research Assistant

Caley Valdez

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Lab Alumni Icon
Lab Alumni

Members of the Kelp Lab, Fall 2021

news and updates view all

November 28, 2022 How to communicate scientific uncertainty

Author Nicole Kelp says, “Uncertainty is complicated for all humans to handle, myself included! It was helpful to consider science communication from this empathic perspective while writing this course.”
June 13, 2022 Raise Your Voice: Three pioneers in science communication tackle climate change, misinformation, and social media

An conversation with Colorado State University’s Ashley Anderson, Melissa Burt, and Nicole Kelp explores the value of diversity, humanity, relationships, trust and the next generation in science communication.
December 13, 2021 9News: CSU creating course to teach future scientists how to fight misinformation

A new course in development for 2023 will bring scientists, communicators, and the community together to counter the spread of scientific misinformation.