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. The Kelp lab is also a part of the Rockies and High Plains Vector-borne Diseases Center, a regional training and evaluation center funded by the CDC.
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
Examination of Public Perceptions of Microbes and Microbiomes in the United States Reveals Insights for Science Communication.
Kokkinias K, Pruneski K, Wrighton K, Kelp NC*. (2024). Examination of Public Perceptions of Microbes and Microbiomes in the United States Reveals Insights for Science Communication. Plos One, Plos One, 19(10): e0312427. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312427
Development of a Scale to Measure Planned Behavior in Inclusive Science Communication: Validity Evidence in Undergraduate STEM Students.
Worthington D, Graham B, Gilliard H, Kelp NC*. (2024). Development of a Scale to Measure Planned Behavior in Inclusive Science Communication: Validity Evidence in Undergraduate STEM Students. CBE-Life Sciences Education, 23:ar48. DOI: 10.1187/cbe.24-01-0012
Stop the Spread: Empowering Students to Address Misinformation through Community-Engaged, Interdisciplinary Science Communication Training
Cagle S, Anderson A, Kelp NC. (2024). Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 1-35.
The Social Ecology of Health Beliefs and Misinformation Framework: Examining the impact of misinformation on vaccine uptake through individual and sociological factors.
Enyinnaya J, Anderson A, Kelp NC, Long M, Duncan CG. (2024). Vaccine, 42(3):455-463. DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.001
All STEM students should learn inclusive science communication.
Kelp NC, Anderson A, Enyinnaya J. (2024). Nature Human Behaviour, 8:1232–1235.
more publications
People
Nicole Kelp, Ph.D.
Lab Principal Investigator [PI]
Assistant Professor
Chair of the Medical Science Content Directors, CU School of Medicine
Josh Hill
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Members of the Kelp Lab, Spring 2025
