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. 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
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

Julia Hilliard headshot
Julia Hilliard, M.S., M.P.H.

Graduate Research Assistant

Delaney Worthington Headshot
Delaney Worthington, M.S.

Graduate Research Assistant

Jackson Patrick

MPH Research Assistant

Foram Raval
Foram Raval

MPH Research Assistant

Juliette Dashe

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hannah Gilliard
Hannah Gilliard

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Jessica Gray
Jessica Gray

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Trevor Hale
Trevor Hale

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Josh Hill Headshot
Josh Hill

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Members of the Kelp Lab, Fall 2024

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