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Kelp Lab

Our lab focuses on researching and developing methods for science communication education. The field of science communication (or “SciComm”) is growing, as scientists begin to recognize the need to co-create solutions to socioscientific issues with diverse groups. However, the nuances of SciComm have yet to be fully deciphered. For instance, how should scientists communicate about the uncertainties inherent in their data? How should we train STEM students at various levels – undergraduate, graduate, medical, etc – in the skills necessary to communicate about science in an inclusive manner with diverse audiences? And how can we facilitate the participation of non-scientists in conversations about science? The Kelp lab aims to provide answers to these and other questions in the field.

research project

Investigation of Best Practices for Communication of Scientific Uncertainty

In collaboration with Gaya Sivakumar in Journalism & Media Communications and Jessica Witt in the Psychology, the Kelp Lab is analyzing how scientists communicate about scientific uncertainty, and how non-scientists respond, during emerging scientific issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

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

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

Kelp NC, Hubbard BN. (2021). Scaffolded curriculum for developing science communication skills in life science undergraduates. Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education, 22(1):1-9. PMID: 33584945. DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.v22i1.2255

Kelp NC, Burgess B, Chandnani A, Amberg GC, Reimer CM, DeGroote MA, Brandenburg S. (2021). Use of a Mock Week as a novel tool for evaluating and implementing reformed medical curriculum at a nascent branch campus. Journal of Regional Medical Campuses, 4(1):1-7. DOI: 10.24926/jrmc.v4i1.3457

People

Nicole Kelp, Ph.D.

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

Shelby Cagle

Graduate Research Assistant

Amanda Crawford

Masters in Public Health Student