About the Program

Prepare Strong Science Communicators

Sharing fact-based science through modern media is of utmost importance in an era where information is delivered in soundbites and people use social media for news. Students with knowledge and communications experience in science, technology, engineering, and math are needed in the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences.

To address this need, students in the Science Influencers program gain relevant scientific knowledge and professional communications experience through structured research and extension activities and learn to share evidence-based information across multiple media platforms, including social media networks, blogs, and vlogs.

The yearlong Science Influencer experience includes:

• Science communications course
• Interaction with basic, applied, and social/behavioral science mentors
• Ongoing activities to develop technical and leadership skills
• Paid summer internship
• Spring retreat and fall communications symposium
• One elective outreach experience

Funded Project Objectives

• Offer yearlong program to increase undergraduates’ applied knowledge and competencies to communicate about agricultural- and science-related issues.
• Form an advisory board to serve as mentors, role models, and advocates for undergraduates.
• Instill students with effective and influential communications skills through planned experiential activities.
• Develop a Science Influencers program model to influence positively public opinion of agriculture and science issues and shape national conversations about science.