Jean Goodwin

Area(s) of Expertise

As part of the Leadership in Public Science cluster at NCSU, my goal is to integrate communication research and education into STEM projects across campus. My own research examines the communication practices citizens who disagree, perhaps deeply, can use to manage controversies. I am particularly interested in the communicative roles scientists can usefully play in civic controversies: the responsibilities they undertake in providing information, synthesizing reports, offering and advice and even advocating. To advance this work, I have done case studies of the communication techniques of noted climate communicators such as Steve Schneider. I have also developed teaching materials that extend science communication education for STEM students beyond its traditional focus on skills development to engage broader questions of communication ethics.