OOS 20 - Exploring Public Engagement as a Transformative Force in Ecological Research

Organizer(s)

• SG

  Sarah Garlick

  Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, United States

Co-Organizer(s)

• MD

  Marty Downs

  University of California, Santa Barbara
  Santa Barbara, California, United States

Moderator(s)

• SG

  Sarah Garlick

  Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, United States

What is the potential for inclusive, evidence-based public engagement to transform the role of ecological research programs within society? In this session, experts from different types of institutions and career tracks will share perspectives on the research and practice of public engagement with science. We define public engagement with science broadly, as an umbrella concept that encompasses the activities that scientists and scientific organizations undertake to communicate and engage with community members, stakeholders, and decision-makers. This session will focus on practical approaches to advancing public engagement within ecological research programs, as well as forward-looking ideas about the impacts of equitable, asset-based engagement on scientific research, environmental policy, natural resource management, and STEM learning.

Presentations:

• 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM EDT

  Strategic engagement planning and DEI at the Kellogg Biological Station Long Term Ecological Research site
  

  Presenting Author: Nameer R. Baker – Kellogg Biological Station LTER, Michigan State University

  Co-author: Elizabeth Schultheis – Michigan State University

  Co-author: Julie Doll – Michigan Agriculture Advancement
• 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM EDT

  Scientists' engagement beliefs and behaviors: Insights from a social scientist about paths forward for improving public engagement with science
  

  Presenting Author: John Belsey – Michigan State University
• 4:00 PM – 4:15 PM EDT

  Re-imagining research, education, and land management at Harvard Forest to center Indigenous community values
  

  Presenting Author: Danielle Ignace – The University of British Columbia

  Co-Author: Nia Holley – Nipmuc Nation

  Co-Author: Meghan MacLean – University of Massachusetts Amherst

  Co-Author: Clarisse Hart – Harvard Forest

  Co-Author: Santiago Alvarado – Rhode Island School of Design

  Co-Author: Rachel Carethers – Wellesley College
• 4:15 PM – 4:30 PM EDT

  Uplifting Young Voices of Science for environmental policy and social change
  

  Presenting Author: Anthea Lavalee – Hubbard Brook Research Foundation
• 4:30 PM – 4:45 PM EDT

  Insights from the #InclusiveSciComm movement
  

  Presenting Author: Alex Moore – University of British Columbia
• 4:45 PM – 5:00 PM EDT

  A student's perspective on participating in high-profile policy engagement activities in the northeastern U.S.
  

  Presenting Author: Catalina Mejia – Cornell University