Nominations open for UK-CARES Faculty Fellows in Science Communication

 The University of Kentucky Center for Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences (UK-CARES) is taking nominations for the fourth cohort of Faculty Fellows in Science Communication.

The eight-month coaching program provides faculty with skills training for communicating science to a broad audience, leading to enhanced ability for outreach and success in research, teaching and service.

“Being able to communicate science to various audiences is a skill. Science communication is especially important when building trust and prompting action with audiences outside academia. Evaluations with past fellows show improved confidence in communicating science with various audiences. We are excited to launch our fourth cohort and continue to support faculty in developing the skills necessary to disseminate their important work,” said Stacy Stanifer, Ph.D., co-leader of the UK-CARES Community Engagement Core, an assistant professor in the UK College of Nursing and member of the BREATHE team.

Faculty from UK or any other educational institutions including universities, community and technical colleges, or high schools (public or private) serving the Big Sandy, Kentucky River or Cumberland Valley area of southeastern Kentucky with interest in environmental health science and education are eligible to apply.

“I enjoyed the Faculty Fellows Program as it allowed me to engage with environmental health-related faculty and teachers from across campus and the state of Kentucky. I learned to better communicate my science to a broad audience. This led to increased interactions and leadership opportunities with UK-CARES,” said Kevin Pearson, Ph.D., a former fellow, and professor in the College of Medicine’s Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences.

“The program helped me better serve the community by speaking to them in a way that helps them understand the heart of a matter,” said Lovoria Williams, Ph.D., a former fellow, associate professor in the College of Nursing, director of Community Health Advocacy iNterventions Generating Equity (CHANGE) and associate director of Cancer Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the Markey Cancer Center.

Up to 10 Faculty Fellows will be chosen with programming beginning in September 2023. Fellows will take part in seven workshops held on campus and virtually by nationally known trainers in science communication.

First-round nominations are due by June 2, 2023. Apply online here.

Selected nominees will be invited to complete a full application due by July 14, 2023, that includes a video describing their research, experience or interest in science.

Anyone with questions may contact Kelly Kennoy at Kelly.Kennoy@uky.edu or 859-323-4587.