This research project is focused on communicating research to public audiences. Using a qualitative approach, students in the First Year Research Experience [FYRE] program conducted interviews with faculty researchers to explore the different methods they use to communicate their own research to public audiences in multiple venues. The interviews typically concluded with the researcher talking about any opportunities Miami University has provided to further their communication skills and any advice they would give to their peers.
After all the interviews had been conducted, they were transcribed and manually coded for themes. We then used these themes to construct research narratives that capture the overall experiences of our participants. Within these overarching themes, many different strategies emerged in regard to communicating research with general audiences.These included knowing when to use jargon, utilizing Powerpoint presentations to assist with communicating, and that practice plays a pivotal role in the development of communication skills. A potential next step moving forward would be using this research to design programming to help develop communication skills within the university. This research has been relevant for our careers moving forward as it has opened our eyes to the different ways of communicating with others and has helped us to learn about the diversity of ongoing research at Miami.
Authors: Erica Kruszewski, Alex Knauer, Evan James, Madison Michael
Faculty Advisor: Joyce Fernandes, Biology
Graduate Student Advisor: Ally Tamez, Educational Leadership
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