URI_Research _Magazine_Momentum_Spring_2020_Melissa-McCarthy

As a scientist trained in oceanography, Menezes knows these challenges firsthand. She also wears the title of clinical associate professor of environmental communication in the Department of Natural Resources Science, College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS). As a clinical faculty member in CELS, she brings her practical experience in science and environmental communication to URI students, staff, and faculty. “If you know what you are trying to achieve, you can tailor your communication activities toward that goal,” Menezes continues, elaborating about getting scientists to communicate effectively. “Yes, it’s about the language you use, but also about the medium you are using and the people you choose to be the messengers.” Just as most journalists don’t have a background in science, most scientists don’t have a background in communication, Menezes points out. This parallel void sets the stage for misinterpretation and misrepresentation of science, whether intentional or not. Menezes cites active disinformation campaigns both by groups and individuals about a variety of issues, from climate change to vaccines and evolution. These campaigns, she says, run on opinion masquerading as fact. Metcalf works with journalists to help them discern fact from spin and empower them to ask probing questions about the implications of research. Better informed journalists translates into accurate, contextualized news consumed by viewers and readers. “Hopefully, this leads to the goal we have of informed public conversation,” Menezes says. “We don’t want to tell people what to think, but to make sure they have access to accurate information.” At the same time, she adds, the increasing use of the label “fake news” leads to a greater need for researchers to be better communicators. “There is ample evidence in the last 30 years that shows Americans have very high levels of trust in scientists,” Menezes says. “When you dig into specific areas with specific people, the numbers vary, so context matters. But overall, there is a huge degree of trust. “So, when someone has a mantle of credibility around them, as a Ph.D. or similar academic training, for example, we want them to be able to go out and in a very clear, concise, and compelling way, talk about their research.”

Menezes says her dream is for scientists to talk not only about their research, but to be comfortable offering a broader perspective on how research is done and, therefore, give a greater than average level of informed comment on whatever the scientific topic might be. “One of the ways we can address confusion about ‘fake news’ is for scientists to take on more of a role in public advocacy for science,” she says. “Not for a particular outcome or policy, necessarily, but for the research process, for facts.” “There is ample evidence in the last 30 years that shows Americans have very high levels of trust in scientists.” - Sunshine Menezes

Sunshine Menezes Executive Director Metcalf Institute

photo by Nora Lewis

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