Emily L. Howell
Science Communication & Civic Science Research
Filmmaker, researcher, and educator
Science Communication & Civic Science Research
Filmmaker, researcher, and educator
I'm a researcher focused on connecting research and practice to figure out how we can better communicate, collaborate, and make decisions on science- and risk-related issues in society and our everyday lives. My work uses a "civic science" approach, looking at how we can have create stronger connections between diverse viewpoints and values in science and civic life to have better research and more representative decision-making.
The goal is to improve our understanding of complex issues we face -- whether that's COVID-19 or future pandemics, emerging technologies in artificial intelligence or biotech, our energy systems, or other shared challenges -- and be able to build solutions that include and benefit all of us. This includes research and research-practice partnerships on we can overcome polarization and improve representation of different, and often disagreeing, viewpoints in decision-making.
From curious beginner to professional researcher - here's how I got here
Grade: 3.73
Thesis on Fracking and Polarization in the U.S.: The Complicating Role of Values and Perceived Knowledge for Understanding Public Perceptions of Hydraulic Fracturing.
Activities and societies: Research group on Science, Media, and the Public (Scimep) with the Department of Life Sciences Communication
Led the research and practice work of the Civic Science Fellows program, which brings together interdisciplinary research and practice on addressing societal challenges through civic science.
Conducted research with the UW Life Sciences Communication Department on public and scientists' perceptions of controversial science and on effective public engagement.
Coordinated and developed learning programs for the Civic Science Fellows, bringing together interdisciplinary research and practice on addressing societal challenges through civic science.
Coordinated and developed learning programs for the Civic Science Fellows, bringing together interdisciplinary research and practice on addressing societal challenges through civic science.
Coordinated and developed learning programs for the Civic Science Fellows, bringing together interdisciplinary research and practice on addressing societal challenges through civic science.
Coordinated and developed learning programs for the Civic Science Fellows, bringing together interdisciplinary research and practice on addressing societal challenges through civic science.
I'm working with filmmakers at the production company Science Communication Lab to figure out how storytelling and showing how science actually works (the very human nature of science) can make for more interesting and engaging science films. I also collaborate with the Civic Science Fellows program designing their learning curriculum to connect interdisciplinary research and practice on addressing societal challenges.
In collaboration with filmmakers at the Science Communication Lab, I am developing an iterative research process in film production to experiment with ways of communicating complex science and social issues with diverse audiences. Some key questions include: what are the impacts of storytelling and emotion on perceptions and interest in science-related topics? How can we better convey the nature of science -- or how science actually works -- in stories about science? What happens when people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives are the ones telling the stories?
Since Civic Science Fellows Program began in 2019, I've been helping build the learning program, which brings together topics and experts from practice and research across science and civic life: journalism, policy making, scientific research, community engagement, advocacy, religious organizations, philanthropies, and many others. In addition to creating opportunities for learning across the many different topics Civic Science Fellows work in, the learning program also focuses on creating relationships between people working in these many different sectors to support future collaboration and innovation.
After heading the work for three years, I'm now supporting development of a sustainable structure and ways of sharing the insights and resources more widely beyond the fellowship. This work is funded by and involves partnering with the Rita Allen Foundation and Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, in collaboration with the Kavli Foundation, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
Ready to bring your ideas to life? Let's start a conversation
I'm always excited to work on new projects and collaborate with amazing people. Whether you have a specific project in mind or just want to explore possibilities, I'd love to hear from you.
Missoula, MT, USA (Open to Remote)
