Modern online communications tools have revolutionized how people talk to each other and how information spreads. Increasingly, scientists and other experts are using social media and blogs to communicate and share their expertise with the interested public, either as “broader impacts” for a grant or just through a desire to break out of the ivory tower and communicate with our communities. However, while these tools can be powerful, they can have a steep learning curve.

In this 2-session workshop, award-winning public science educator Dr. David Shiffman will introduce you to the world of online public science engagement, using Twitter, Facebook, and blogs to share your expertise (which need not be just in science) with the interested public. We’ll discuss background theories and research and advanced tips and tricks, and there will be guided interactive activities throughout. 

Dr. Shiffman has trained hundreds of scientists and environmental professionals on five continents how to use these tools. While his examples will mostly focus on the world of marine biology and conservation science, the principles are broadly applicable to any technical field. Follow Dr. Shiffman @WhySharksMatter on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.