New multilayered AEC study addresses need for ag communication research
By: Norman Martin
Laura Fischer, an assistant professor within Texas Tech Universitys Department of Agricultural
Education & Communications, is part of a multi-university research team set to receive
a $296,000 grant from the USDAs National Institute of Food & Agriculture (NIFA) aimed at developing and implementing curriculum to enhance undergraduate research
opportunities in agricultural communications.
“This project will fill a critical need in agricultural communications and social
science research,” Fischer said. “Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with industry and
undergraduate students to find solutions to solve challenges in agriculture and natural
resources using research and communication techniques.”
Titled “Creating Curriculum to Instill a Research Skillset in Agricultural Communication Undergraduate Students,” the research team includes Cara Lawson, an assistant professor within The Ohio State Universitys Department of Agricultural Communication, Education & Leadership, and Joy Rumble, an associate professor within The Ohio State Universitys Department of Agricultural Communication, Education & Leadership. Lawson is a doctoral graduate of the Department of Agricultural Education & Communications (2020).
“This project is designed to enhance undergraduate research opportunities which enrich and expand undergraduate education,” said Darren Hudson, Davis College Interim Associate Dean for Research and the Larry Combest Endowed Chair for Agricultural Competitiveness. “Expanding those opportunities is an important priority for Davis College. We have excellent students, and we would like to see them become more engaged in research.”
“The multi-institutional nature of this grant is a great sign for Dr. Fischer and the AEC department” he said. “Researchers from around the country are looking to the Texas Tech AEC department to be leaders in research, and these types of projects are great opportunities for Texas Tech faculty to contribute to research with national scope and impact.”
The studys goal is to address the need for the development of resources for teaching necessary research skills for science communication at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The project will lead to the development of an undergraduate research mentorship toolkit, including lesson plans, fact sheets and webinars, for the benefit of agricultural communications faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students across the nation.
One of the studys primary objectives is the creation of an undergraduate curriculum for conducting reliable social science research for students interested in agricultural communication and social science. This curriculum will seek to partner undergraduate students with agricultural science and natural resources industry collaborators to find solutions to pressing industry-wide challenges.
Fischer is an expert in the strategic communication of agricultural science information. Strategic communication is a dynamic approach that emphasizes understanding audience perceptions toward topics and developing key messages that are tailored to the needs of an audience. Her line of inquiry examines how individuals form opinions about agricultural sciences, and the types of messages that can be used to inform and educate the public about agricultural science and natural resources.
Prior to joining the Texas Tech faculty in 2021, she served as an assistant professor with the University of Kentuckys Department of Integrated Strategic Communication. Fischer received her doctorate in agricultural communications from Texas Tech, and her masters in agricultural education and communications and bachelors in animal science, both from the University of Florida.
CONTACT: Scott Burris, Chair, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-8689 or scott.burris@ttu.edu
1218NM23
Davis College NewsCenter
-
Address
P.O. Box 42123, Lubbock, Texas 79409-2123, Dean's Office Location:Goddard Building, Room 108 -
Phone
(806)742-2808 -
Email
kris.allen@ttu.edu