Texas Tech University

Natasha Strydhorst Unsworth

Doctoral Candidate
Graduate Program

Email: Natasha.Strydhorst@ttu.edu

Research: Science literacy, health science (e.g., COVID-19) communication, environmental science communication. 

Office:
 717 

B.A.: Calvin University (Writing, Environmental Studies)
M.Sc.: Boston University (Science Journalism)

CV

Natasha Strydhorst Unsworth

Biography

Natasha is from Calgary, Alberta (Canada), where she grew up hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and generally enjoying the outdoors and/or reading. She developed an interest in science writing during her undergraduate studies at Calvin University that brought her to Boston University to study science journalism, Yale University to practice the craft, and Texas Tech University to study the intersection of scientific research and communication practice.

Research

Natasha is interested in the intersection of science and communication, where the discoveries and innovations of scientific fields are made relevant for diverse audiences. She's especially interested in the topic of science literacy, and how to develop and assess the efficacy of communication for communities with little scientific exposure.

Research Areas

  • Science Literacy
  • Health Science (e.g., COVID-19) Communication
  • Environmental Science Communication
  • Journalism
  • Uncertainty communication

Research Methods

  • In-depth interviews
  • Focus groups
  • Survey/experiment

Publications

  • Charting cognition: Mapping public understanding of COVID-19. Strydhorst, N. & Landrum, A. R. Public Understanding of Science, 31(5). doi: 10.1177/09636625221078462 

Teaching Focus

  • MCOM 1300 (Foundations of Media and Communication)
  • MCOM 3380 (Research Methods in Media and Communication)
  • JOUR 2300 (Principles of Journalism)

Leadership & Awards

  • Texas Tech University Doctoral Dissertation Completion Fellowship (2023-2024)
  • Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Fellowship (2023)
  • Texas Tech University Distinguished Graduate Student Assistantship (2020-2023)