Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science
Training students and scientists in accurate and engaging forms of science communication.
The Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., Project for Visualizing Science is an initiative to prepare students, professionals, and scientists to present science in visual, creative forms. Through curriculum, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities, students learn to communicate science effectively and combat misinformation while building and enhancing their skills for science storytelling.
Science has a communication problem. Misinformation and pseudoscience are having profound impacts on everything from vaccine acceptance to climate change. Researchers often struggle to communicate their work with the public. Engaging, fact-based science communication can improve scientific literacy, engage the public in scientific discourse, and inspire action.
In this class, students untangle complex stories of scientific discovery to tell dynamic, human-centered narratives that connect with broad audiences. Course activities apply students’ growing skills in multimedia journalism to enhance science reporting, utilizing new and evolving storytelling mediums. Work produced in class has the potential to be published on the Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science website or in other relevant media outlets.
Instructor: Jennifer Kent
Learn the foundational principles of ethical data visualization to develop persuasive, data-driven design solutions. This class introduces students to designing narrative- driven data visualizations to engage non-expert audiences, as well as ethics and storytelling in data visualizations.
Instructor: Jennifer Kent
Learn techniques and strategies for using numerical data for investigative and explanatory journalism.
Instructor: Ran Duan, Ph.D.
An introduction to the field of environmental, science, health and risk communication. Class discussions will draw theoretical and conceptual considerations from fields such as environmental sociology, social psychology, visual communication, and risk perception. Topics include, for example, social constructions of environmental issues, environmental discourses in popular culture, scientific uncertainty, pseudoscience and misinformation, technology and system failures and health emergencies.
Instructor: Ran Duan, Ph.D.
This interdisciplinary course is meant for students in STEM disciplines hoping to improve their science communication. Learn how to tell engaging stories about complex science, including communicating about climate change challenges and solutions. Improve your journalistic writing skills to craft effective stories to share research findings.
Instructors: John Cushman, Jennifer Kent
Hitchcock Project students get hands-on, real-world experience in reporting on science and the environment through internship and practicum experiences, including KUNR Public Radio. Our Science and Environment reporter works directly with the KUNR news team to pitch, report, and produce compelling stories for radio. Several of the KUNR interns have gone on to hold permanent positions at KUNR and other NPR statitions after graduating.
Read recent news about the Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science.
Students Ai Ana Richmond and Katrina Perce hosted Ward on the podcast
Venture into Lassen Volcanic National Park with Nevada scientists Philipp Ruprecht and Jakob Scheel | Una expedición al Parque Nacional Volcánico Lassen con los científicos Philipp Ruprecht y Jakob Scheel de la Universidad de Nevada, Reno
鈥淥logies鈥 was named one of the top Time Magazine鈥檚 top 50 podcasts
Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science student Katrina Perce interviews filmmaker Page Buono and "The Ice Cream Scientist" Maya Warren
Reynolds School of Journalism student Kat Fulwider traveled alongside the Orvis School of Nursing, including a surprise layover in Shanghai
Biochemistry doctoral graduate Elizabeth Walsh was selected as a 2024 AAAS Mass Media Fellow. Here she shares her experiences in the Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science and advice for scientists interested in science communication.
Students from the Reynolds School of Journalism immersed themselves in a weeklong adventure at La Selva Research Station
Journalism student brings science to local airwaves through KUNR-Hitchcock Project internship
Meet journalism alumna Hannah Truby (鈥23), editorial coordinator for the Mountain Gazette
Reynolds School alumna Brooke Hess returns to campus to share her film, The Grand Salmon, with the University community
Published originally by the Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science, this animation explores the science behind concussions and the work of the 91风鸣鸟唱's Neuromechanics Lab
Published originally by the Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science, this photo essay chronicles the Davis Fire that sparked in Washoe Valley in September
Vanesa de la Cruz Pavas awarded CASW Fellowship to attend the ScienceWriters2024 conference
The Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science inspires Douglas Collins to conduct TikTok interview series
University leaders, programs and businesses recognized as top contributors to Northern Nevada鈥檚 technological community at NCET Dragonfly Energy Technology Awards
Students Zoe Malen, Madison Lloyd and Sophia Holm placed in the multimedia and audio categories
Student participants join researchers to support international conservation efforts
Journalism professor Ran Duan discusses fear, risk, and the finite pool of worry
Professor Michael P. Branch shares five tips for better science communication
The Reynolds School of Journalism鈥檚 Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science created an in-depth, multimedia StoryMap on water clarity in the lake
Brooke Hess is combining her love of science and writing for The Grand Salmon Project
Reporters produce more day-to-day coverage about coronavirus and its impact locally
Learn about the faculty and student accomplishments this past semester.
Expert panelists discuss issues that come with communicating science during the Hitchcock Project panel
School of Journalism holds launch event for the Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science Oct. 21
Reynolds School offers one-credit course to students as part of The Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science.
Masterson will work with the Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science to launch a podcast and online magazine.