From Lab Rats to Leader: Communicating Science in the Museum Setting

Thursday, November 12, 12:00 – 1:00 PM (ET), Zoom
(Connection details will be sent out on the morning of the event) 

Science museums attract over 120 million visitors every year and consistently rank among the most trusted sources of science information in public opinion surveys. Simply put, if you want to communicate science to large, receptive audiences, a science museum is one of the best places to do it. In our November SciComm Lunch-and-Learn, we’ll hear from Dr. Holly Menninger – a scientist and science communicator who is currently the Director of Public Engagement and Science Learning at the Bell Museum in Minneapolis. She’ll share a few stories about how her past sci comm experiences have informed her approach to museum work, particularly now during the time of COVID, and answer your questions about communicating science in the museum setting.

An entomologist by training, Dr. Holly Menninger has been a science communicator by passion and practice for over 20 years. With experience in science policy, natural resource management, media, higher education, and museums, she’s communicated science (or helped others communicate their science) to many different audiences in many different formats and venues. Dr. Menninger is currently the Director of Public Engagement and Science Learning at the Bell Museum, Minnesota’s state natural history museum and part of the University of Minnesota. There she leads the museum’s interpretive efforts, including exhibits, the planetarium, and K-12 and public programs.