John C. Besley

John C Besley
  • Ellis N. Brandt Chair in Public Relations
  • Advertising and Public Relations

WEBSITE

Website: https://comartsci.msu.edu/our-people/john-c-besley

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Besley studies public opinion about science and scientists' opinions about the public in the context of trying to help science communicators be more strategic. He wants to understand how views about decision-makers and decision processes affect perceptions of science and technology (S&T) with potential health or environmental impacts. This focus includes consideration of both media content about S&T (e.g., newspaper, TV, and web content), as well as S&T-focused face-to-face public engagement activities (e.g., public meetings).

AREA OF EXPERTISE

  • Public perceptions of agricultural biotechnology, energy technologies and nantechnology
  • Journalistic norms related to coverage of public engagement
  • Impact on science communication training