Research

My research examines how both experts and non-experts view and engage with emerging and controversial areas of science, with the aim of improving and informing science communication practices for a variety of publics and decision-makers. My research can be organized into three primary areas: (1) perceptions of emerging and controversial science, (2) scientific uncertainty, and (3) engagement with science.

As a mixed-methods social scientist, I value using both qualitative and quantitative approaches to answer my research questions across each of these three areas. Explore examples of my research below and see a full list of publications on Google Scholar, ORCiD, or ResearchGate.

Emerging and Controversial Science

  • Greussing et al., (2025). Exploring temporal and cross-national patterns: The use of generative AI in science-related information retrieval across seven countries. Journal of Science Communication.
  • Greussing et al., (2025). The perception and use of generative AI for science-related information search: Insights from a cross-national study. Public Understanding of Science.
  • Beets, et al., (2023). Surveying public perceptions of artificial intelligence in health care in the United States: Systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research.
  • Krause et al., (2023). Collateral damage from debunking mRNA vaccine misinformation. Vaccine. Read a summary in SciComm Bites.
  • Howell, et al., (2020). What do we (not) know about global views of human gene editing? Insights and blind spots in the CRISPR era. The CRISPR Journal.

Scientific Uncertainty and Risk Communication

  • Beets et al., (2025). A mixed-methods study of public understanding of scientific uncertainty. Science Communication. Read a summary in SciComm Bites.
  • Krause et al., (2020). Fact-checking as risk communication: The multi-layered risk of misinformation in times of COVID-19. Journal of Risk Research.

Public Engagement with Science

  • Beets et al., (2025). University scientists’ willingness to participate in public engagement: A concept explication. PLOS ONE.
  • Calice et al., (2023). A triangulated approach for understanding scientists’ perceptions of public engagement with science. Public Understanding of Science.
  • Calice et al., (2022). Public engagement: Faculty lived experiences and perspectives underscore barriers and a changing culture in academia. PLOS ONE. Read a summary in SciComm Bites.
  • Bao et al., (2022). How institutional factors at US land-grant universities impact scientists’ public scholarship. Public Understanding of Science.