Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

10-2026

Keywords

Science Communication, Public Engagement with Science, Social Media, Science Outreach, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Citizen Science, Chemistry, STEM Education

Disciplines

Education | Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Abstract

This presentation explores strategies for fostering public appreciation for science through online communication, highlighting initiatives developed by the NSF Center for Computer Assisted Synthesis (C-CAS). Carrie Craig-Barnes discusses the use of social media platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, to communicate scientific research, engage broader audiences, and make complex scientific concepts more accessible.

The presentation examines approaches to science communication through short-form videos, educational content, collaborations with science communicators, and audience engagement strategies. It also introduces an interactive video game project that combines chemistry education, machine learning, and crowdsourced scientific research, allowing participants to contribute to the classification of scientific images.

Drawing on experiences from C-CAS outreach initiatives, the presentation emphasizes the importance of effective science communication in combating misinformation, increasing public engagement, supporting scientific research, and inspiring future generations of scientists.

Comments

Free and open access to this work is made available to the UMass Boston community by ScholarWorks at UMass Boston. Those not on campus and those without a UMass Boston campus username and password may gain access to this work through Interlibrary Loan. If you have a UMass Boston campus username and password and would like to download this work from off-campus, click on the “Off-Campus Users” button.

Community Engaged/Serving

Part of the UMass Boston Community-Engaged Teaching, Research, and Service Series. //scholarworks.umb.edu/engage

Rights

© 2026 Carrie Craig-Barnes

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