Nic Bennett, Ph.D. (they/them) is the 2026–28 Alda Civic Science Fellow at the Alan Alda Center
for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University. They are a civic science researcher,
facilitator, and organizer who builds the relationships and infrastructure that help
scientists and communities work together to shape a more democratic future.
Nic’s research examines how identity, culture, relationships, and trust shape communication between science and society. They previously worked as an NSF-funded postdoctoral researcher with the SciComm Identities Project at Michigan State University, where they studied science communication and developed professional learning experiences for scientists. They are also the founder of Science in Solidarity, an organizing hub that helps science workers build community, develop leadership, and take collective action.
As an Alda Civic Science Fellow, Nic will work at the intersection of research and practice to explore how science communication can contribute to civic life. This means going beyond sharing information to build the relationships and collective capacity people need to shape science together. Nic holds a Ph.D. in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Texas at Austin.
Nic’s research examines how identity, culture, relationships, and trust shape communication between science and society. They previously worked as an NSF-funded postdoctoral researcher with the SciComm Identities Project at Michigan State University, where they studied science communication and developed professional learning experiences for scientists. They are also the founder of Science in Solidarity, an organizing hub that helps science workers build community, develop leadership, and take collective action.
As an Alda Civic Science Fellow, Nic will work at the intersection of research and practice to explore how science communication can contribute to civic life. This means going beyond sharing information to build the relationships and collective capacity people need to shape science together. Nic holds a Ph.D. in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Texas at Austin.