Science Advocacy 101 taught students and faculty tools to effectively communicate about science while representing underrepresented communities on the West Valley campus on Wednesday. The interactive workshop was hosted by the Union of Concerned Scientists, a national nonprofit.
Attendees learned about advocacy and highlighted real-world examples of how advocates can make an impact. Tosin Fadeyi, a senior organizer at UCS, said the union planned the event at ASU because it is a "minority-serving institution."
"When we put these trainings together, what we kept in mind was representation and access," Fadeyi said.
During the workshop, Fadeyi discussed the disproportionate negative impacts of environmental issues on underrepresented communities. She also emphasized how those communities advocate for themselves.
Fadeyi said experience is expertise and that lived experience can offer insight into issues that data alone can't reveal.
"One of the biggest misconceptions about advocacy is that it's reserved just for those schools with big titles, but expertise isn't about credentials alone, it's also about connection and context," Fadeyi said.
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Rebecca Lopez, a freshman studying environmental justice, said she attended the event because she was drawn to speaking up for environmental issues and underrepresented communities. She emphasized the need to address mining and waterway damage within the state of Arizona.
"As easy as it is to stay quiet, that's not going to get us anywhere," Lopez said. "It does have scale when we all come together and we empathize with one another and we put our voices to something that matters."
Lopez said the workshop gave her an opportunity to learn how to support the issues she's passionate about, and she added everyone's experience and perspective are important to consider.
The workshop also focused on science communication skills and their role in advocacy. Ceci Nakamura, a senior organizer at UCS, said scientific professions require the ability to distribute and interpret data in an accessible manner.
"People can't fight for what they don't understand," Nakamura said.
Nakamura said there has been a misconception within the STEM community that if scientists present data, the right decisions will be made. She added that as a result, young people are increasingly interested in the advocacy space related to scientific policy.
Nicole Lee, a professor in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences who helped coordinate the collaboration with UCS, said she wants University students and faculty to recognize and responsibly use their voices to amplify scientific research.
"You don't necessarily need to be a scientist to talk about scientific topics," Lee said. "We're all affected by these different things in our day-to-day lives."
Students at ASU can use several outlets to begin advocacy, including joining clubs, signing petitions and hosting events. Additionally, ASU is launching bachelor's and master's degree programs in science communication in Fall 2026.
"ASU is a research institution, and we have a lot of students and faculty that are engaged in amazing science, and they want to advocate for that science," Lee said. "It's truly core to what ASU does."
Edited by Kate Gore, Senna James, Emilio Alvarado and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at ajanusee@asu.edu and follow @lexijanusee on X.
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Lexi Janusee is in her first semester with the State Press. She is a freshman studying Journalism and Mass Communications with a minor in Theatre. Lexi also works for Blaze Radio, and is an on-air host for Open Mic.
