Gina Eosco (Ph.D. student)
Gina graduated from Cornell University in 2008 with an Master of Science degree in Communication. She is pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma (also in Communication).
Gina's research interests include the application of risk, science, and visual communication theories to weather, climate, and natural hazards, as well as the intersection between science communication and action (i.e., policy decisions, evacuation decisions, etc.) Her thesis is part of a larger goal focusing on scientific translation through visuals - that is, looking at how the scientific objective of a graphic may or may not translate to public understanding. In particular, her thesis uses hurricane track graphics as a case study to see how forecasters prioritize and convey weather information for visuals. Her next steps include how the public interprets these graphics, followed by an analysis of the forecasters’ objectives compared to the public understanding.
Her other research includes newspaper use of scientific uncertainty and preparedness frames while covering seasonal hurricane forecasts. She is also involved in a project sponsored by the Dept. of Communication and the Center for Life Science Enterprise that focuses on scientists’ engagement with the public.
Eosco, G., & Hooke, W.H. (2006, June). Coping with hurricanes: It's not just about the emergency response. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 87(6), 751-753.
Eosco, G. (2009). Toward a simple science: Comparing popular visual and verbal science messages in meteorology. Paper presented at: International Communication Association (ICA) Annual Meeting. Chicago, Ill.
Eosco, G., Halpern, M., & Scherer, C. (2008). Visual literacy and complex science: Implications for risk communication. Paper presented at: Society for Risk Analysis Annual Meeting. Boston, MA. ** Top 5 Poster Award **
Eosco, G.M. (2007). Cyclones, cones and confusion: A forecaster's perspective. Paper presented at: Society for Risk Analysis Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX.
Eosco, G. (2007). The whirling media coverage of season hurricane forecasts: A closer look at media framing of scientific uncertainty and preparedness. Paper presented at 2007 Conference on Communication and the Environment. Chicago, Ill.
B.S. in Environmental Science & Policy (2003, University of Maryland)
M.S. in Communication (2008, Cornell University)
Ph.D. in Communication (expected 2012, University of Oklahoma)