How to Communicate Facts in the Era of Fake News – SOLD OUT

October 17, 2019
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Metis Data Science
Metis Data Science, West Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL, USA

Scientific literacy remains low among the U.S. adult population, resulting in an ever-growing divide in our society. C2ST wants to change that. This Chicago Ideas Week Lab is all about how to communicate complicated material in digestible chunks that expand understanding and facilitate more productive conversations. Through a series of collaborative exercises and activities, C2ST will demonstrate how good public speaking can elevate the effectiveness of your communication strategies. Bring an engagement initiative unique to your goals and by the end of this Lab you’ll have a fully formed plan for how to articulate your message with success.

Weren’t able to get a ticket before they sold out? Join us online for a live stream of the event here.

Event Details

This Lab is a part of the Chicago Ideas Week.

Thursday, Oct 17, 2019 6:30 – 8:30 PM @ Metis Data Science

Please sign in with security upon entering the building. Snacks and beverages will be available courtesy of the venue.

Tickets go on sale September 10, 2019.

Parking and Transportation

There are some free parking spaces behind the building. There are a number of nearby pay lots and you can pay to park on Van Buren St.

Please use https://www.transitchicago.com/ for public transportation directions.

Notice: As a guest of Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST), you agree to be photographed, videotaped, or filmed and grant C2ST permission to put the finished footage/photography to any uses that it may deem proper including marketing, advertising (print, radio, and television) and PR-related activities.

We are dedicated to providing a professional and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion. Please be respectful of diversity in individuals and in cultures at our events.

Featured Speakers

Katie Ahmed, MA

Katie Ahmed started at C2ST in the fall of 2017 and is currently the Manager of Operations and Communications. She received her B.S. in Psychology from Georgia Southern University and her M.A. in Psychology from Northern Illinois University. Before working at C2ST Katie worked as a psychology instructor at Northern Illinois University and Aurora University. Her main interests are in cognitive and developmental psychology and she became interested in science communication while working with parents and teachers as a practicum student during graduate school.

She loves the Great British Bake Off and hopes one day to be a judge for the Tiramisu World Cup.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-ahmed-6b34a2134/

Krisztina Eleki, PhD

Krisztina Eleki is the Executive Director for the Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST). Before moving to the executive role, she was the Programming Director for the organization developing public outreach programs from 2011 to 2014. Prior to C2ST, Krisztina was the Life Science Curator/Life Science Program Director for the California Science Center in Los Angeles where she designed and oversaw the implementation of life science exhibits and public programs. After earning her Ph.D. in environmental science, she worked as a Research Associate at Iowa State University. During this time, she obtained a Master’s of Public Administration degree reflective of her interest in science in society.

In her current role, Krisztina is focused on advancing and improving C2ST’s operational effectiveness, resource management, and programmatic expansion in the informal education and public outreach arena. She is also an advocate for Women in STEM issues and is passionate about exposing and inspiring girls to STEM education and careers.

Krisztina is a swimming official, loves spelunking around the world, and hopes to one day take her kids to all the national parks across the states.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisztina-eleki-2018/

Mary Madden, MA

Mary started with C2ST in July of 2018 and is currently the Manager of Programs and Grants.
She received her B.A. in Anthropology from Whitman College and her M.A. in Applied Anthropology from Mississippi State University. Mary’s main research focus has been environmental archaeology. While in graduate school, she worked as a Research Assistant in an Environmental Archaeology lab and then spent a year working for the US Forest Service as an archaeologist. During this time, she developed an interest in the intersections of cultural and natural resource management, the implementation of relevant preservation policies, and the capacity building and education required to enact such policies. To explore this interest, Mary spent several seasons working as an archaeological field technician for various Cultural Resource Management firms. She most recently worked in DC for the National Park Service’s Tribal Historic Preservation Program as a Program Specialist, where her work as a liaison between US and Native government bodies sparked her interest in science communication.

Mary is originally from southern California and enjoys various beach activities, playing basketball, and spending time with her dog.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-madden21/

Alexandra "Sasha" Prokuda, PhD

Alexandra “Sasha” Prokuda, PhD, is the Director of Programs and Engagement at the Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST). Before working at C2ST, she was a research and teaching assistant and contributing consultant for the UC Riverside Institute for Development of Education Applications (IDEA Lab). While working on her graduate degree, she volunteered at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, taught an after-school class at a local elementary school, and founded a scientific meet-up group. Before graduate school, Sasha interpreted science for the public all over the US while working with birds, weasels, deer, bears and Giant Redwoods. Sasha holds a Ph.D. in Evolutionary and Behavioral Biology from the University of California, Riverside and a B.S. in Biology from Penn State.

Sasha enjoys trying to train her neurotic tiger hound, playing board games with her friends, and fighting her way to a black belt in Tang Soo Do.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-prokuda/

The Chicago Council on Science and Technology