Sathvika Ravichandran
Research Mentor(s): Justin Heinze
Mentor Department: Health Behavior and Health Education
Authors:
Session: Session 3 (11:00am – 11:50am)
Presentation Type: Poster 70
Abstract
Firearm injury research is most often distributed only within academic circles and is limited in accessibility to the general public, which impacts the public’s understanding of the topic. This project aims to bridge that gap by translating firearm injury-related research done by University of Michigan faculty into media that is clearer, engaging, and to the point for a general audience. This work uses various translation methods and communication devices to develop the most effective visual and written materials for conveying key information. The project’s outcomes will include an array of communication products designed to make complex research concepts and findings more understandable for non-academic audiences. Additionally, reflections on the process of creating these products, such as trial-and-error, strategies, and eventual lessons learned, will provide essential information on the most effective methods of communicating science topics to others. After creation and review, these materials will be shared with the IDEAS for Preventing Firearm Injuries audience via email and website to maximize their reach and impact. By making firearm injury research more accessible to general audiences, this project contributes to decreasing the gap between academic writing and translational resources that are easily interpretable and accessible to a non-academic audience. This will ultimately lead to an increased fostering of informed conversations on firearm-related issues and awareness of related policies.
