Outreach is at the core of Department activities. Most faculty are involved, either by means of formal outreach programs; by evaluating (and improving upon) outreach systems and programming; and/or by engaging with the press, the public, and policy makers.

Faculty in the Department conduct applied research to improve outreach on real-world communication problems in the fields of health, agriculture, environment, risk and other areas of science. We work on organizational structures and networks, communication technology and media. We work with at-risk youth, the elderly, scientists, policymakers, farmers, cancer patients, journalists and the general public.

Department outreach also focuses on specific communication issues: We have projects to improve scientific and technological communication between the University, Cooperative Extension educators, and constituents throughout New York State and beyond. We are developing and implementing strategies to encourage recycling practices among farmers.

We are testing new ways of delivering messages to improve food safety, teenage nutrition, and emergency communications. Our ongoing outreach programs demonstrate our commitment to sustainability within our local community and throughout the world.

Members of our department draw on their communication expertise to conduct trainings within Cornell, the local community, throughout New York State and the world.

Community service topics include media literacy, public speaking and debate, and "how to" communicate risk.

Outreach Mission

Share knowledge and practices to help individuals, groups, organizations, and communities understand communication, communicate, and make use of information to effect positive social change.