Research
How our changing information landscape shapes public understanding of science
The bigger picture
My research aims to build positive, meaningful relationships between scientists and the public, and to promote evidence-based communication that not only deepens public understanding of science but also inspires engagement and interest in it.
- Focus
- How digital spaces and emerging technologies shape the public communication and understanding of science
- Methods
- Survey experiments, surveys, content analysis, and semi-structured interviews
- Background
- Trained as both a chemist and a science journalist, bringing an interdisciplinary lens to the work
- National Science Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant, Decision, Risk and Management Science
- University of Michigan Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship
Strategic science communication
How scientists’ communication choices on social media shape trust and engagement
How can scientists use social media effectively? I test how message strategies, such as sharing personal details, using humor, or presenting themselves in different ways, shape how audiences perceive and engage with scientists. The goal is evidence-based practice that makes science more approachable and transparent.
Modern science outreach: a guide for scientists
Read →What happens when scientists share their failures?
Read →Scientist or influencer: who do people trust for science information?
Read →Should scientists post about their personal lives?
Read →Do scientists’ jokes on social media backfire?
Read →Inclusive participation in science communication
What role does media play in highlighting and supporting different voices in science communication
How do diverse voices shape the conversations about science? My work aims to understand what role media plays in highlighting and amplifying voices from underrepresented communities, and whether these platforms can be used to promote inclusive scientific dialogue and reflect diverse perspectives.
Navigating new media technologies
How new media technologies are changing how scientific information is shared and consumed
The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, and new media technologies are revolutionizing how scientific information is shared and consumed. My research explores how new media technologies can be leveraged to improve the dissemination and reception of scientific, health, and environmental information and improve trust in science.
How social media shapes what we expect from scientists
Read →Stitch, duet, reply: are TikTok’s interactive features making science more participatory?
Read →Performing "the scientist," credibly and authentically
Read →Should scientists post about their personal lives?
Read →Publications
Google Scholar →- In press
Zhang, A. L. (in press). Understanding how exposure to science content on social media shapes normative expectations of scientists’ communication: A social media affordances perspective. Public Understanding of Science.
- 2026
Moses, A., Zhang, A. L., Todorovic, M., Ramakrishna, R., Facciani, M., Eagleman, D. M., Sever, R., Eyre, H. A., Bhamla, S., Moore, J. P., Chapman, S. B., Ramos, K. M., Hayden, E. C., Malenka, R. C., & Rein, B. (2026). Modern science outreach: A guide for scientists. Cell, 189(17), 5174–5181.
- 2026
Li, Y., Zhang, A. L., & Lu, H. (2026). Stitching, dueting, and playing with science on TikTok: An AI-powered multimodal approach to understanding interactive science videos and audience engagement. Computational Communication Research, 8(4), 1–29.
- 2026
Hart, P. S., Feldman, L., Choi, S., & Zhang, A. L. (2026). Unequal risks, unequal responses: Differential effects of emphasizing race vs. class disparities in news stories about climate impacts. Science Communication. Advance online publication.
- 2026
Zhang, A. L. (2026). Performing ‘the scientist,’ credibly and authentically: Understanding how scientists manage their self-presentation on social media. Information, Communication & Society, 29(8), 2353–2373.
- 2025
Zhang, A. L., & Lu, H. (2025). When scientists share struggles: How scientists’ self-presentation can influence public perceptions, support for science, and information seeking intentions. Science Communication, 48(2), 189–216.
- 2024
Zhang, A. L., & Lu, H. (2024). Behind the lab coat: How scientists’ self-disclosure on Twitter influences source perceptions, tweet engagement, and scientific attitudes through social presence. New Media & Society, 26(10), 5784–5801.
- 2023
Hart, P. S., Feldman, L., Choi, S., Zhang, A. L., & Hegland, A. (2023). The influence of flooding imagery and party cues on perceived threat, collective efficacy, and intentions for political action to address climate change. Science Communication, 45(5), 627–664.
- 2023
Zhang, A. L., & Lu, H. (2023). Scientists as influencers: The role of source identity, self-disclosure, and anti-intellectualism in science communication on social media. Social Media + Society, 9(2), 1–16.
- 2022
Zhang, A. L., & Lu, H. (2022). No laughing matter: Exploring the effects of scientists’ humor use on Twitter and the moderating role of superiority. Science Communication, 44(4), 418–445.
- 2022
Hegland, A., Zhang, A. L., Zichettella, B., & Pasek, J. (2022). A partisan pandemic: How COVID-19 was primed for polarization. The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 700(1), 55–72.