Laura Lindenfeld

Laura Lindenfeld, PhD, is the Dean of the School of Communication and Journalism and Executive Director of the Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University. She is also a Professor of Communication, with research interests spanning science communication, environmental sustainability communication, and stakeholder engagement.

Education:

• PhD in Cultural Studies, University of California, Davis

Research Focus:
Dr. Lindenfeld's work is driven by the belief that better communication leads to more informed societal decisions. Her research emphasizes bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and public action, particularly in the context of environmental sustainability. She explores how scientists can more effectively and persuasively communicate with communities, shareholders, and decision-makers to foster meaningful engagement.

Her scholarly contributions include co-authoring the book Feasting our Eyes: Food, Films, and Cultural Identity in the United States (Columbia University Press, 2016), and publishing in top-tier journals such as Science Communication, Environmental Communication, and Sustainability Science.

Leadership & Impact:
As Dean, she leads a faculty that includes Pulitzer Prize winners, focusing on inclusive and engaged education to address societal challenges. As Executive Director of the Alda Center, she has overseen the training of over 20,000 scientists globally, positioning the Center as a leader in science communication research and practice.