Heather Akin

Dr. Heather Akin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her work focuses on the social and psychological dynamics of public attitudes toward science, agriculture, and environmental issues, with particular emphasis on strategic communication and misinformation correction. She teaches courses including ALEC 136, ALEC 207, and ALEC 388.

• PhD in Mass Communications from University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Howard Deshong Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center (2015-2017)

Dr. Akin's research explores:

• Cross-cultural public opinion dynamics
• Science communication strategies
• Trust in scientific institutions
• Climate change perception
• Genetically engineered crops
• Rural community well-being

Recent publications focus on AI climate attribution, science populism, crisis communication, and rural policy perceptions. She collaborates with Extension professionals to enhance science communication outreach.

Scientific awards include:

• Fulbright Teaching Fellowship in Indonesia

Her teaching emphasizes ethics and strategic communication in agricultural and environmental sciences. Dr. Akin serves as a bridge between academic research and public understanding in science-critical domains.