Niveen Abi Ghannam

M.S. 2009, American University of Beirut (Environmental Policy Planning); 
B.S. 2007, American University of Beirut (Biology) (Minor in: Political Studies)

E-mail: niveena@mail.utexas.edu

Niveen has multiple research interests that extend across science, politics, and communications. Prior to enrolling in the PhD program, she received a B.S.  in Biology (minor political studies) and M.S. in Environment Science (focusing on Environmental Policy Planning) from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. 

Currently, Niveen's primary research priorities are focused on the role of science and environmental communications in the scientific literacy and involvement of the various constituents in the society. She has been working on various interdisciplinary research projects pertaining to the topic with Dr. LeeAnn Kahlor and Dr. Matthew Eastin in the Department of Advertising. Such projects include: the effects of informal science of education on the public, the attitudes of the public towards scientists, the role of the media in disseminating information about hydraulic fracking, and the view of scientists on disseminating indoor air quality research information. Niveen's long -term research and career goals center around emphasizing the potential of science communications and advertising in bridging the gap between scientists, politicians, and the public.