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  • About
    • About the Center for Public Interest Communications
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      • frank gathering
      • The Research Prize in Public Interest Communications
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    • Job: Center Research Assistant
  • SOLUTIONS
    • Beyond Raising Awareness
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Posts by author

Matt Sheehan

56 posts

When the Science Stops at the Shoreline: Sharing Research on Florida’s Red Tide

florida beach
Florida’s harmful algal blooms are a known problem. They kill marine life, close beaches, cost the tourism industry millions, and generate outrage on social media. What they don’t generate —… Continue Reading When the Science Stops at the Shoreline: Sharing Research on Florida’s Red Tide
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Most Americans Support Freedom of Information. Almost None Have Ever Used It.

New research from UF’s Brechner Project and Center for Public Interest Communications examines public attitudes, institutional trust, and what happens when FOI restrictions become personal Americans strongly support the right… Continue Reading Most Americans Support Freedom of Information. Almost None Have Ever Used It.
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October 2025 nationwide survey sheds light on Americans’ increasing worry about housing affordability

In the lead-up to the 2025 election and launch of the 2026 midterms, perceptions of affordability of housing in the United States were highly negative. Nearly 3 in 4 Americans… Continue Reading October 2025 nationwide survey sheds light on Americans’ increasing worry about housing affordability
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  • 3 min

Staff professional development via ‘drip’ training integrated in Slack

The Challenge Creating a strong culture of learning and professional development within your workplace increases morale, reduces turnover and generates higher productivity. However, most busy professionals don’t find time for… Continue Reading Staff professional development via ‘drip’ training integrated in Slack
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2025 ‘Real Good Census’ Reveals a Strategically Vital Field with Strong Rewards, Marking Significant Growth

Public Interest Communications Comes of Age The Center for Public Interest Communications at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications released its 2025 “Real Good Census.” This inaugural… Continue Reading 2025 ‘Real Good Census’ Reveals a Strategically Vital Field with Strong Rewards, Marking Significant Growth
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‘Wicked Problems’: Challenges That Defy Easy Solutions

Ever feel like some problems are just… impossible? You try to define them, and the definition shifts. You work on a solution, and new issues emerge. You’re not alone. In… Continue Reading ‘Wicked Problems’: Challenges That Defy Easy Solutions
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Philanthropy's New Voice: Building Trust with Deeper Stories and Clear Language
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  • 2 min

Philanthropy’s Messaging Creates Confusion. Telling Better Stories Can Build Trust

The Council on Foundations and the Center for Public Interest Communications today announced the release of Philanthropy’s New Voice, the largest study ever of narratives in philanthropy. The report, resulting… Continue Reading Philanthropy’s Messaging Creates Confusion. Telling Better Stories Can Build Trust
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Beyond raising awareness: How to create lasting change

Earn an Essentials in Public Interest Communications badge and credential. (Cohorts open for fall 2025.)
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Strategic Communications Academy for UF Leaders & Scholars

The 2025 academy will be offered in person on the main UF campus. (Sessions monthly from April 17 to September 25, 2025)
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Teresa Gonzales and Nicole Bronzan
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  • 3 min

Paper exploring local discursive frames of poverty and race wins 2023 research prize

Teresa Gonzales, Ph.D., Elizabeth M. Thissell and Soumitra Thorat take home $10,000 Hon Prize in Public Interest Communications Research Researchers using ethnographic research in a small Midwestern town exploring discursive frames… Continue Reading Paper exploring local discursive frames of poverty and race wins 2023 research prize
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