After years in science and education, Rolando Negron stepped into a new role as Acquisitions Editor at UF/IFAS and quickly recognized a challenge: connecting research with the public. To bridge this gap, he joined the Center’s Science Communication Course. Equipped with new strategies, Negron now transforms complex scientific insights into accessible resources, from technical guides to children’s books.
For Rolando Negron, science communication isn’t just about sharing research; it’s about making research accessible to those who can benefit from it. As Acquisitions Editor at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Negron works with faculty to develop publications that range from technical guides to children’s books, crafted to turn complex science into formats people can connect with.
“In this role, I’ve learned the importance of strategic communication,” said Negron, who joined UF/IFAS after years as a scientist and educator. “The science communication course gave me the tools to make science relatable without oversimplifying it.” Before IFAS, he communicated directly with students and parents in education settings. Now, his actors include everyone from seasoned researchers to curious community members.
The science communication course gave me the tools to make science relatable without oversimplifying it.
Rolando Negron
A major part of Negron’s role is raising awareness among UF faculty about the free publishing services UF/IFAS offers. “Many faculty members don’t realize they can publish their work for free, aside from the cost of printing,” he said. By informing researchers about these resources, he’s helping them expand their reach beyond academia.
Negron turned to the Center’s Science Communication Course to boost engagement and measure the effectiveness of his outreach. “Before the course, I didn’t think communication could be strategic or measurable,” he said. The course introduced him to analytics and tracking tools, which he quickly applied to the bookstore’s newsletters. He noticed that the initial newsletters didn’t perform well, so he revised the content to be more story-driven, giving people a reason to click, read, and interact.
“Once I made it more engaging, I saw a noticeable increase in clicks and interaction,” Negron said. Feedback from actors has since helped him refine his approach and better understand what resonates with different groups.
Negron’s experience highlights an essential insight for science communicators: understanding your actors is everything. His work at UF/IFAS spans a diverse range of groups, from young students in 4-H to retirees in the Master Gardener program. “Each group has unique interests,” he said, explaining that reaching them means tailoring content specifically for each actor. It’s a strategy he developed through the course and is now central to his work.
Reflecting on his journey, Negron noted a lesson from the course that guides him daily. “You need to know who you’re speaking to and what you want to achieve.” This approach has transformed his publications from mere informational resources to meaningful connections with people.
Negron’s story is a testament to the power of strategic communication in bridging the gap between research and public understanding. By making complex information accessible and actionable, he’s showing how science can step beyond academia and engage with the world—one publication at a time.
Rolando Negron turned insights into impact with tools from our Science Communication Course. Want to learn how to craft messages that matter? Check out our upcoming courses and take the next step in public interest communications. Explore available courses and start making your impact.
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