Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change: Combating misinformation with science, education, and laughter

ABOUT THE TOPIC

Misinformation now spreads like wildfire. From misleading headlines to non-expert influencers and cherry-picking of data it can be like the wild, wild west out there. Marine scientist Ellen Prager and meteorologist Dave Jones recently released a book that combats misinformation, provides accurate science and is laced with humor and engaging storytelling. They answer frequently asked and wacky questions they and colleagues get about the ocean, atmosphere, marine life, weather, coral reefs, and climate change. Ellen and Dave will talk about misinformation, share some of their favorite questions and answers in their book, and discuss the importance of public engagement and coupling research with education, conservation, and management. 

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Ellen Prager, PhD is a marine scientist, aquanaut, Explorers Club Fellow, and author, widely recognized for her expertise and ability to make science understandable and entertaining. She is the chief scientist at StormCenter Communications, was previously the science advisor to Celebrity Cruises in the Galapagos Islands, the former assistant dean at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, has twice lived underwater in an undersea lab, and works with the media as an on-air expert, including on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, Fox News, The Weather Channel, and more. She has published numerous popular science and award-winning children’s books and was a consultant on Disney’s movie Moana. 

Dave Jones is the CEO and founder of StormCenter Communications, spent a decade as an on-air meteorologist for NBC4 in Washington DC, hosts Summits for broadcast meteorologists, leads an award-winning science-based production team, has tens of thousands of followers on his YouTube Channel, and created GeoCollaborate, a patented technology that allows synchronous sharing of geospatial data across platforms to improve situational awareness and decision-making.