Graduate Exit Seminar - Emma Hanners

Plan to join Emma Hanners's graduate exit seminar on April 11, 2025, at 2:00 pm in Kottman Hall, Room 333C or via Zoom. Emma will present, "Identifying preferred communication practices for electric energy initiatives: Perspectives from underserved communities in Columbus, OH"

Abstract: One of the solutions to climate change is the use of low carbon or carbon-free energies, and more specifically the electrification of energy used in vehicles/transportation, heating, cooking, etc. Policies and programs are necessary to implement these changes, however, they often do not reach the communities that need them the most – minority and refugee neighborhoods. Even if these communities are consulted on said policies – which they are often not – the results and implementations are not well communicated. This study uncovers the preferred communication practices regarding electrification policies to minority and refugee communities, specifically in Columbus, OH. This is achieved using semi-structured qualitative interviews where participants were asked about their communication preferences – mode/method, the messenger, expertise, etc. 63 of these semi-structured interviews were conducted in minority and refugee populations in Columbus, with a particular focus on Nepali and Somali communities. The results showcase a multitude of communication preferences. The top responses regarding method of communications are social media/internet, mailing services, and email. Furthermore, there was a slight preference for verbal information versus written. The overwhelming preference for the messenger is community members or organizations, with the main reason being trust in said members or organizations. Additionally, the inclusion of experts increases message receptiveness. When asked about ineffective communication strategies, a wide variety of answers were received; however, door-to-door, private companies, and politicians are the top three responses. The present research illustrates how the method and messenger of information about electrification initiative matters and can influence receptiveness to messaging. Having these insights on preferred communication strategies allows for increasing adoption of electrification programs by the communities who need it the most.

Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Jacquet