press releases
Energy Institute hires communications director
July 2008
ANN ARBOR, Mich.
 |
Sue Nichols |
A veteran science communicator has been named marketing and communications director of the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute at the U-M.
Sue Nichols comes to lead the communications effort that supports the broad spectrum of energy research at the university; a topic she says is among the most critical science issues facing the world today.
“Thoughtful science that taps into vast intellectual, institutional and financial resources is our greatest hope to finding answers to our state’s, nation’s and world’s energy challenges,” Nichols said. “I believe that at every step, it’s crucial that the public, legislators and industry leaders have a ready means to learn about this work, and I’m excited to work with the University of Michigan to share these many science stories.”
Nichols came to the institute from Michigan State University, where she was the senior science writer. While there, she led initiatives to increase the public’s understanding of science and research in topics ranging from biofuels, environmental issues and science’s role in international development.
She also has organized and given symposiums nationally on communicators’ roles in promoting international science.
Prior to working in higher education, Nichols was a newspaper reporter and editor.
She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and on the National Science Foundation Public Information Officer Advisory Board.
Nichols holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from MSU.
