L to R: Kayla Braggs, Lauri Baker and Dorcas Sunday
This conference provides opportunities to connect with researchers, students and community leaders who are dedicated to enhancing rural communities. The main goal of the conference is to raise awareness of challenges that face rural areas.
During the symposium, agricultural education and communication graduate students, Dorcas Sunday and Kayla Braggs, presented their research on bird flu (H5N1).
Sunday presented her findings on science communication and trust during Avian Flu outbreaks, highlighting how effective communication can encourage healthier behaviors and build confidence in the agricultural food system.
The conference was “inspiring” Sunday, said. “It emphasized the importance of considering rural communities during research design and exploring how our recommendations can impact them.”
Dorcas Sunday,
agricultural education and communication student
Braggs presented findings from the PIE Center’s ongoing H5N1 coordination group, highlighting how information regarding bird flu (H5N1) was shared and discussed on TikTok throughout the most recent outbreak in 2022.
Kayla Braggs,
agricultural education and communication student
In addition to presenting their research, Sunday and Braggs also served as judges for the Rural Scholars poster session. “I was able to see firsthand how this research has direct impacts on the communities we are trying to serve,” said Braggs.
For more information on bird flu (H5N1) visit, piecenter.com/resources/bird-flu.
