Combining Comedy and Research: Engaging Communities Through Humor
Letonia Copeland-Hardin knows the importance of gaining an audience’s trust. As a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago, this is essential when she connects with community members while studying pollutant exposure and cancer risks. Similarly, as a stand-up comedian, she must establish trust each time she performs. Now, she merges her two careers, applying stage techniques to enhance researchers’ community interaction.
Together with researcher Myeshia Shelby and comedian Kelsie Huff, Copeland-Hardin introduced “Reading and Working the Room,” a workshop and curriculum available for free. This resource teaches scientists how to use comedic skills to engage better with research communities. Copeland-Hardin was intrigued by comedy from childhood, even listing “stand-up comedian” as her career choice in a school yearbook when she was 9. She pursued comedy in 2019, after nearly a decade as a researcher, saying, “I started comedy to cope with a lot of the stress and isolation that I felt in graduate school.”
“Reading and Working the Room” exhibits the intersection of her two careers, focusing on community-engaged research where researchers and locals collaborate equally. Copeland-Hardin remarked, “You work with community instead of on communities.” Given her work with Chicago groups historically affected by scientists, trust is crucial. Performing as LT, Copeland-Hardin graced The Lincoln Lodge’s Future of Comedy Showcase in Chicago. Her interaction with the audience was engaging and seamless, effectively connecting with them on complex scientific topics.
The curriculum aims to help researchers bridge communication gaps. It highlights that discussions need not be humorous, but using performance techniques explained in the workshop can rebuild trust and improve data accuracy. “Reading and Working the Room” offers a standalone curriculum accessible to all interested parties. The materials are available at zenodo.org, complete with slides and a facilitator’s guide.
Copeland-Hardin acknowledges Research!America for funding, addressing public engagement training gaps. According to her, “As scientists, it is our responsibility to share our information with the public.” Her dual career reflects a strong connection desire, whether interacting with audiences, her community, or exploring scientific inquiries like fruit flies.