Academic paper published featuring Cosplay for Science
The Alf Museum’s Gabriel Santos and his non-conformist science educational effort, Cosplay for Science, served as a source of vital research for an academic paper, “Theory-based science communication at comic cons” by Dr. Lisa Lundgren of Utah State University.
Published in the International Journal of Science Education, the paper was the result of a multi-year study observing the cosplaying scientists at comic cons.
“By leveraging popular culture through cosplay, science educators may facilitate experiences that are engaging, as well as accessible, just, equitable, and inclusive, leading to the development of greater science capital and encouraging lifelong learning for a diverse audience,” Dr. Lundgren wrote.
Santos, the director of visitor engagement and education at the Alf, launched Cosplay for Science in 2017 with three other paleontologists after noticing attendees at a small comic con event responded positively to their message partly because the scientists dressed as characters from Jurassic Park.