Panel Discussion: Misinformation Society

In recent years, the United States has hit a crisis point in terms of misinformation and disinformation. Rumors and falsehoods have become inescapable online, fueling division, protests, and public policy debates. Join us for a free panel discussion on the science and history of disinformation, with University of Akron faculty from the fields of Bibliography, History, Psychology, and Science Education. The panel will discuss how misinformation and disinformation proliferate in our society, what motivates the spread, and what we can do to combat falsehoods in our classrooms and communities.

This free event is open to all, but registration is required. Please RSVP in advance.

This event will be livestreamed via our YouTube channel.

This event is part of the Cummings Center’s Brown Bag History series, which invites guests to drop in, bring a meal, and enjoy a lunchtime conversation about history and culture. All Brown Bag History events are free to attend and include free admission to the National Museum of Psychology and Institute galleries.

About the Panelists

Dr. Cathy Faye is the executive director of the Drs. Nicholas and Dorothy Cummings Center for the History of Psychology at The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. She holds a PhD in psychology from York University in Toronto, Canada, where she specialized in the history of psychology. She is the past president of APA’s Society for the History of Psychology and the 2018 recipient of the society’s Early Career Award.

Dr. Gary M. Holliday (he/they) is Professor of Science Education and Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education at The University of Akron. His research has focused on informal learning environments which extends the teaching and learning of science beyond the formal classroom in settings such as museums, aquaria, zoos, environmental centers, and other community resources. In essence, they can communicate knowledge about science and are forms of science outreach. Further, he is interested in science communication by scientists themselves and how their research can be communicated (or miscommunicated) to the general public in a variety of ways.

Dr. Melanie McGurr is Professor and Associate Dean of Technical Services at the University Libraries, University of Akron. She previously worked as Interim Chief Medical Librarian and Assistant Director of Content Strategies at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, Coordinator of Authority Control and Database Maintenance at the Ohio State University, and Coordinator of Technical Services at Urbana University. Melanie received both her M.L.I.S. and Ph.D. in English Literature from Kent State University. She also has an M.A in English from Slippery Rock University and a B.A. in English and History from Washington and Jefferson College.

Dr. Gregory Wilson is a distinguished professor of history. He is the author of four books and numerous articles, reviews, and other publications. He specializes in recent United States history and Ohio history, with interests in environmental history, politics, labor, and oral history. He is also an accomplished public historian, who has received several grants and awards for his work on various projects.

Location

The event will take place on the 3rd floor of the Cummings Center for the History of Psychology. The street address is 73 S. College Street Akron, Ohio 44325-4302 (on the corner of Mill and College Streets).

Accessibility

A wheelchair accessible ramp is located on the northeast side of the building, near the main entrance. The event will take place on the 3rd floor, accessible via an interior elevator. A wheelchair is available to loan for those visiting. Please contact us ahead of time with any accessibility requirements so we can work together to make your visit comfortable.

For more information, see our accessibility page: https://uakron.edu/chp/about-us/accessibility.

Parking

Paid parking is available in the lot directly adjacent to the building. This lot contains a dedicated accessible parking spot near the museum entrance. Parking can be paid via QR code or text message. Additional paid parking is available in Lot 30 on the corner of College and Market Streets, and 2 hour metered parking is available along College Street.

For rates and meter fees, visit our Accessibility page.

Transit

Local bus service is provided by Akron Metro. Stops closest to the Cummings Center are at Mill & College; E. Market & College; and Main & E. Bowery St. Further route details are available from Akron Metro.

For University of Akron students, faculty, and staff, the Roo Express stops at the nearby College St. Circle and at Fir Hill Towers.

About the Cummings Center

The Drs. Nicholas & Dorothy Cummings Center for the History of Psychology (CCHP) cares for, provides access to, and interprets the historical record of psychology and related human sciences. The Center is the home to the Archives of the History of American Psychology (AHAP) and the National Museum of Psychology (NMP), as well as the interdisciplinary Institute for Human Science and Culture (IHSC). Visit https://uakron.edu/chp/