Student Opportunities with 4C

Research with Planetary Impact

The George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication has helped define and advance climate change communication as a critical field of research and practice, supporting hundreds of researchers, practitioners, and institutions with evidence-based frameworks.

At Mason 4C, students have the opportunity to contribute to research with real-world impact. As a university-based engine for public good, we bring together rigorous social science research and practical application to better understand how people think about climate change — and how effective communication can help turn that understanding into action.

 Whether you are an undergraduate beginning to explore climate communication or a graduate student building your own research expertise, there are opportunities to learn, contribute, and work alongside Mason 4C researchers.

For Undergraduate Students

Mason 4C works with George Mason University undergraduate students through the Federal Work-Study program, providing opportunities to gain hands-on experience supporting climate change communication research and programs.

Depending on current projects and Center needs, student roles may offer experience with research, data, communication, program support, and other aspects of our work, giving students a chance to build practical skills while contributing to research and programs designed for public impact.

Graduate Research Opportunities

Graduate students have the opportunity to work alongside Mason 4C faculty and researchers at one of the leading centers advancing the science and practice of climate change communication.

If you are a prospective or current graduate student interested in specializing in climate change communication research, we invite you to explore the PhD in Communication within George Mason University’s Department of Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Department and Mason 4C faculty work with PhD students across the program’s substantive fields of study — including health communication, strategic communication, and science, environment, and risk communication — as course instructors, research supervisors, and program advisors.

Want to learn more? See what some of our current students are working on below, and feel free to reach out to learn about the opportunities we currently have or may have in the future!

Student Research Snapshot

The graduate students at Mason 4C are exploring climate communication through diverse, interdisciplinary lenses — from public health and misinformation to identity, media, policy, and community resilience. These examples represent just a small snapshot of the kinds of research taking place across different subdisciplines at the center, helping prospective students imagine the many ways they can contribute to meaningful, solutions-focused climate communication research and practice.

 Climate Change, Public Health, and Policy

Neha Gour: Neha uses quantitative and statistical methods to examine how people understand the links between climate change and human health. Her research spans global contexts (including the U.S., China, and South Asia) and explores how emphasizing health impacts can strengthen public support for climate solutions. Closer to home, she has studied the human and environmental health implications of Virginia’s rapidly expanding data center hubs and contributed to urban forestry sustainability planning in the City of Fairfax.  

Tracy Mason: Alongside her role as Assistant Dean for Strategic Communications and Marketing, Tracy’s research focuses on building trust in science communication. Her work examines how communicators can effectively respond to misinformation and disinformation surrounding climate change, public health, and economic prosperity.

Identity, Culture, and Local Risk Communication

Em Kohl: Em’s research explores how intersectional identity, queer theory, and lived experience shape climate and risk communication. Much of their work focuses on communicating climate risks within rural communities, particularly in Appalachia, while also examining popular culture and media as important spaces for science communication and public engagement.

Media, Journalism, and Public Advocacy

Yuan Yue: A former journalist and documentary filmmaker from China, Yuan brings storytelling and media production expertise to environmental communication research. His recent collaborative work examines public advocacy and voter sentiment, including co-authoring a 2025 report showing broad bipartisan support for stronger federal action to protect communities from the health harms of climate change.

Meet the Mason 4C Student Cohort

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The work of Mason 4C is made possible through generous philanthropic support. You can support our research and programs directly through a tax-deductible donation processed by the George Mason University Foundation.

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