New book by Brandon University prof will help scholars reach the public

A new book by one of Brandon University’s most visible academics aims to help more researchers connect with the wider public with strategies to engage with the media.

Dr. Christopher Schneider is a sociology professor at Brandon University known not only for his broad expertise in policing and social media and in defining sexual misconduct, but also for his willingness to share that knowledge through the media. An in-demand public intellectual, he’s appeared on hundreds of news shows, is regularly quoted in leading media like the CBC, the LA Times, USA Today, and NBC, and has written more than 50 op-eds since 2019.

Now, Dr. Schneider has published a groundbreaking book titled “Doing Public Scholarship: A Practical Guide to Media Engagement.” The book, available from Routledge, offers a comprehensive and practical approach to navigating the landscape where academia and media converge.

“This book sits at the intersection between the questions, ‘knowledge for what?’ and ‘knowledge for whom?’ he says. “A basic point of doing research and creating knowledge is to get it out there. Media are a conduit from which to do so but it can be daunting considering issues like being misquoted, misunderstood, or worse, becoming subject to threats and online harassment, among other issues, as discussed in the book.”

As part of Brandon University’s commitment to community engagement and supporting community success, Dr. Schneider’s book aligns seamlessly with the university’s strategic plan to be Canada’s Finest Regional University.

“Researchers like Dr. Schneider play a crucial role in sharing their knowledge and showcasing Brandon University as a hub of learning. He’s got a ton of experience in working with the media, and he’s a wonderful role model for academics everywhere who wish more people would listen to their expertise,” said BU Director of Marketing and Communications Grant Hamilton, who noted that supporting scholars in sharing their research is a key part of BU’s mission. “The media can be a powerful avenue for researchers to connect with the public and convey the importance of their work. While communications departments are always happy to help, there’s no substitute for an energetic and excited expert who’s ready to talk.”

“Doing Public Scholarship” covers various aspects of media engagement, offering insights into interacting with news journalists, crafting op-eds, using social media, and navigating potential negative consequences. Dr. Schneider’s personal experiences are woven throughout the book, providing readers with real-world examples and advice.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to public scholarship,” said Dr. Schneider, who emphasized the practical nature of the book. “Each chapter showcases different media options that can be incorporated by scholars in line with various comfort levels of doing public scholarship. With the examples, reflections, and advice offered in this book, I hope readers will feel confident in media engagement and well-equipped to do public scholarship.”

Early reviewer comments affirm the significance of Dr. Schneider’s work. It has been described as a “user-friendly primer from A to Z on everything you wanted to know about doing a whole range of public sociologies” (Gregg Barak, author of “Chronicles of a Radical Criminologist,”), and as “mandatory reading for every scholar and every graduate student” (Phillip Vannini of Royal Roads University).

“This book will be of great interest to anyone who wants to learn how to get their research and scholarly ideas into the media,” added Jessica Samuels, former radio host and producer of “Jacked In” on AM1150.

“Doing Public Scholarship: A Practical Guide to Media Engagement” is available now at https://www.routledge.com/Doing-Public-Scholarship-A-Practical-Guide-to-Media-Engagement/Schneider/p/book/9781032386058

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