John C. Besley studies public opinion about science and scientists’ opinions about the public in the context of trying to help science communicators be more strategic. Besley is the Ellis N. Brandt Professor at Michigan State University. He has published more than 85 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and is the lead author for the 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020 National Science Board chapters on public attitudes and knowledge about science and technology. Besley was made a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2018. He earned his doctorate in communication from Cornell University in 2006 and both his master’s degree in public administration and his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Carleton University. Prior to his doctorate, Besley served as a policy analyst with Environment Canada.