News

As part of his duties as editor-in-chief of a national magazine that promotes scientific inquiry, critical investigation, and the use of reason in examining controversial and extraordinary claims, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Stephen Hupp, PhD, meets some interesting characters. Hupp, a professor in the Department of Psychology, landed the role of editor of Skeptical Inquirer magazine in 2023. Featured topics include the paranormal, fringe science and a number of “unusual claims.” Hupp recently asked Bill Nye, one of the most popular science communicators, to guest edit an issue of the magazine. Nye chose climate change as the cover story.

“Bill Nye is a hero to many of us in the scientific skepticism community,” said Hupp, “and he chose a particularly important topic for the cover story.” As a guest editor, Nye wrote an introduction for the special section on climate change and also gave editorial feedback to nine contributing authors. “When Bill Nye is the guest editor, people definitely agreed to write for the magazine more quickly and more enthusiastically.”

Best known for his “Science Guy” show, Nye’s other credits include “The End is Nye” and “Bill Nye Saves the World.”

“Overall, this issue is full of good information about disinformation,” said Nye in his introduction to the special section. “You’ll find articles by the world’s foremost thinkers on bad climate science and better science communication.”

Among these foremost thinkers, climatologist Michael Mann, PhD, co-authored a piece with global health expert and television commentator Peter Hotez, MD, PhD, to address attacks on science. John Cook, PhD, a senior research fellow with the Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change at the University of Melbourne, also wrote an article about how to logic-check misinformation.

“I’m really excited that we were able to begin the special section with an excerpt from a new book by Bertha Vazquez,” said Hupp. “She’s the education director at the Center for Inquiry, and she tackles many of the misperceptions that people have about climate change in an easy-to-understand way.” Vazquez’s book, “What Teachers Want to Know about Teaching Climate Change,” which will publish in 2025.

The January/February 2025 of Skeptical Inquirer can be found in bookstores and on the website. 

The School of Education, Health and Human Behavior prepares students in a wide range of fields, including public health, exercise science, nutrition, instructional technology, psychology, speech-language pathology and audiology, educational administration, and teaching and learning. Faculty members engage in leading-edge research, which enhances teaching and enriches the educational experience. The School supports the community through on-campus clinics, outreach to children and families, and a focused commitment to enhancing individual lives across the region.

PHOTO: Stephen Hupp, PhD, professor in the Department of Psychology and editor-in-chief, Skeptical Inquirer; January Cover of Skeptical Inquirer