[Partner Event] Misinformation Trap & Changing Minds: Creationist to Biologist

Join us this Sunday for a very special Online event. The Humanist Society of Santa Barbara, Freethought Society, and Humanist Association of Orange County are pleased to cohost Melanie Trecek-King for her thought-provoking presentation, “The Misinformation Trap & Changing Minds: My Journey from Creationist to Biologist.”

Zoom Link HERE

Why do intelligent people fall for science denial, pseudoscience, or conspiracy theories? In this talk, Melanie will explore how cognitive biases, social influences, and deeply held beliefs can trap us in misinformation. Drawing on her own experience as a former young Earth creationist, she will explain why facts alone often fail to change minds—and how curiosity, skepticism, and empathy can help us navigate today’s complex information landscape and connect with those who disagree with us.

About the Speaker:
Melanie Trecek-King is a critical thinking communicator, science educator, and creator of Thinking Is Power—a platform that empowers individuals with the tools to make better decisions and protect themselves from misinformation.

She is an Associate Professor of Biology at Massasoit Community College, where she teaches an award-winning general education science course and helps middle and high school educators integrate critical thinking into their curricula. Trecek-King also serves as Education Director for the Mental Immunity Project and CIRCE (Cognitive Immunology Research Collaborative), and is a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.

Cosponsored by:
Humanist Society of Santa Barbara • Freethought Society • Humanist Association of Orange County