Areas of Faculty Research

Media and Technology: This research area includes multi-perspectival and multi-methodological approaches to the study of how media and various technologies impact our daily lives. Our faculty address topics, such as: media effects, mass communication, political communication, media history and contemporary practices, media and diversity-equity-inclusion, journalism studies, use of media technologies, media technology policies and policymaking, artificial intelligence (AI) and new/emerging media technologies.

Culture and Relationships: This research area addresses how social relationships, social norms and cultural practices across micro, meso and macro levels are shaped by communication and in turn impact everyday communication behaviors, tools and structures. Sample topics include: race and gender studies, democratic participation and decision-making, social movements, family and interpersonal communication, organizational behaviors and communication, persuasion and compliance-gaining. 

Crisis, Risk and Health: This research area focuses on the intersections between crisis, risk perceptions and health outcomes. Faculty focus on different topics, such as: crisis management, disaster recovery, stress, coping and resilience, health communication campaigns, patient-provider health communication, environmental health, risk communication, science communication and social-ecological risks.