Dr. Russell B. Clayton is a Professor of Communication, founding director of the Cognition and Emotion Lab, and the Distinguished and Endowed Provost McKenzie Professor at Florida State University. 

Dr. Clayton earned his B.S. in psychology and M.A. in health psychology from Texas State University. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri with a focus in health and strategic communication. His research is centered on media psychology, health communication, and psychophysiological methods. He is especially interested in evaluating and optimizing persuasive health messages (i.e., drug, alcohol, tobacco, non-tobacco nicotine products) to prevent and reduce substance use in young adults. Dr. Clayton serves on the editorial board for eight top communication journals and is an author of over 40 peer-reviewed publications in high profile communication, psychology, and health journals.

Dr. Clayton teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in media/communication studies and has been recognized with three University-level teaching awards including the prestigious University Distinguished Teaching award. He is also a research affiliate of the Florida State University Institute for Successful Longevity and the Institute on Digital Health and Innovation.

** If you are a current or prospective student and are interested in learning more about research or working in a media psychology research lab, please feel free to email Dr. Clayton (rclayton at fsu.edu) anytime.**

Ph.D. 2015; University of Missouri
M.A. 2012; Texas State University
B.S. 2010; Texas State University

Media Psychology; Health Communication; Tobacco Messaging; Persuasion; Psychophysiology; Experimental Methods

Introduction to Media Psychology; Introduction to Mass Media; Quantitative Research Methods; Mass Communication Theory and Effects; Psychology of Advertising; Media Psychophysiology