Dr. Russell B. Clayton (Ph.D., University of Missouri, 2015), the 2022-2023 FSU Distinguished Teaching Professor, is an Associate Professor and Director of the Cognition and Emotion Lab in the School of Communication. He is also a research affiliate of the Institute for Successful Longevity and the Institute on Digital Health and Innovation.
Clayton’s research examines how people cognitively and emotionally interact with and respond to various media and technologies using psychophysiological, behavioral, self-report, and memory measures. The goal of his research is to provide recommendations into how media content and technologies can be used to advance human health, interpersonal and psychological well-being, and prosociality.
Clayton’s research has been published in the leading international and national journals in the field including the Journal of Communication; Human Communication Research; Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication; Annals of the International Communication Association; Communication Monographs; Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly; and Media Psychology, among others.
He has also served on, or is currently serving on, the editorial board for multiple flagship journals including the Journal of Communication; Media Psychology; Health Communication; Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media; Journal of Media Psychology; Journal of Current Issues & Research in Advertising; and Communication Research Reports.
Clayton's research has been recognized through top paper awards and research fellowships from the International Communication Association (ICA), National Communication Association (NCA), Association for Education in Journalism & Mass Communication (AEJMC), and the American Academy of Advertising (AAA). In 2020, Clayton was nationally recognized as one of four Emerging Scholars by AEJMC. His research has been commented on by the Food and Drug Administration and featured in the popular press including Good Morning America, Today Show, USA Today, Fox News, Wall Street Journal, TIME, NBC, CBS, CNN, and Yahoo!
Clayton teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in media/communication studies. His commitment to teaching and student success has been recognized at the College and University level. Clayton has received the prestigious University Distinguished Teaching Professor Award (2023), the University Undergraduate Teaching Award (2018), and the University Transformation Through Teaching Award (2018). He has also received the School of Communication Graduate Faculty Teaching Award (2018) and the Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award (2019). Clayton has been further nominated for the University Excellence in Teaching Award (2019), the University Innovation in Teaching Award (2020), and twice for the University Outstanding Graduate Faculty Teaching Award (2018, 2023).
** 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 anytime.**
Education
- Ph.D. 2015; University of Missouri
- M.A. 2012; Texas State University
- B.S. 2010; Texas State University
Research Interests
Media Psychology; Persuasion; Mass Media Effects; Psychophysiology; Experimental Research Methods
Teaching Interests
Mass Communication Theory and Effects; Persuasion; Research Methods; Introduction to Mass Media; Psychology of Advertising; Media Psychophysiology