
Russell Clayton, Ph.D.
Distinguished and Endowed Provost McKenzie Professor
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 of eight flagship communication journals and is an author of over 45 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.**
Education
Ph.D. 2015; University of Missouri
M.A. 2012; Texas State University
B.S. 2010; Texas State University
Research Interests
Media Psychology; Health Communication; Tobacco Messaging; Persuasion; Psychophysiology; Experimental Methods
Teaching Interests
Introduction to Media Psychology; Introduction to Mass Media; Quantitative Research Methods; Mass Communication Theory and Effects; Psychology of Advertising; Media Psychophysiology
Publications & Research
Grants & Awards
International Communication Association (top paper, Information Systems Division)
National Communication Association (top paper, Communication and Social Cognition Division)
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (Emerging Scholar Award)
American Academy of Advertising (Research Fellowship Award)