We live in the information age, where a deluge of messages relentlessly shared via old and new communication channels means audiences must decide (consciously or subconsciously) what information is attractive, meaningful, credible, and actionable. My research examines information practices, information interventions for target populations, and communication/ information disparities. I use a combination of qualitative and quantitative social science research methods to undertake empirical investigations into critical social issues, with a particular focus on science communication.
Communication studies have an important role to play in every area of scientific inquiry and I believe that multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research, while admittedly much easier said than done, is essential. My research explores the end-to-end process of how individuals interact with information and make decisions. Bringing the full weight and measure of my lived experiences as a communication practitioner for more than three decades to the table, I look to accelerate new ideas and advance the study of communication.
Further, some information artifacts designed to inform or persuade produce better results than others so my research in this area links the design of information to my other focus areas (information seeking, encountering and sensemaking, and information sharing). I leverage the strong body of knowledge that exists on information design to develop information interventions for target audiences to meet defined objectives. I am pursuing research on the impact and potential of data storytelling, with a focus on the dynamics of user interaction and information flow. My goal is to use key principles of information design to present information in ways that make it more easily understood by users.
Education
I am currently a doctoral candidate in the School of Communication.
Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2023
PhD Advisor: Dr. Jessica Wendorf Muhamad
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- M.S., 2020; Florida State University, Media and Communication Studies
- B.S., 1985: University of Florida, Journalism and Communication
Research Interests
Science communication; Environmental and health communication campaigns; Numerical modeling as a communication tool