PhD in Communication

PhD in Communication

A former journalist who transitioned to the communication field, Kimberly found her "tribe" during her time at George Mason and made several lifelong friendships.

PhD, Communication

As a PhD graduate student, Briana studied a variety of topics in communication, with a particular interest in how social structures shape identity and interaction.

PhD in Communication

Margaret’s research has contributed to climate change communication and established a foundation for her emerging career in the field.

PhD in Communication

During her time at Mason, Borth served as Communication Graduate Student Association President and won numerous COMM Department awards for her service and dedication to the graduate program.

PhD in Communication

Eryn demonstrated excellence in science communication, was head of the comm grad student association, published several articles, and presented at many conferences. She also worked with the Center for Climate Change Commmunication and their external funders/stakeholders.

PhD in Communication

In her time at Mason, Rochelle won awards for her teaching and served as a mentor and board member for first gen MA students and the black grad student association. Her research focuses on reducing health inequities due to racism and intersecting forms of oppression through applied health communication science.

PhD in Communication

Elmira did significant work in her career while also completing her dissertation.

PhD in Communication

An expert on end-of-life communication who has co/authored 6 published journal articles and presented 11 pieces of works at conferences.

PhD, Communication, 2020

A two-time recipient of the Department of Communication's Outstanding Instructor Award.

Heather Riddell, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Communication at the University of West Florida, where Heather Riddell’s research focuses on crisis communication, social media strategy, and the role of artificial intelligence in public relations and digital media. Heather Riddell’s scholarly work has been published in journals such as Communication and the Public, Southern Communication Journal, and the Journal of Public Relations Education, and has been recognized with the Chuck Lubbers Award for Pedagogical Research on teaching social media.

2026 PhD Alumni of the Year

Entering the program as a seasoned professional, Amelia brought years of real-world experience in health communication to the classroom. Rather than expecting her to set that experience aside, Mason COMM met her where she was. The program combined intellectual rigor with the flexibility she needed as a working professional, creating an environment where practical expertise and academic inquiry could intersect. Today, as Director of the Center for Health Communication Science at NORC at the University of Chicago, Amelia applies both her practical experience and academic training to address complex public health challenges.

2019 Distinguished Alumni - Communication

Jordan Alpert is an assistant professor in the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida. Alpert is a founding member of UF's Cancer Informatics and eHealth core, and has published 20 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. 

Andrew Pyle’s time at George Mason University laid the foundation for a dynamic career in teaching, research, and public impact. As an Associate Professor at Clemson, Andrew has developed a strong record of scholarship, publishing across a range of outlets—from handbooks and regional journals to some of the discipline’s top journals. His research is publicly accessible through his Google Scholar profile and Clemson’s Tiger Prints platform.

2017 Spring Distinguished Alumni - Communication

Dr. Sunny Wonsun Kim is currently an assistant professor in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University and a research affiliate at the Mayo Clinic and at Maricopa Integrated Health System.