Faculty

I teach courses in the area of communication technologies. Some of these courses are technical in nature, while others are more concerned about technology applications. My approach to teaching in all these courses emphasizes understanding basic principles through interaction and application so that these principles can be applied in a variety of settings. In a class dealing with computer networks students will learn about concepts that inform network design, not just how networks operate today. Students studying interactive technologies’ role in research will learn how to select and use technologies to support their research approach, and not the other way around. Ultimately, I want students to leave the classroom with an understanding of how to make more informed decisions about the technological world.

My research interests include the study of online political communication, online news, and the ways in which citizens and activists use new technologies to shape their engagement with contentious political topics. My current work focuses on how people’s exposure to and perceptions of political information is related to their political beliefs. I have also done some research on the role of computer and Internet technology in the workplace, especially as it is related to productivity, interruption, and work avoidance. More information about my recent research is available by following the link to the left.