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Erica Weintraub Austin

Professor and Director, Edward R. Murrow Center for Media & Health Promotion Research, Washington State University

I currently lead a research team investigating media literacy and COVID-19 beliefs and behaviors through surveys of U.S. and WA state residents. My research previously has demonstrated that confident media use without media literacy may be counterproductive to the adoption of effective health behaviors. I also led a federally funded project to develop and field test a family-centered media literacy curriculum that improved youths’ fruit and vegetable consumption. My research program has examined the role of media literacy for health promotion, political engagement, and youths’ understanding of news. A theoretical model I developed forms the core of an integrated model of alcohol marketing effects published in 2020. I lead a research center focused on media and health promotion research, helped launch and served as the inaugural dean of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, and served as vice provost and interim co-provost for Washington State University. My work has been cited by the American Academy of Pediatrics in its policy statements about media literacy and the media’s role in youths’ education, sexual health and substance abuse.

Experience

  • –present
    Professor and Director, Edward R. Murrow Center for Media & Health Promotion Research, Washington State University

Education

  • 1989 
    Stanford University, PhD Communication Research