Andrea McDonnell

Andrea McDonnell is a Professor of Communications at Providence College. She directs the Communication major and minor programs and is affiliated with the Political Science department. Her research explores the intersection of discourse, gender, media representation, and contemporary politics.

• Ph.D. in Communication Studies, University of Michigan (2012)
• M.A. in Museum Studies, University of Michigan (2010)
• B.A. in American Culture, Vassar College (2005)

Her scholarly work focuses on media's role in shaping political narratives, gendered language in public discourse, and the cultural impact of celebrity gossip. Recent publications analyze parasocial interactions in political programming, gendered rhetoric on social media, and the dynamics of fame in modern media.

Her research trends include a blend of media studies, political communication, and gender analysis. Notably, she investigates how platforms like Twitter influence political dialogue and how celebrity culture intersects with public opinion.

Dr. McDonnell has authored and edited five books, including A Gossip Politic (2023) and Reading Celebrity Gossip Magazines (2014). She has also published peer-reviewed journal articles on topics like parasocial interaction and political language.

She currently serves as Director of the Communications Minor and contributes to academic discourse through her interdisciplinary approach.