Craig O. Stewart

Craig O. Stewart is a full-time Professor of Communication at the University of Memphis since 2009, where he also serves as Director of Graduate Studies in the Communication & Film department.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University
  • M.S., University of Memphis
  • B.S., Lambuth University

Dr. Stewart's research integrates rhetoric and cognitive psychology within discourse studies, focusing on how scientific discourse is used and understood in sociopolitical controversies such as stem cell research, gene therapy, global climate change, and gender and cognition. His recent work explores STEM identity development through communication theory.

His publications appear in journals like Science Communication, Communication Theory, and Journal of Language and Social Psychology, with research supported by multiple National Science Foundation (NSF) grants for programs including MemphiSTEM and Vertically Integrated Projects. Using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, his work emphasizes social cognitive perspectives on discourse.

• Key NSF Projects:
  • MemphiSTEM
  • Urban STEM Collaboratory
  • Vertically Integrated Projects
  • ASPIRED