Cynthia Walker

Dr. Cynthia W. Walker is a Professor of Communication & Media Culture at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey. She holds a Ph.D. from Rutgers University (2001), an M.A. from The New School University (1982), and a B.A. from Douglass College (1975). Her research focuses on media studies, participatory audiences, convergence culture, and media literacy. Dr. Walker authored Work/Text: Investigating The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2013) and contributed to numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed articles. She has also served as a media consultant for The Man From U.N.C.L.E. DVD project and provided on-screen commentary. Her teaching spans undergraduate and graduate courses in public relations, media literacy, film, and gender studies.

Dr. Walker’s career includes over 45 years as a journalist, covering regional theater and contributing to media literacy initiatives. She designed curricula for grades 5-8 at the Center for Media Studies (Rutgers) and authored teacher guides for Pocket Books. Her presentations address topics like media literacy in the 'fake news' era, experiential learning, and the evolving relationship between media producers and audiences.

Her work often bridges academic research and practical application, emphasizing dialogic models of media-creator-audience interaction. She has advised graduate students through capstone projects and collaborates with institutions like the National Communication Association and the Media Ecology Association.