Ellen Defossez

Ellen Defossez is an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric, Writing, and Public Discourse at Whitman College. She teaches courses in rhetorical theory, rhetorics of health and medicine, and science communication. Her research focuses on the rhetorical study of medicalization—particularly how digital spaces shape understandings of psychic distress and psychiatric self-diagnosis.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Communication, University of Pittsburgh, 2018
• M.A. in Communication, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2012
• B.S. in Communication, Ohio University, 2008

Research Interests: Dr. Defossez examines how medicalization processes unfold in digital contexts, analyzing the social, cultural, and political implications of self-diagnosis practices. Her work bridges rhetorical studies with health communication, emphasizing critical inquiries into mental health discourse online.

Grants & Advising: No specific grants or advising details provided in the text. She is affiliated with the Department of Rhetoric, Writing, and Public Discourse at Whitman College.