Erin B. Hester

Erin B. Hester is an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky, specializing in public interest communication. She is affiliated with the Integrated Strategic Communication program and the Markey Cancer Center's Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through her work.

• Ph.D., Communication, University of Kentucky
• M.A., Communication, University of Kentucky
• B.S., Communication, Wittenberg University

Her research focuses on influencing decision-making and actions to improve public health outcomes, with expertise in persuasive writing, community engagement, and social marketing. Key areas include health communication, risk management, and addressing societal challenges like obesity, opioids, and child trafficking.

Recent publications highlight her work in interdisciplinary research, such as fungicide resistance intersections, moral evaluations in behavioral science, and health communication strategies for lung cancer screening and healthy aging.

• KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services Workforce Development Cooperative Agreements (2024–2026)
• Principal Investigator for Lung Cancer Screening Social Marketing initiatives