Erin Donovan

Erin Donovan is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in interpersonal health communication and the navigation of difficult conversations during illness, stress, and uncertainty.

Education

• PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Research Interests
Dr. Donovan's work focuses on interpersonal communication processes including disclosing and receiving bad news, social support mechanisms, coping strategies, and the exchange of complex medical information. Her scholarship on "communication work" between patients and healthcare professionals has significantly advanced theorizing around illness trajectories and healthcare communication systems.

Collaborations and Grants
She has established research partnerships with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, LIVE STRONG Foundation, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin Regional Clinic, Seton Network of Oncology, and the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel of the Texas State Legislature.

Teaching and Professional Engagement
Dr. Donovan teaches courses in interpersonal communication, health communication, uncertainty management, and coping strategies. She also collaborates extensively with health profession programs including Dell Medical School to train future clinicians in effective patient communication, interdisciplinary teamwork, and community engagement practices.