Isabelle Freiling

Isabelle Freiling is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Utah. Her research focuses on media effects, science communication, and the role of social media in misinformation dynamics. She holds a PhD in Communication Science from the University of Münster and academic positions at the University of Utah's Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute and Global Change and Sustainability Center.

Education:

• PhD, Communication Science, University of Münster
• MA, Applied Media Research, Technische Universität Dresden
• BA, Media Research/Practice (Minor: Media Computer Science), Technische Universität Dresden

Research Interests: Freiling explores intersections of science communication, political communication, and digital media. Her work addresses misinformation on social platforms, public engagement with science, algorithmic transparency, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies like AI. She has published extensively on pandemic communication strategies, racial/ethnic knowledge disparities, and the impact of humor in environmental advocacy.

Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes pandemic communication challenges, the role of partisanship in algorithmic bias perceptions, and reciprocal relationships between climate activism and misinformation correction efforts. Her research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implications for regulatory policy and public engagement strategies.

Advising & Grants: Actively mentoring graduate students in science communication and AI ethics. Currently seeking funding for AI and misinformation-related projects. No explicit grant details provided.

Labs: Affiliated with the University of Utah's Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute (SCI) and Global Change and Sustainability Center (GCSC), focusing on computational methods and sustainability issues.