Kathryn Swacha

Kathryn Swacha is an Assistant Professor of English at the University of Maine, Department of English. She holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University and specializes in rhetoric and communication, particularly focusing on health communication, rhetorical theory, and professional/technical writing. Her research emphasizes how marginalized groups navigate healthcare systems and public health information, advocating for equitable communication practices.

Key research areas include: rhetoric of health and medicine, community-engaged research, and pedagogical strategies for social justice. Notable projects include the 'Coping with COVID Project,' which used participatory methods to create public health communication tools, and collaborations with senior centers to develop accessible health resources like the 'Well-Fed Cookbook.'

Dr. Swacha has been recognized with the NCTE Outstanding Dissertation Award (2018) and a Fulbright Fellowship (2009-2010). She actively contributes to professional organizations such as the Rhetoric Society of America and the National Council of Teachers of English. Her work bridges academia and community, emphasizing ethical research practices that empower participants.