Kelly Bjorklund

Kelly Bjorklund serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Communication at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she leverages her dual expertise as an active journalist and PhD researcher at Staffordshire University. Her professional background includes extensive collaboration with international human rights NGOs and civil society organizations on communications strategy, policy development, and strategic planning initiatives.

Her research critically examines how journalists are targeted during political conflicts, with topical expertise spanning press freedom, freedom of expression, disinformation/misinformation ecosystems, and the intersection of media with cultural identity. This work informs both her academic teaching and practical advocacy, emphasizing real-world applications in human rights contexts.

As a former speech and debate coach, Bjorklund prioritizes student mentorship, guiding learners to develop communication skills and pursue professional passions. Her industry experience in journalism and human rights advocacy directly enriches classroom instruction, bridging theoretical frameworks with field-based challenges in media ethics and political communication.