Kenneth A. Lachlan

Professor Kenneth A. Lachlan serves as Professor and Department Head in the Department of Communication at the University of Connecticut, a position he assumed in 2015 after founding the Communication Department at the University of Massachusetts Boston. He previously served as Editor in Chief of Communication Studies (2016-2018) and currently holds a seat on the Executive Board of the National Communication Association.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Communication, Michigan State University (2003)

Dr. Lachlan's research centers on crisis and risk communication, with specialized focus on media dependencies during disasters, community-level risk mitigation, and cognitive processing styles in emergency responses. His work examines psychological media effects, information seeking behavior, and uncertainty reduction in high-stakes contexts, particularly exploring how demographic factors influence crisis response. This research directly informs public safety protocols and emergency management systems through evidence-based communication strategies.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent emphasis on natural disaster communication (hurricanes, wildfires), public health emergencies (COVID-19), and emerging technological influences (AI, social media). His work increasingly integrates demographic analysis—particularly race, gender, and socioeconomic status—into crisis communication models, while expanding into AI-mediated messaging and climate change risk perception.

His scholarly impact is evidenced by publication records ranking in the top 1% of communication scholars for two consecutive periods (2007-2011, 2012-2016) and third place in crisis communication publications (2000-2018).

While specific advising details are unavailable, his leadership roles and editorial work demonstrate significant academic mentorship. He directs research through the UConn Video Game and Media Effects Lab, which investigates experimental media effects and crisis communication dynamics using advanced simulation techniques.