Leilane Menezes Rodrigues

Leilane Menezes Rodrigues is an Assistant Professor at the Communication, Journalism & Media department within the College of Arts and Sciences at Suffolk University. Her work bridges two decades of frontline journalism with academic inquiry, focusing on media as a tool for liberation and social justice.

• Ph.D. from Michigan State University, U.S.
• MA from Universidade do Porto, Portugal
• BA from Centro Universitário de Brasília (UniCEUB), Brasil

Her research explores intersections of digital journalism, critical race theory, and inclusive science communication, emphasizing alternative media ecosystems and qualitative methodologies. She has developed Critical Race Media Literacy (CRML) workshops for communities in Brazil and the U.S.

Teaching is rooted in Black feminist thought and critical pedagogy, aiming to create collaborative learning spaces for radical social transformation. Her peer-reviewed article in Science Communication (2023) addresses identity perspectives in science communication, while a forthcoming book chapter advocates for intersectionality in journalism education.

She has received 13 journalistic awards for her solutions-oriented journalism on human rights violations. Contact: leilane.menezesrodrigues@suffolk.edu.