Makana Chock

Makana Chock is the David J. Levidow Endowed Professor at Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. She directs the Extended Reality Lab and focuses on media psychology, examining how audiences process persuasive messages across mass media, social media, and extended reality (VR/AR/MR) platforms.

• Specializes in risk communication and health information campaigns
• Has designed HIV-awareness, drug-use prevention, and environmental risk educational initiatives
• Active in media effects research and communication theory

Her work has been published in leading journals such as Communication Research, Media Psychology, and Health Communication. She received multiple top paper awards from premier academic organizations including ICA, NCA, and AEJMC.

Chock teaches courses in research methods, communication theory, extended reality research, media and diversity, and media and society. Previously held the Newhouse Endowed Chair of Public Communications (2013-2016) and served as interim director of the Media Studies master's program.