Natalie Pennington

Natalie Pennington is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Colorado State University's College of Liberal Arts. Her research focuses on interpersonal communication and communication technology, with specific interests in social connection needs, friendship dynamics, and media psychology. She teaches courses in interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication, professional communication, research methods, and persuasion.

Dr. Pennington holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of Kansas, an M.A. in Communication Studies from Kansas State University, and a B.S. in Communication Studies from Missouri State University. She is part of an international team developing public health guidelines for social connection.

Her research examines how social and emotional factors influence responses to political content on social media, the impact of wearable health trackers on social interaction, and friendship maintenance during crises. Recent publications analyze pandemic-era communication patterns, esports fan engagement, and technology-mediated relationship dynamics.

Pennington's work consistently explores how digital communication platforms affect well-being, social energy expenditure, and political engagement, employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies across diverse populations.