Russell B. Clayton

Dr. Russell B. Clayton is a Professor of Communication and Distinguished and Endowed Provost McKenzie Professor at Florida State University's School of Communication. He serves as the founding director of the Cognition and Emotion Lab and is a research affiliate of the Institute for Successful Longevity and the Institute on Digital Health and Innovation. Dr. Clayton holds a Ph.D. in Health and Strategic Communication from the University of Missouri (2015), an M.A. in Health Psychology from Texas State University (2012), and a B.S. in Psychology from Texas State University (2010).

His research expertise spans:

• Media psychology and psychophysiological methods
• Design and optimization of persuasive health messages
• Substance use prevention (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, non-tobacco nicotine)
• Experimental approaches to health communication targeting young adults

Dr. Clayton has received multiple prestigious honors including:

• International Communication Association Top Paper Award
• American Academy of Advertising Research Fellowship
• University Distinguished Teaching Award
• AEJMC Emerging Scholar recognition

As director of the Cognition and Emotion Lab, he mentors undergraduate and graduate researchers in physiological measurement techniques including heart rate monitoring, facial electromyography, and skin conductance analysis. His work focuses on real-time assessment of media and advertising effects on emotional and cognitive responses.