Sarah Rosaen

Sarah Rosaen is a Professor in the Department of Language and Communication at the University of Michigan-Flint, College of Arts, Sciences and Education. Her research focuses on parasocial interactions and relationships with media personae, particularly in children and adults. She teaches courses on media impact on audiences, data inquiry, public speaking, and introduction to human communication.

• Ph.D. in Communication from Michigan State University (2006)

Research Interests: Rosaen explores the social scientific impact of mass communication, emphasizing parasocial dynamics in media consumption. Her work spans parasocial interactions, audience studies, media psychology, and child development. She has published in journals like Communication Reports, Communication Studies, and Journal of Children and Media, with a focus on how media personae influence viewer behavior and psychological states.

Publication Trends: Rosaen’s articles (2005–2025) analyze parasocial relationships across age groups, media effects on children, gamification in communication, and health messaging. She also contributes to educational assessment frameworks in communication studies.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Top Paper Poster Session, International Communication Association (2016)
  • Top Four Paper, National Communication Association (2014)
  • Top Two Paper, Broadcast Education Association (2006)

Administrative Roles: Rosaen served as Chair of the Department of Communication Studies from 2019–2021. Her work bridges academic research, teaching, and institutional assessment practices.