Toqa Hassan

Toqa Hassan, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Digital Media at Purdue University Northwest, affiliated with the Department of Communication & Creative Arts. Her research focuses on behavioral genetics, media psychology, family communication, and gaming behaviors. She holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Information from Kent State University, an M.A. in Communication from The University of Akron, and a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from The University of Akron.

Education:

• Ph.D. – Communication and Information, Kent State University
• M.A. – Communication, The University of Akron
• B.S. – Computer Information Systems, The University of Akron

Research Interests: Dr. Hassan explores the biological and psychological origins of media behaviors, with a focus on behavioral genetics, family communication dynamics, and gaming behaviors. Her work integrates quantitative methods like SEM, Stata, and R to analyze media effects and parent-child interactions. She also investigates how social media serves as a bridge for cultural identity among Muslim women.

Awards & Recognition:

• Top Paper Award, International Communication Association (2021)
• Communication Technology Social Media Chair, AEJMC (2022–Present)

Teaching: Dr. Hassan teaches courses on digital media, family communication, web design, and creative coding. Her teaching emphasizes the intersection of technology, storytelling, and ethical media use.

Community Engagement: She serves as a Summit Lake Ambassador, focusing on community development and youth engagement. Her philosophy of “living life like a video game” underscores her commitment to overcoming challenges through curiosity and resilience.