Yerina Ranjit

Yerina Ranjit is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Missouri's College of Arts and Science. Her research focuses on health and crisis communication, particularly in marginalized populations such as sex workers, LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. She explores how communication technologies like mHealth can address health disparities, stigma, and substance use challenges. Her work spans multiple countries including Nepal, Malaysia, and India.

Key research areas include:
- mHealth strategies for vulnerable populations
- Stigma management in healthcare contexts
- Pandemic communication and crisis response
- Substance use and HIV/AIDS prevention
- Digital behavior among sex workers and youth

Her recent studies examine topics like vaping norms among college students, mental health impacts of online harassment on sex workers, and opioid addiction interventions via text messaging. She has contributed to global health policy discussions through frameworks addressing cultural barriers and ethical research practices.

Notable collaborations include projects with institutions in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe, focusing on healthcare access for imprisoned women and LGBTQ+ groups. Her work emphasizes participatory approaches to combat stigma and improve health outcomes through effective communication strategies.