Aisha Powell

Dr. Aisha Powell serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Strategic Communication at Morgan State University's School of Global Journalism and Communication. Her academic leadership extends to faculty advising for Morgan State's student-run newspaper The Spokesman, where she directs social media and advertising initiatives. She maintains significant professional service roles as Chair for the National Communication Association's Black Caucus, Award Coordinator for the Midwest Popular Culture Association, and Web Master for the New York State Communication Association.

• PhD in Communication, Culture and Media Studies from Howard University (2019-2022)
• MS in Journalism from Columbia University (2017-2018)
• BA in Print Journalism with Minor in Innovative Entrepreneurship from Penn State University (2013-2016)

Dr. Powell's research program centers on the intersection of race, media, and health communication. Her groundbreaking work develops frameworks like the Black Fandom Identification Social-Psychological Model that address critical gaps in fan studies through critical race theory. She investigates health communication challenges within Black communities, particularly regarding vaccine hesitancy and pandemic response, while examining media representations through decolonial lenses. Her scholarship demonstrates consistent innovation in applying communication theories to contemporary social justice issues, with particular attention to digital media's role in community resilience and identity formation.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: 1) Critical examinations of Black fandom and digital identity formation, 2) Health communication interventions addressing vaccine hesitancy in marginalized communities, and 3) Critical analyses of media representations through intersectional frameworks. Her work consistently bridges theoretical innovation with practical applications for community health and social justice.

• Fulbright Scholar

Dr. Powell's professional trajectory bridges journalism and academia, having previously reported for Forbes Media, Miami Herald, Journal News, and Haitian Times on underrepresented communities. Her teaching portfolio includes strategic writing, event planning, and advertising courses. Current research projects include a manuscript on Harlem Renaissance women's experiences in 1932 Russia and ongoing studies of Black church communication during health crises. She actively mentors through conference service roles and campus newspaper leadership.