معرفی
Andrew Tollison serves as Associate Professor of Communication and Media and Director of the Master of Arts in Communication program at Merrimack College, where his research examines critical dynamics in health communication. Based in Cushing Hall 208, he investigates patient-provider interactions with emphasis on cancer trajectories, health literacy, and stereotype threat phenomena in medical settings.
His educational foundation includes:
- Ph.D. in Communication, University of Texas at Austin
- M.S. in Communication, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- B.S. in Communication, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Dr. Tollison's scholarship centers on communicative coping mechanisms during chronic illness, particularly how self-relevant stereotypes affect medical information exchange. His work spans quantitative analyses of health literacy in consent documentation to qualitative explorations of cancer communication work. Recent research extends to digital health contexts including pandemic vaccine hesitancy and concussion education efficacy.
Analysis of his publication record reveals three dominant trajectories: (1) longitudinal examination of cancer communication across diagnostic, treatment, and survivorship phases; (2) stereotype threat manifestations in non-traditional healthcare roles; and (3) innovative applications of communication theory to health campaign design. His 2021-2025 publications demonstrate increasing engagement with contemporary crises including the COVID-19 pandemic and digital media's evolving role in health information ecosystems.
Recognition for scholarly excellence includes:
- Top Paper Award, Southern States Communication Association (2017)
- Top Four Paper Awards at National Communication Association (2011)
- Outstanding Assistant Instructor, UT Austin (2010)
- Outstanding Lecturer, UT Knoxville (2007)
As MA program Director, he develops experiential learning opportunities where students design health campaigns through classroom collaborations. His pedagogical innovations earned national recognition, including publication in Pedagogy in Health Promotion. While specific grant funding isn't detailed in source materials, his consistent publication in premier journals like Patient Education and Counseling and Health Communication demonstrates sustained research productivity. Current work focuses on pre-diagnosis uncertainty management and digital media's impact on health agency.
