معرفی
Chris Skurka is an Associate Professor in the Department of Media Studies at Pennsylvania State University’s Bellisario College of Communications. He holds affiliations with the Penn State Cancer Institute and the Institute of Energy and the Environment. His research focuses on the effectiveness of media messages in promoting engagement with environmental, health, and science issues, particularly through emotional appeals and efficacy mechanisms. He teaches courses in research methods, science communication, and media effects.
Skurka’s education includes a Ph.D. from Cornell University, an M.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a B.A. from Aquinas College. His work has been funded by the NSF, NIMH, and the Arthur W. Page Center. Key awards include top paper recognitions from NCA and ICA, and two AEJMC awards for science communication research.
His research explores how emotions like anger, awe, and humor influence public responses to climate change, tobacco control, and health disparities. He emphasizes civic engagement outcomes such as policy support and activism. Recent studies examine message repetition effects, selective exposure behaviors, and the role of perceived competence in discerning misinformation.
Skurka’s publications appear in journals like Journal of Communication and Communication Research, with a focus on media effects, environmental psychology, and health communication. His grants support projects on climate messaging, anti-tobacco campaigns, and equity-focused policy narratives.
