Dana Mastro

Dana Mastro is a Professor of Communication and Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Personnel at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Communication from Michigan State University and a B.A. in History from UCLA.

Research Focus: Dr. Mastro's work examines how media representations shape perceptions of self and others, with emphasis on intergroup dynamics, stereotyping, and social identity. Her methodologies include content analyses, experiments, and longitudinal studies, drawing on frameworks like social identity theory and self-categorization theory.

Article Trends: Her recent publications analyze minority group depictions across media platforms, emotional responses to race-related news, and algorithmic bias. These works bridge media psychology, digital communication, and intergroup relations.

• Awards:
  • Fellow of the International Communication Association (2018)
  • Multiple Top Paper Awards (ICA/NCA, 2002-2019)
  • University Distinguished Teaching Award (2019)
• Leadership:
  • Associate Vice Chancellor (2021-present)
  • Associate Dean, College of Creative Studies (2020-2021)
  • Chair of Mass Communication Division (ICA/NCA, 2019-2009)