معرفی
Dawn Opel is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures at Michigan State University (MSU), where she also serves as an affiliate faculty member in the College of Law. She currently directs research for the Food Bank Council of Michigan, focusing on evidence-based policies to improve food security in Michigan. Her interdisciplinary work bridges rhetoric, digital humanities, and healthcare, emphasizing community engagement and health equity.
Education:
- PhD, Rhetoric, Composition, and Linguistics, Arizona State University (2015)
- JD, University of North Carolina School of Law (2002)
- BA, History, Wake Forest University (1999)
Research Interests: Opel specializes in digital humanities, experience architecture, and participatory culture, particularly in healthcare contexts. Her work explores how technology and rhetoric can address social determinants of health, improve patient care coordination, and advocate for health equity through projects like the 'food-as-medicine' clinical intervention. She also investigates the role of writing and communication in clinical settings and graduate student training in digital humanities labs.
Grants & Collaborations:
- Received a $140,000 grant (2017–2020) to enhance health services through technology-driven solutions.
- Collaborates with Sparrow Hospital and the Food Bank Council of Michigan on patient care and policy initiatives.
Professional Affiliations:
- Board Member, Coalition for Community Writing
- Member, MSU College of Law
