Doe Mayer

Doe Mayer serves as Professor and Mary Pickford Chair at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, with a joint appointment at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. She teaches documentary and fiction filmmaking while specializing in applied communication strategies for social issues and health organizations.

Her research focuses on leveraging media for global impact across entertainment, health communication, and social justice. With 25+ years of field experience, Mayer designs communication campaigns addressing family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention, women's rights, and education in developing nations. Notable projects include promoting girls' education in Malawi, volcanic disaster response in Vanuatu, and sustainable agriculture in Fiji through targeted NGO workshops.

Key recognition includes:

• Associates’ Award for Excellence in Teaching (USC's highest teaching honor, 2009-2010)

Mayer directed the Gates Foundation-funded Women Connect! initiative (2005), empowering African women's NGOs to utilize communication technologies for health improvement. Her consultancy bridges academic theory with practical implementation for international development agencies and non-governmental organizations.