Erin Willis

Erin Willis serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Design at the University of Colorado Boulder, where her work bridges communication theory with public health applications. Her research program focuses on how health messages and digital technologies shape individual health behaviors and population-level understanding.

Education

• Ph.D., University of Missouri School of Journalism

Research Focus

Dr. Willis investigates the cognitive and behavioral mechanisms through which everyday health information exposure influences decision-making, emphasizing message design efficacy in digital environments. Her scholarship explores how technological interfaces mediate health literacy and promote behavior change, with significant implications for public health campaign development and health informatics systems. This work positions communication strategies as critical infrastructure for improving health outcomes in technology-saturated societies.

Professional Background

• Former Assistant Professor at the University of Memphis
• Prior industry experience in public relations and marketing communications

Publication Profile

Her research appears in leading interdisciplinary journals including Health Communication, Health Psychology, Health Informatics, and Health Promotion and Practice, demonstrating consistent contributions to the health communication scholarship with practical applications for health promotion initiatives.