Esther Thorson

Esther Thorson is Professor of Journalism at Michigan State University, College of Communication Arts and Sciences. She previously served as Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research Director of the Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism.

• Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Minnesota
• B.A., Macalester College

Her research integrates quantitative theory and applied communication studies, focusing on:

• Interactive and digital advertising
• News processing and audience development
• Evolutionary psychological frameworks for media consumption
• Combatting fake news through fact-checking
• Political socialization in news audiences

Recent work includes:

• Evolutionary models of news/media approach-avoidance behavior
• Redesigning politicized news narratives
• Collaboration with the Worlds of Journalism US team and American Communities Project

She has secured over $3 million in external funding from organizations including:

• Ford Foundation
• Pew Charitable Trusts
• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Key honors:

• Only scholar to win top awards from AAA, AEJMC, and ICA
• Centennial review author for Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly
• Adviser to 55+ doctoral graduates in global institutions

Labs and centers:

• Health and Risk Communication Center
• Former leader of Center for Advanced Social Research (1994-2014)