J. Brian Houston

Dr. J. Brian Houston is a Professor in the Department of Public Health at the University of Missouri and serves as Director of the Disaster and Community Crisis Center (DCC). His research focuses on communication dynamics during disasters, mental health impacts of crises, and community resilience. He has secured grants from prominent institutions like SAMHSA and NIMH.

Research Interests

• Disaster communication across all phases
• Mental health effects of community crises
• Media influence in disaster contexts
• Information communication technologies for resilience
• Political consequences of crises
• Communication ecologies and persuasion

Appointments & Affiliations

• Chair of Department of Public Health (2023–present)
• Associate Provost for Academic Programs, Office of the Provost
• Director, Disaster and Community Crisis Center (DCC)

Recent Activities

• 2024: Interview with PBS News on New Madrid Seismic Zone risks
• 2024: Co-led $350,000 Transforming Academia for Equity research grant
• 2023: Key role in Missouri State Health Assessment