J. Brian Houston

J. Brian Houston is a Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Missouri and Director of the Disaster and Community Crisis Center (DCC). He holds additional roles as Core Faculty in the University of Missouri Master of Public Health Program. His research focuses on disaster communication, mental health effects of crises, and community resilience, with emphasis on media's role during disasters and public health emergencies. Houston’s work is supported by grants from SAMHSA, NIMH, NINR, and the VA.

Research Interests include disasters, public/mental health, resilience, communication ecologies, media effects, and persuasion. He teaches courses such as Crisis Communication and Disaster, Risk, and Crisis Communication. His interdisciplinary approach bridges communication, public health, and policy to address disaster-related challenges.

Key projects involve analyzing media coverage impacts, leveraging ICTs for resilience, and evaluating disaster communication frameworks. Houston’s grants and collaborations highlight his leadership in disaster-related research and intervention development.