Jennifer Kam

Dr. Jennifer Kam is a Professor and Department Vice Chair in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). She also serves as a Faculty Affiliate with the Chicano Studies Institute and the Migration Initiative at UCSB. Her research focuses on the health and well-being of immigrant youth and families, particularly examining how structural barriers impact their lives and identifying promotive factors across individual, interpersonal, community, and cultural levels to foster resilience and thriving.

Dr. Kam holds a Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University (2009), an M.A. from San Diego State University (2004), and a B.A. from UC Davis (2002). She co-designed and directed the Division of Social Sciences Faculty Mentoring Program from 2019–2024. Her work bridges communication studies, public health, and immigration policy, with a strong emphasis on culturally-grounded interventions and community-centered approaches.

Research Interests
Her research explores:
- Structural barriers impacting immigrant families
- Resilience and thriving strategies among marginalized groups
- Family communication dynamics in multicultural contexts
- Health communication interventions targeting vulnerable populations
- Language brokering and its mental health implications for youth
- Advocacy communication among undocumented communities

Awards & Recognition

• 2023 Presidential Citation from the National Communication Association
• 2022 Promoting Equity and Inclusivity Award (Health Communication Division)
• 2016 Early Career Award (Interpersonal Communication Division)
• 16 Top Paper Awards

Teaching & Leadership
Dr. Kam teaches undergraduate courses in risk communication, intercultural communication, and interpersonal communication. She also leads graduate seminars in health communication and advocacy strategies. Her leadership roles include serving as former Chair of the Health Communication Division at the National Communication Association.