Jingwen Zhang

Jingwen Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Davis. Her work focuses on health communication, social influence, and innovative online interventions. She holds a Ph.D. from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, with previous degrees from Zhejiang University and Clemson University. Her research explores digital health interventions, medical misinformation, and global health communication.

Education

• Ph.D., Communication, University of Pennsylvania (2016)
• M.A., Communication, University of Pennsylvania (2013)
• M.A., English, Clemson University (2011)
• B.A., Media and International Culture, Zhejiang University (2009)

Research Interests

Zhang’s work bridges health promotion and technology, emphasizing:

• AI-driven chatbots for behavior change (e.g., sleep health, physical activity)
• Social media’s role in vaccine hesitancy and misinformation
• Cross-cultural health communication strategies
• Online networks for public health interventions

Recent Article Trends

Her recent work highlights:

• AI chatbots in health promotion targeting marginalized groups
• Fact-checking strategies and public engagement
• Cultural dynamics of vaccine hesitancy
• Media effects on health behavior during crises

Awards

• Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Students Abroad (2016)
• Russell Ackoff Doctoral Student Fellowship (2015)
• Annenberg National Health Communication Study Grant (2013)

Teaching & Engagement

Zhang teaches courses on persuasion theories and health communication. Her work with UNICEF informs global health communication strategies. She actively designs interventions addressing HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and pandemic response.