Julie Gerdes

Julie Gerdes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Virginia Tech's College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Her work bridges technical communication and global public health, focusing on inclusive risk communication during emergencies like Zika and COVID-19.

• PhD in Technical Communication and Rhetoric (Texas Tech, 2019)
• MA in Rhetoric and Composition (University of South Florida, 2014)
• BA in English and Modern Spanish (Clemson University, 2009)

Her research examines methodologies for equitable public health communication, emphasizing participatory approaches and ethnographic analysis. She has taught courses in technical writing, grant proposals, and qualitative research methods.

Recent publications highlight trends in pandemic communication, transnational design challenges, and vaccine hesitancy. Articles focus on participatory frameworks, ethical considerations, and gendered discourse in health contexts.

• Horne Professors Graduate Achievement Award

Dr. Gerdes has extensive experience in global health advisory roles, including technical leadership during the Zika response, and offers consulting services in knowledge management, UX research, and program evaluation.