Kristine Nowak

Kristine Nowak is a Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Connecticut. Her research focuses on human-computer interaction, avatar-mediated communication, and the impact of new technologies on social perception and learning. She holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University (2000).

Her work examines how avatars and digital representations influence identity, persuasion, and self-concept in virtual environments. Key themes include multitasking effects on academic performance, immersive virtual reality applications, and the design of effective computer-mediated systems. Recent studies explore metaverse interactions, spatial presence consequences, and racial bias interventions using virtual humans.

Teaching responsibilities include graduate courses on computer-mediated communication, media psychology, and research design. She co-leads the Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab, advancing theories of presence, avatar evaluation, and digital communication efficacy.

Publications span journals like Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication and Computers in Human Behavior, with over 20 years of contributions to media psychology and virtual environment research. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical design recommendations for educational and commercial technologies.