Kyle A. Hammonds

Kyle A. Hammonds is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). He holds a PhD in Communication from the University of Oklahoma (2023), an MS in Communication Studies from the University of North Texas (2016), and a BS in Speech/Communications from Texas A&M-Commerce (2013). His research focuses on communication processes, particularly the 'dark side' of media, including cult dynamics, toxic fandoms, and resistance strategies. He also explores fandom communities, media-based identity formation, and narrative interpretation.

Hammonds has been recognized with awards such as the Dan and Mary John O’Hair Award (2023) and multiple top paper accolades at national conferences. His work appears in journals like *Journal of Communication* and *Popular Culture Studies*, with a focus on topics like Marvel fandom hierarchies, Joker film analysis, and rhetorical strategies in media.

He has received the Security in Context Fellowship (2016–2017) for research on forgiveness rhetorics and has affiliated with organizations like the National Communication Association and the Popular Culture Association. His teaching emphasizes academic writing and pop culture analysis, including courses on superheroes and fandom.