Maura Baron (Cherney)

Maura Baron (Cherney) serves as Associate Professor and Graduate Advisor in the Department of Communication, Media and Theatre at Northeastern Illinois University's College of Arts and Sciences. Her teaching responsibilities span foundational courses like Public Speaking for STEM and Interpersonal Communication alongside advanced seminars in Mediated Communication, Communication Ethics, and Communication and Emotion.

Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2018), an M.A. from Illinois State University (2014), and a B.A. from St. Norbert College (2011), establishing her expertise in communication theory and practice.

Dr. Baron's research critically examines how digital technologies reshape human interaction, with particular emphasis on online impression formation and technology-mediated relationships. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with real-world applications in instructional settings and interpersonal dynamics, demonstrating consistent focus on mediated communication and digital trust-building mechanisms.

Analysis of her 2017-2021 publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: conflict resolution in digitally mediated romantic relationships, collaborative learning dynamics in online education environments, and technology's role in career development. Her Couchsurfing study further demonstrates interdisciplinary reach into peer-to-peer hospitality platforms and digital ethos construction.

No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials.

As Graduate Advisor, she oversees student development in communication programs while maintaining active scholarly output in journals like the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships and Small Group Research. Although specific grant funding isn't detailed, her publication pattern indicates sustained research productivity across multiple communication subfields.