Melanie Sarge

Dr. Melanie Sarge is an Assistant Professor at The Media School, Indiana University, where she has been teaching since fall 2018. She earned her Doctorate in Communication from The Ohio State University in 2012 and previously served as an assistant professor at Texas Tech University from 2012 to 2018. Her professional background spans strategic communication, retail marketing, management communication, and public relations.

Her educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Kentucky
• Master of Arts in Communication from The Ohio State University
• Doctorate in Communication from The Ohio State University (2012)

Dr. Sarge's research centers on persuasive communication, examining how message factors and human biases influence health and science information processing. Her work develops evidence-based strategies for effective message design in health promotion and disease prevention, with specific focus on obesity, HPV vaccination, and breast cancer screening initiatives. She investigates methods to increase engagement with weight management content, encourage patient-physician discussions about HPV vaccines, and motivate participation in cancer screenings.

Her significant professional recognitions include:

• New Faculty Award (2016) from Texas Tech University for exemplary research, teaching, and service
• Article of the Year Award (2014) from the Communicating Science, Health, Environment and Risk (ComSHER) Division of AEJMC

Dr. Sarge demonstrates extensive professional leadership through service as Head of the Mass Communication and Society Division of AEJMC (2017-2018), current editorial board membership for Mass Communication & Society, and active involvement with the American Advertising Federation as both faculty advisor and regional board member.