Mildred F. Perreault

Mildred F. Perreault is an Assistant Professor at the Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications, University of South Florida. Her research focuses on crisis and disaster communication, science communication, and the roles of journalists and public relations practitioners in crises. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri, an M.A. from Georgetown University, and a B.A. from Baylor University.

Her work explores communication ecology in disaster contexts, emphasizing how journalists and strategic communicators shape crisis preparation and response. Notable publications include studies on mask-making during the pandemic, environmental reporting in Nebraska, and boundaries between journalism and PR in rural communities. She has received grants like the Basler Chair Liaison grant and the Moses Shumow Award for transformative research.

Perreault teaches courses such as Writing for Public Relations and actively contributes to interdisciplinary projects, including the AEJMC Peter Lang Scholar Sourcing book on crisis communication during the pandemic. Her research spans health communication, local journalism challenges, and the intersection of media and science.

• Key Research Themes: Crisis communication, disaster resilience, science journalism, rural media dynamics
• Grants: $5,000 Basler Chair grant (2022), $2,000 Sustainability Fund (2021)
• Teaching: Focuses on public relations, environmental communication, and media advocacy

Her work bridges academic scholarship with practical applications, advocating for inclusive and innovative communication strategies in diverse crises.