Penelope Ironstone

Penelope Ironstone is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies within the Faculty of Arts at Wilfrid Laurier University. She holds cross-appointment with the MA in Cultural Analysis and Social Theory program. Previously, she served as coordinator of the Cultural Studies Program and director of the MA in Cultural Analysis and Social Theory at Laurier.

Education

• PhD in Social and Political Thought, York University (2001)
• MA in Comparative Literary Studies, Carleton University (1993)
• BA in Directed Interdisciplinary Studies, Carleton University (1991)

Research Focus

Dr. Ironstone's research explores the intersection of culture, health, and media, with emphasis on:

• Cultural discourses surrounding pandemics and viruses
• Microbiome studies and microbial biopolitics
• Risk perception in health communication
• Misinformation dynamics in public health crises
• Feminist and queer perspectives in media studies

She currently leads research on microbiome discourses and previously directed a SSHRC-funded project (2008-2011) examining the cultural dimensions of pandemic influenza.

Professional Leadership

• Current President of the Canadian Communication Association
• Book Review Editor for the Canadian Journal of Communication