Philip B. Gallagher

Dr. Philip B. Gallagher serves as an Assistant Professor of Human-Centered Information Design and Technology in the School of Engineering at Mercer University. He joined the faculty in 2020 after completing his PhD at Iowa State University and teaches a range of courses spanning technical communication, information design, and user experience.

Dr. Gallagher earned his PhD in English: Rhetoric and Professional Communication from Iowa State University (2020), MA in English: Composition, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication from Eastern Illinois University (2012), and BA in English from Eastern Illinois University (2009). He also holds a WAIO.1x: Introduction to Web Accessibility Verified Certificate from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

His research focuses on the intersection of user experience design, accessibility, and technical communication, with particular emphasis on creating inclusive digital environments. Dr. Gallagher's work explores how biometric research can inform technical communication practices, especially regarding accessibility standards and user-centered design principles. His scholarship demonstrates how writing, rhetoric, and visual communication intersect with emerging technologies.

Analysis of Dr. Gallagher's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on accessibility challenges across multiple dimensions - visual, auditory, and motor mobility. His research spans theoretical frameworks in technical communication while addressing practical applications in web accessibility, telehealth platforms, and AI implementation. A recurring theme is the ethical imperative of designing for diverse user needs, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

• Outstanding Teaching Award, National Council of Teachers of English: The Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC) (April 5, 2024)
• Nominated for Clayton R. Paul Teaching Excellence Award, Technical Communication (February 2024)
• Nominated for Clayton R. Paul Teaching Excellence Award, Technical Communication (February 2023)

Dr. Gallagher actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students in research projects, frequently collaborating with them on publications and conference presentations. His professional service includes editorial review board membership for Techne Forge and active participation in multiple professional organizations including ACM's Special Interest Group for Design of Communication, IEEE, and Society for Technical Communication. He has served as a reviewer for numerous academic journals including IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication and Computers and Composition.

Dr. Gallagher leads research in Mercer's UX & Usability Lab, where he and his students investigate accessibility challenges in digital environments. His work with the Empathy in Tech Comm Research Group and UX Consortium demonstrates commitment to connecting academic research with industry practice. Current projects focus on ADA compliance, telehealth platform accessibility, and the implications of AI for technical communication pedagogy.