معرفی
Stephanie Kelley-Romano is a Professor and Department Chair in Rhetoric, Film, and Screen Studies at Bates College. Her research focuses on gender and media, conspiracy theories, political rhetoric, and substance misuse. She received the 2019 Kroepsch Teaching Award and has been a Mellon Periclean Faculty Leader, emphasizing community-engaged learning. Kelley-Romano’s work bridges academic scholarship and public discourse, with frequent media appearances on topics like political conspiracies and UFO studies.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Communication Studies, University of Kansas (1999)
- M.A. in Political Communication, Emerson College (1994)
- B.S. in Communication Studies, Emerson College (1993, cum laude)
Research Interests: Kelley-Romano explores how myth, narrative, and rhetoric shape cultural beliefs. Her work analyzes conspiracy theories in media and politics, the intersection of gender and addiction recovery narratives, and the rhetorical construction of alternative belief systems like alien abduction accounts. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating rhetorical theory with psychology and sociology.
Public Engagement: Her scholarship extends beyond academia through podcasts, Newsweek, and The Conversation. Recent talks include addressing conspiracy theories for medical professionals and political groups, and lecturing on pandemic-era misinformation.
Awards and Recognition:
- 2019 Kroepsch Teaching Award
- Mellon Periclean Faculty Leader (2020)
Teaching and Mentorship: Kelley-Romano teaches courses on rhetoric, alien abduction discourse, and presidential campaign analysis. She advises students on interdisciplinary projects, notably mentoring K.L. Carew and V. Westgate in conspiracy theory research. Her pedagogy emphasizes real-world application, such as linking mathematics education to crisis rhetoric.
