Steve Jones

Steve Jones is a UIC Distinguished Professor of Communication at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), with adjunct roles at the Institute of Communications Research (Urbana-Champaign) and the School of Art & Design. He holds a PhD in Communication from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on new media, internet studies, virtual environments, and popular music, with grants from NSF, NIH, and CDC. Jones edits New Media & Society and co-edits Mobile Media & Communication, and has authored over a dozen influential books. A Fellow of the International Communication Association, he also co-founded the Association of Internet Researchers.

Education:

• PhD in Communication, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1987)
• M.S. in Journalism, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1984)
• B.S. in Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1984)

Research Interests: Jones explores the social and cultural implications of new media technologies, health communication, virtual environments, and the history of communication technology. His work bridges theoretical and applied perspectives, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding digital culture.

Awards & Recognition:

• 2012: Fellow of the International Communication Association
• Annual Steve Jones Internet Research Lecture established in his honor

Advising & Grants: Jones has advised numerous students and secured grants for projects on health and new media, internet sociology, and virtual communities. He previously served as Department Head of Communication at UIC (1997–2003) and Associate Dean of Liberal Arts & Sciences (2006–2009).

Labs & Collaborations: Affiliated with the UIC Electronic Visualization Laboratory, Jones integrates cutting-edge technology into research on human-machine interaction and digital media.