Dr. Kate Magsamen-Conrad is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Iowa. Her research integrates health communication, interpersonal relationships, and technology’s role in health management, with a focus on community-engaged projects. She holds a PhD from Rutgers University (2012) and has received numerous awards, including the 2021 Outstanding Outreach Award and the 2020 Federation Prize. Her work emphasizes partnerships with low-income communities and aging populations to improve health outcomes through interventions like social media-based social cohesion programs and technology adoption strategies. Research interests include: health communication interventions, technology’s dual role as a facilitator/barrier in health management, intergenerational communication, and the impact of social media on community well-being. Notable projects include Cancer Research UK-funded studies on physical activity among mothers and intergroup communication initiatives to enhance aging community resilience. Education : PhD in Communication, Rutgers University (2012) Key Awards : Over 20 awards, including University of Iowa’s highest honors for outreach and engagement (2021), and recognition for community-based research from Bowling Green State University (2016–2018). Grants : Expertise in grant writing, with projects funded by organizations like Cancer Research UK and the National Communication Association. Labs/Teams : Leads interdisciplinary teams focused on technology adoption in healthcare and community-based intervention design.









