Departments Communication Studies

Tom Nakayama, professor of communication studies at Northeastern, was named the 2019 recipient of the Distinguished Scholar Award from the National Communication Association. Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

He explores the space where cultures collide

Over the course of his career, Thomas Nakayama, a professor of communication at Northeastern, has broached subjects that others have tended to shy away from. For his examination of topics such as sexuality, whiteness, Asian-American studies, masculinity, and power, he has received the Distinguished Scholar Award from the National Communication Association.

by Khalida Sarwari October 21, 2019

Can you hack your way to a better life?

Joseph Reagle, an associate professor of communication studies at Northeastern, dropped by News@Northeastern to discuss the pros and cons of life hacks.

by Khalida Sarwari May 22, 2019

Amy Lu, an assistant professor with joint appointments in the College of Arts, Media and Design and the Bouvé College of Health Sciences, found that young adults who play active video games with a narrative aspect increased their physical activity and improved their working memory. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Video games can improve your health. You just need to play the right ones.

Northeastern professor Amy Lu and postdoctoral researcher Jungyun Hwang found that following a narrative while playing a video game that gets you moving may lead to improved cognitive function.

by Allie Nicodemo July 24, 2018

<i>Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University</i>

Social media spotlight: Brooke Foucault Welles

Twitter is deeply intertwined with Welles’ academic work. We asked her about how she approaches using the social media platform for her research and teaching, what lessons she’s learned along the way, and about that time Michelle Obama tweeted at her.

by Greg St. Martin April 4, 2017

How new research and Sesame Street are expanding our understanding of autism

During National Autism Awareness Month, "Sesame Street" will air its first episode featuring a new Muppet: 4-year-old Julia, who has autism. Today the Northeastern chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma, along with the nonprofit Best Buddies, hosts its observance of Autism Awareness Day at Curry Crossroads. In recognition, we asked Northeastern experts to discuss some of the technologies being developed to help increase autonomy among people with autism.

by Thea Singer March 31, 2017

In her new book, professor Meryl Alper argues that while technologies that help people communicate are a step in the right direction, they have their own shortcomings. Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University

Professor examines benefits, social inequalities of voice technologies

Professor Meryl Alper argues that while technologies that help people communicate are a step in the right direction, they have their own shortcomings. Those technologies, she says, are subject to the same socioeconomic and social inequalities that govern society at large. Alper recently published a book on the topic.

by Molly Callahan February 28, 2017

A victory and an uncertain future at Standing Rock

Protests over laying the Dakota Access oil pipeline in North Dakota represent more than just a fight over water- and land rights; the movement represents “a recalibration of what it means to be more fully human in this modern world,” one university expert says. Here, we take a look at this complex issue from three angles—the politics, protests, and people of Standing Rock.

by Molly Callahan December 12, 2016

Nov. 22, 2016 - BOSTON, MA. - Amy Lu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies and the Game Design program of the College of Arts, Media and Design and the Department of Health Sciences of the Bouvé College of Health Sciences poses for a portrait at Northeastern University on Nov. 22, 2016. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Losing by winning: Researchers use stories, video games to combat obesity

We’ve heard about the power of stories to engage, delight, teach, challenge, and help us understand ourselves. Now new research co-led by Northeastern assistant professor Amy Lu shows the power of stories to help children fight obesity.

by Thea Singer November 29, 2016

Recent protests ‘playing an important role in the democratic process’

In the days since the election, movements have cropped up across the U.S. to protest Donald J. Trump’s presidency. While assistant professor Sarah J. Jackson says the climate reminds her of “the mood of the nation in the 1960s,” she also notes that protests in general can serve to bring people together, and are in fact a necessary part of a healthy democracy.

by Molly Callahan November 18, 2016

Recent grad on election’s front lines in battleground state of Pennsylvania

Chelsie Ouellette has spent the past year-and-a-half working for the Hillary Clinton campaign. From managing teams of campaign workers and training volunteers, to engaging with voters and developing strategies to reach them, all of it has been with an eye toward Tuesday—Election Day.

by Greg St. Martin November 8, 2016