My professional and scholarly experience centers on communicating effectively to influence public audiences, especially target groups, media, policymakers, thought leaders, and specific stakeholder communities. I focus on applying research-based techniques across multiple media platforms, including online and social media, to deliver messages and enhance public understanding and awareness. I am dedicated to helping students and professionals develop vital communication skills through practical application of theory in today’s fast-changing media landscape.
In retirement, I facilitate in-depth and engaging communication training for academics, non-profit staff, and startup teams. Additionally, I offer personalized writing and editing programs for scholars and others who wish to craft creative nonfiction, memoirs, or personal narratives for public audiences.
During my teaching career, I created the first international writing course and an online writing course for CALS, along with two popular online writing certificate programs for eCornell. I also led a competitive six-month fellowship that trained selected students and paired them with local, national, and international nonprofit organizations working at the forefront of environmental justice, education, and advocacy.
I was recently appointed to a third term on the Faculty Advisory Board of Cornell University Press, Comstock Imprint.
Before joining the Department of Communication, I was the Director of Communications at the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, overseeing all marketing and communications. From 1982 to 2000, I was an international correspondent and columnist in Washington, D.C..
