Sahara Byrne

Senior Associate Dean, Office of the Senior Associate Deans

Professor, Department of Communication

My most recent research aims to explain and predict when unintended effects occur in response to persuasive and strategic messages, especially those that are designed to be pro-social – such as health campaigns. I am especially interested in testing when and why youth resist campaigns, interventions, and policies designed to protect them from engaging in risky behaviors.

Research Focus

Unintended effects of persuasive messaging, youth and media, health communication

Teaching Focus

Media effects, Media and Human Development, Persuasion, Strategic Communication

Awards & Honors

ISS Research Fellowship (2019) Institute for the Social Sciences
Donald C. Burgett Distinguished Advising Award (2017) College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Kendall S. Carpenter Memorial Advising Award (2016) College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2013) State University of New York
Innovative Teaching Award (2012) Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Courses Taught

COMM 7990: Graduate Research
COMM 4990: Independent Research
COMM 1101: Introduction to Communication
COMM 1101: Introduction to Communication
COMM 1101: Introduction to Communication
COMM 1101: Introduction to Communication
COMM 1101: Introduction to Communication
COMM 1101: Introduction to Communication
COMM 1101: Introduction to Communication
COMM 1101: Introduction to Communication
COMM 1101: Introduction to Communication
COMM 1101: Introduction to Communication
COMM 6850: Theory Construction and Deductive Reasoning

Contact Information

482 Mann Library Building
Ithaca, NY 14853

(607) 255-8058

seb272 [at] cornell.edu

Additional Links
- Senior Associate Deans

Selected Publications

Journal Publications

Byrne, S., Kalaji, M., & Niederdeppe, J. (2018). Does Visual Attention to Graphic Warning Labels on Cigarette Packs Predict Key Outcomes among Youth and Low-income Smokers? Tobacco Regulatory Science (TRS). 4:18-37.
Byrne, S., Safi, A. G., Kemp, D., Skurka, C., Davydova, J., Scolere, L., Mathios, A. D., Avery, R. J., Dorf, M. C., Steinhardt, J., & Niederdeppe, J. (2017). Effects of Varying Color, Imagery, and Text of Cigarette Package Warning Labels among Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Middle School Youth and Adult Smokers. Health Communication. 34:306-316.
Schuldt, J., McComas, K. A., & Byrne, S. (2016). Communicating about ocean health: Theoretical and practical considerations. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
Byrne, S., Katz, S., Mathios, A., & Niederdeppe, J. (2014). Do the ends justify the means? A test of alternatives to the FDA proposed cigarette warning labels. Health Communication.
Byrne, S., Katz, S. J., Lee, T., Linz, D., & McIlrath, M. (2014). Peers, predators, and porn: Predicting parental underestimation of children's risky online experiences. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. 19:215-231.
Byrne, S., Niederdeppe, J., Avery, R., & Cantor, J. (2013). "When diet and exercise are not enough": An examination of lifestyle change inefficacy claims in direct-to-consumer advertising. Health Communication. 28:800-813.
Niederdeppe, J., Byrne, S., Avery, R., & Cantor, J. (2013). Exposure to direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising, diagnosis with high cholesterol, and statin use. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 28:886-893.
Byrne, S., Gay, G. K., Pollak, J. P., Gonzales, A. L., Retelny, D., Lee, T., & Wansink, B. (2012). Caring for Mobile Phone-Based Virtual Pets can Influence Youth Eating Behaviors. Journal of Children and Media. 6:83-89.
Byrne, S., Guillory, J., Mathios, A., Avery, R., & Hart, P. S. (2012). The unintended consequences of disclosure: The impact of manipulating sponsor identification on the perceived credibility and effectiveness of smoking cessation advertisements. Journal of Health Communication. 17:1119-1137.
Byrne, S., & Lee, T. (2011). Toward predicting youth resistance to internet risk prevention strategies. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media. 55:90-113.

Sahara in the news

The silhouette of a man vaping in front of a blue background

News

June 28, 2023

Vague language impacts perceptions of vaping risks, study finds

In a study involving 16 focus groups, a multidisciplinary research team found that uncertain and vague language on the warning labels of electronic cigarettes was confusing and reduced risk perceptions.

Department of Communication
Communication
Health + Nutrition

News

June 14, 2023

Dean announces two CALS leadership appointments

Benjamin Z. Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean, has announced appointments elevating two members of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to leadership positions. Sahara Byrne , professor of communication, has been promoted to senior...

Sahara Byrne

Contact Information

Additional Links

Selected Publications

Sahara in the news