Dr. Stephen Stifano – Tuesday, December 7th, 2021  

Talk Description

Researchers often create multimedia stimuli to examine the behavior of individuals – but the quality, realism, and context of these stimuli can sometimes be lacking.  As a consequence, results hinging on a poor stimulus can lead researchers to make flawed conclusions with little real-world relevance.  In this talk, Dr. Stephen Stifano (Associate Professor in-Residence, Communication) will discuss important considerations when designing multimedia stimuli from both methodological and design perspectives.  Using examples from numerous stimuli he has created for a range of researchers, Dr. Stifano will discuss his process and priorities when designing a multimedia stimulus, and provide some tips for researchers to strengthen the stimuli they use in their own experiments. 

Bio 

Steve Stifano is an Associate Professor in-Residence at the University of Connecticut. He is an academic with a quantitative research background who also works as a designer, event producer, and independent filmmaker. His research considers the role of emotion in the creation and consumption of narrative media. Recently, he has been examining how emotional education can be used to improve the narratives of texting-and-driving and safer sex public service announcements. In addition, Dr. Stifano provides training for the department’s teaching assistants, lectures for and coordinates the introductory communication course, and has led the effort to revive digital media production courses in the department. 

Dr. Bernadette Gailliard – Thursday, November 4th, 2021 

Talk Description 

There continue to be calls for communication researchers to translate their scholarship into practice, yet there are few spaces that discuss the pathways available to scholars seeking to do this with their work. This talk will discuss insights and lessons learned as Dr. Gailliard navigates her career path from researcher to university administrator and entrepreneur. It will highlight critical decision points as well as potential opportunities for faculty and graduate students alike to blend academic pursuits with public practice. 

Bio 

Bernadette M. Gailliard, PhD is a scholar and research consultant whose work examines the experiences of underrepresented groups within organizations, focusing on identity issues and career socialization. Her current work examines the experiences of faculty of color in higher education. Dr. Gailliard uses this scholarship to inform her role as Director of Racial Equity and Early Career Support at Rutgers University where she has five years of experience developing and delivering professional development and evidence-based diversity trainings for professionals both inside and outside of the academy. 

As a consultant, Dr. Gailliard designs and leads high-level research projects to assess program and organizational impact across diverse constituencies. She also supports organizational leaders with the development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This work both informs and is informed by her research and teaching in Intercultural Communication and Organizational Communication at Rutgers School of Communication and Information. 

Dr. Gailliard holds both Doctorate and Masters degrees in Organizational Communication from the University of California Santa Barbara and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from American University. Her published research can be found in Management Communication Quarterly, Annals of the International Communication Association (formerly Communication Yearbook), and Human Relations.