Housed in by the Department of Communication, CHC functions as a hub for faculty and students at the University of Delaware to engage in scholarly research and collaborations with the goals of:
Advancing the science of health communication
CHC approaches scholarship from interpersonal and mass media perspectives and works to investigate questions about the bidirectional influence of communication and health at multiple (i.e., micro and macro) levels. Questions center around understanding (a) how individuals can communicate in ways that improve their relational, psychological, and physical/physiological health, (b) how health-related issues impact communication in relationships, (c) how media affect health cognitions and behaviors, (d) the development of persuasive health messaging, and (e) how to best communicate about risk.
Training a diverse set of health communication scholars
CHC uses a team science approach, where teams can include a diverse set of faculty, postdocs, undergraduate students, graduate students, and community members in the research process. CHC mentors undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students via research teams that provide students with opportunities for publishing, presenting at national and international conferences, and grant writing experience. CHC is inclusive and enthusiastic about working with students and scholars from diverse backgrounds.
Promoting the translation of research findings and engaging with communities to improve health and well-being
CHC provides expertise to assist researchers in their goal to translate and disseminate research findings through interacting with stakeholders and engaging in outreach efforts to disseminate research information to specific target audiences.