People

Staff Spotlight​​

Dr. John Crowley is an associate professor in the Department of Communication at UD and one of the associate directors of CHC. The Health Communication team is collaborative, vibrant and passionate about the work they do, and the same can be said about Dr. Crowley.

His research focuses on how interpersonal communication can impact one’s health and well-being, which he hopes can be used to “help individuals, particularly those within marginalized groups, build resiliency to cope with interpersonal stressors.”

According to Dr. Crowley, the most meaningful result of his work is being able to contribute to society and make a social impact. One important study of his investigated how to give meaningful social support to people of the LGBTQ community who experience hate speech. This study found ways to help alleviate stress and promote health over time. It is clear that communication research can take a leading role in addressing disparities for those in marginalized groups and specifically encourage healing for those who are discriminated against. His work seeks to help make the world more accepting, ethical, and compassionate.

Dr. Crowley has published many works in top communication journals, as well as journals specializing in health and relationships. He is also the recipient of the Early Career Award from the Interpersonal communication division of the National Communication Association and the Center for the Study of Diversity at the University of Delaware's 2020 Faculty Diversity Fellowship grant. Keep a lookout for the upcoming research projects and exciting work by Dr. Crowley!​

Staff Spotlight​

Dr. Morgan Ellit​horpe joined the UD community in the summer of 2020 as an assistant professor in the Department of Communication, and despite the many challenges due to COVID-19, has integrated seamlessly with her colleagues and students. Her research is focused on understanding how media affect our daily lives and activities, with an emphasis on media psychology and media effects on health.

Through her work, Dr. Ellithorpe wants to help people create a healthy relationship with media. Many of us enjoy spending time with media and using it as a way to relax or entertain, but we do need to be aware of the consequences of too much media consumption, such as issues with mental and physical health. Ellithorpe says, “The better choices people make with their media use, the healthier and happier they will be, and I hope my work helps guide them in those choices."