​Dr. Bleakley (PhD, Columbia University, 2005; MPH, Columbia University, 1998) is a Professor in the Department of Communication. Her research program clarifies how media shape lives and can promote healthy behavioral choices. She investigates media effects on health risk cognition and behaviors with a focus on adolescent sexual activity, drinking, tobacco use, and obesity. Dr. Bleakley also develops and evaluates health-oriented media communications using a theory-based approach for projects including skin cancer prevention, cognitive health, and sugary drink consumption.  Her funding sources include the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Dr. Bleakley has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as the American Journal of Public Health, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics, Journal of Sex Research, Journal of Health Communication, Health Education and Behavior, Journal of Adolescent Health, Psychology, Health & Medicine, and Media Psychology.