Heather J. Hether, PhD

Dr. Hether's research interests lie at the nexus of public relations, health communication and media. Her current research examines how health organizations use social media to build online communities with their key publics. Dr. Hether relies on quantitative, qualitative, and social network analysis methodologies to answer research questions that focus on the impact that social media participation can have for both organizations and public health. Her past research has examined how health information communicated through non-traditional channels is associated with health-related attitudes and behaviors. Dr. Hether has been involved in a long-running study that examines the health content on popular prime-time television programs, and its potential impact on audience members. Her work with social media has examined the social support exchanged on health-related social networking sites and its potential health impacts on network members.