Home > Pearl Oladele

Pearl Oladele

  1. Ph.D. Candidate
Email Addresspearl.oladele@wsu.edu
LocationMurrow Hall 235

Biography

Biography

Pearl Oladele is a Ph.D. Candidate, Graduate Researcher, and Instructor in the Edward Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University. She studies health communication, and her research explores the impact of alcohol and cannabis on adolescents and young adults who desire to die by suicide. On a narrower scope, Pearl’s work addresses the Role of communication technologies in stress management among college students. Pearl studies how emerging technologies, such as mobile apps, chatbots, and online peer-support communities, help college students manage stress and build resilience during academic pressure.

There is a growing prevalence of issues such as youth frustration, depression, brain drain, vulnerability to peer pressures, drug abuse, and stress leading to suicidal ideation among adolescents and young adults. A boy who felt lonely, ashamed, and frustrated due to not knowing his father expressed a desire to end his life. However, the counselor, Pearl, who happened to be reading a book about Bill Clinton’s life, shared the story of the former U.S. president who, like him, did not know his father. This anecdote provided the boy with a sense of hope and encouragement. This experience has fanned Pearl’s passion for youths’ mental well-being.

Before starting a Ph.D., Pearl completed a Master’s degree at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and worked at various institutions as a head of school, counselor, and state trainer for the Discovery Channel Global Educational Partnership (DCGEP). She completed her postgraduate studies at the Federal University of Technology, Nigeria, and her bachelor’s degree at Ondo State University, Nigeria. After this, she worked as a teacher at various schools and established schools in three other locations, two of which are still operational. Pearl is dedicated to improving student well-being and advancing communication solutions that positively impact lives.

Education

  • M.Ed., University of Lagos, Nigeria
  • PGD., Federal University of Technology, Nigeria
  • B.Ed., Ondo State University, Nigeria

Classes Taught

  • COM 102 – Public Speaking in the Digital Age

Research Interests

  • Health communication
  • Media literacy
  • Using media to prevent suicide among young people
  • Mentor-mentee communication about media and health
  • Media effects