Traci Gillig (PhD, 2019, University of Southern California) (they/she) is an Assistant Professor of Communication. Gillig’s research interests are in the psychological and social factors influencing the well-being of youth, particularly those from marginalized groups. Their work includes examining the effects of interventions, media representations, and interpersonal relationships on youth, as well as the effects of mediated representations of marginalized groups on the attitudes of broader audiences. Recent projects have been published in leading journals such as Sex Roles, Human Communication Research, and the International Journal of Communication. Gillig’s research has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Washington Post, Newsweek, and other major outlets.

Teaching is also central to Gillig’s professional life, and they view it as a privilege, striving to cultivate a classroom environment in which students feel known, respected, and able to share their unique perspectives.

Gillig’s professional background includes experience at the FDA Center for Tobacco Products and Edelman PR. A native Chicagoan, they’ve enjoyed exploring the West Coast since relocating. In their free time, you can find them driving to the mountains in search of a challenging hike and a good view!

RESEARCH INTERESTS:

  • Health communication
  • Media effects
  • Gender
  • Social identity
  • Community-based participatory research

PUBLICATIONS:

  • Gillig, T. K., & Bighash, B. (2021). Network and proximity effects on LGBTQ youth’s psychological outcomes during a camp intervention. Health Communication.
  • Gillig, T. K. (2020). Longitudinal analysis of depressive symptoms among LGBTQ youth at a social media-free camp. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health.
  • Gillig, T. K., Valente, T. W., & Baezconde-Garbanati, L. (2020). Depressive symptoms and parental support-seeking in Latinx adolescents: Analyzing variation based on LGBT identity. Journal of LGBT Youth.
  • Gillig, T. K., & Bighash, L. (2019). Gendered spaces, gendered friendship networks? Exploring the organizing patterns of LGBTQ youth. International Journal of Communication, 13, 4895-4916.
  • Gillig, T. K., Miller, L. C., & Cox, C. M. (2019). “She finally smiles…for real”: Reducing depressive symptoms and bolstering resilience through a camp intervention for LGBTQ youth. Journal of Homosexuality, 66(3), 368-388.
  • Gillig, T. K., Rosenthal, E. L., Murphy, S. T., & Folb, K. (2018). More than a media moment: The influence of televised storylines on viewers’ attitudes toward transgender people and policies. Sex Roles, 78(7-8), 515-527.
  • Gillig, T. K., & Murphy, S. T. (2016). Fostering support for LGBTQ youth?: The effects of a gay adolescent media portrayal on young viewers. International Journal of Communication, 10, 3828-3850.

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