Joy Rodgers, Ph.D., MCHES

Intructional Associate Professor
Department of Health Education & Behavior

  • Ph.D. in Mass Communication, University of Florida (2013)
  • M.S. in Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida (2011)
  • B.A. in Sociology, University of Arizona (1987)

Rodgers CV

Contact Info

FLG 71
P.O. Box 118210
Gainesville, FL 32611-8210
(352) 294-1807 | rodgersj@ufl.edu


Biography

Dr. Rodgers received her Ph.D. in Health Communication from the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida. A Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), Dr. Rodgers holds two master’s degrees in business management and health education and behavior from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Arizona.

Dr. Rodgers’ research is interdisciplinary, cutting across several areas of communication to include social marketing and health. She is especially interested in how health organizations can promote an atmosphere of trust – both online and offline – that will lead to positive, healthy behavior change among audiences. Specifically, Dr. Rodgers’ research focuses on how individuals process health messages and how message characteristics influence individuals’ decisions to adopt certain behaviors. Her dissertation – a qualitative health communication study – unites these areas by analyzing how women with fibromyalgia conceptualize media and medical messages about their experiences and primary health concerns.

Dr. Rodgers’ teaching areas are varied, reflecting both her professional background as a former newspaper reporter and editor and public relations practitioner, and her academic experiences in business, health education, and mass communication.

Research Interests

  • Media influence on health and health messaging
  • Health advocacy and relationship building
  • Use of emerging technology in health communication
  • Qualitative research

Classes

  • HSC 4664 Health Communication for Consumers
  • HSC 4713 Planning & Evaluating Health Education Programs
  • HSC 5956 Writing for Professional Publications
  • HSC 6665 Health Communication
  • HSC 6637 Social Marketing in Health