简介

EDUCATION Ph.D., University of Washington (1999) M.A., University of Washington (1995) B.A., Eastern Montana College (1993) RESEARCH INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES My research focuses on family storytelling, relational communication, social support, nonverbal communication, facework and identity. ABOUT I find relationships and the ways in which we construct them through talk fascinating. In the area of relational communication, I have two main lines of research. One focuses on how conversations and stories about difficult experiences can be beneficial for making sense of and managing stressors, particularly in the family. This includes research on family storytelling as well as social support processes more generally. The second focuses on the ways in which identity concerns are managed in and shaped by communicative practices. Across these areas of research, I have an ongoing interest in the intersection of verbal and nonverball communication in relational processes.