University of Delaware's Center for Political Communication unveils new vision, goals and leadership

Dr. Dannagal Young takes over as director of the center, which will produce research on media and politics and serve as a vital resource for journalists

Sep 4, 2024

3 min

Dannagal Young


The University of Delaware's Center for Political Communication (CPC) is excited to announce a transformative new chapter with the unveiling of its updated vision, goals and leadership for 2024 and beyond. Since its founding in 2010, the CPC has been at the forefront of innovative public opinion research on politics and media, always with an eye towards protecting and improving American democracy.


With this new chapter, the CPC is actively integrating political psychology (the study of how and why people make political judgments and form political beliefs) into the study of public opinion and media effects.


“Our vision is responsible democracy-centered journalism informed by our rigorous research on Americans’ thoughts, feelings, knowledge and behaviors,” says Dr. Dannagal Young, incoming Director of the Center for Political Communication. “In a few weeks, will be releasing new data on Americans’ knowledge and beliefs about abortion – an issue on which there are widespread misperceptions. Later this fall we are also launching an interdisciplinary initiative to understand the relationship between Americans’ personal wellbeing and their support for democratic institutions and norms.”


By producing high-quality research at the intersection of media, politics and psychology, the CPC strives to elevate public conversations and inform news coverage to improve democratic health. Additionally, the Center seeks to serve as a vital resource for journalists, offering expert commentary and empirical data to encourage democratically responsible journalism.


With this new direction comes new leadership, bringing together a team of esteemed scholars from Political Science, Communication and Journalism:


Director Dr. Dannagal Young, Professor in the Departments of Communication and Political Science and International Relations, TED speaker, and author of Wrong: How Media, Politics, and Identity Drive our Appetite for Misinformation (Johns Hopkins, 2023) and Irony and Outrage: The Polarized Landscape of Rage, Fear, and Laugher in the U.S. (Oxford, 2020). Areas of Expertise: Misinformation, Political Satire, American Politics, the Psychology of Media Effects.


Associate Director Dr. Erin Cassese, Professor in the Departments of Political Science and International Relations, Communication, and Women and Gender Studies, co-author of Abortion Attitudes and Polarization in the American Electorate (Cambridge, 2024). Areas of Expertise: Gender, Abortion, Public Opinion, Campaigns and Elections.


Director of Research Dr. Phil Jones, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations, current Editor-in-Chief at Public Opinion Quarterly. Areas of Expertise: Electoral Politics and Public Opinion.


Director of Engagement Dr. Lindsay Hoffman, Associate Professor in the Departments of Communication and Political Science and International Relations, and research leader for the American Council of Trustees and Alumni two-year Braver Angels project funded by the John Templeton Foundation. Areas of Expertise: Communication across Difference, Media Technologies, and Political Participation.


Delaware Politics Director Dr. Paul Brewer, Professor in the Departments of Communication and Political Science and International Relations, co-author of Science in the Media: Popular Images and Public Perceptions (Routledge, 2021), former editor of the International Journal of Public Opinion Research. Areas of Expertise: Delaware Politics, Media effects, Political and Science Communication, Public Opinion, and Perceptions of Science.


Delaware Debate Director: Nancy Karibjanian, Director of the University of Delaware’s Journalism program, faculty member in the Department of Communication, and former Director of the CPC with 30 years of broadcast experience. Areas of Expertise: Broadcast Journalism, and Delaware Debates.


The CPC’s goals reflect its commitment to a vibrant and collaborative research environment that engages scholars and students at all levels. The CPC will continue to spearhead interdisciplinary research across the domains of communication, political psychology, public opinion, media effects, and public policy. The Center offers applied research opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students in communication and political science, as well as an undergraduate minor in political communication, thus mentoring the next generation of scholars and practitioners. The CPC is proud to put its academic research to work in service of American democratic health.




Connect with:
Dannagal Young

Dannagal Young

Professor, Communication

Prof. Young's research interests include political media effects, media psychology, public opinion and the psychology of misinformation.

Psychology of Political BeliefsPublic OpinionPolitical Media EffectsMedia PsychologyIntersection of Entertainment and Information

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from University of Delaware

2 min

Hiring Gen Z: What employers keep getting wrong

As with any new generation entering the workforce, Gen Z possesses unique tools and strengths but also experiences challenges trying to land that first job where Millennials, Gen X-ers and Baby Boomers are doing the hiring. University of Delaware career expert Jill Gugino Panté can talk about how employers can address gaps in the hiring process and communication issues as they relate to a generation that prioritizes work with purpose, authentic connections and work-life balance. Panté, director of the Lerner Career Services Center at the University of Delaware, pointed to the following three areas that should be prioritized: • Transparency. Gen Z wants to feel special and appreciates individual attention, Panté said. Employers should make the hiring process transparent and respond to emails. During busy times, they should use an out of office message that states when they will respond. • Clarity. Make details about salary, benefits, flexibility, skill building and career advancement clear. These details should be on a company's careers page so that candidates have a good understanding of what they can expect. Clarity in job postings is also important: It doesn’t make sense that an entry level position requires more than two years of experience. Don’t call it entry level if it’s not entry level. • Communication mistakes. Be transparent with Gen Z candidates about the process and timeline. More importantly, stick to that process. If a change is made, they should communicate it immediately. Also, employers should be authentic in their communication. If the process is taking longer than expected or they haven’t communicated effectively, employers should acknowledge it instead of continuing to ghost applicants. To reach Panté directly and arrange an interview, visit her profile page and click the "contact" button. Interested journalists can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.

1 min

What Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad reveals about beauty standards and cultural expectations

Sydney Sweeney’s latest American Eagle campaign is doing more than selling denim – it’s stirring up a heated cultural conversation. Jaehee Jung, professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware, can discuss the ways in which this reaction says a lot about where we are as a society. A leading expert on fashion, body image and consumer behavior, Jung studies how the fashion industry shapes – and is shaped by – our expectations of beauty, identity and representation. The ad in question features Sweeney in relaxed, casual pieces aligned with American Eagle’s classic aesthetic. But online reaction has been anything but chill. While many fans praised the actress’s style and confidence, others criticized the campaign for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and lacking diverse representation. Some even called it “pro-eugenics” – an extreme accusation that points to just how charged the conversation has become. With a background in both psychological and cultural aspects of fashion, Jung is available to discuss why this campaign struck such a nerve — and what it means for the future of women’s fashion and branding. To speak with Professor Jung, visit her ExpertFile profile or contact mediarelations@udel.edu.

2 min

Beat the heat: Six expert tips to stay active and safe this summer

Exercising should be a priority year-round, but summer heat and humidity can challenge that commitment and make it harder to meet your daily step goal. Daniel White, associate professor of physical therapy at the University of Delaware, offers some practical tips for reporters working on stories about staying active and safe during the hottest months of the year. 1. Time it right Plan to exercise in the early morning or evening hours when temperatures are cooler. Delaware’s scenic beaches and boardwalks can be the perfect spot to catch a summer breeze or stop to enjoy the scenery while getting your steps in. 2. Prioritize hydration In the heat, people perspire more and need to replenish fluids. Always carry a water bottle with you and sip from it regularly. Dehydration can lead to lightheadedness, balance issues, muscle cramps and even heat stroke. And don’t forget sunscreen — SPF is necessary for any outdoor workout year-round. 3. Reduce the intensity It may not feel like as much of a workout, but the fact that you’re out there pounding the pavement is the most important thing. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, movement is beneficial, and the more, the better. Performing any physical activity at half intensity far outweighs not doing it at all. 4. Opt for the indoors Pickleball has become all the rage, so finding an indoor court or other activities you can enjoy in air conditioning is a great alternative. Walking on a treadmill at the gym or getting in laps at the Christiana Mall are good options too during a heatwave. 5. Dive in Swimming and water aerobics are great ways to stay active and keep cool. Facilities like the YMCA have designated lap-swim-only hours or classes. Simply splashing around can be an easy way for those just starting their fitness journey to incorporate more movement into their days. 6. Walk with purpose The bottom line is the more you walk, the healthier you’ll be. Just 3,000 steps a day is a solid start, according to White’s studies, especially for older adults. Reaching 6,000 steps has been shown to protect against arthritis complications. But when it comes to steps, the sky’s the limit. Walking at a moderate pace, where you’ve built up a sweat, will strengthen your muscles and bones and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. To arrange an interview with White, reporters can reach him directly by visiting his profile page and clicking on the contact button.

View all posts