About
Brittnie focuses on the intersection of interpersonal and health communication. Her research examines interpersonal and family relationships as a site of social influence for health beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. In other words, she is interested in how communication between patients and health care providers, family members, and other close relational partners influences health outcomes such as decision-making, engaging in protective or risky health behaviors, information-seeking, and both short- and long-term health outcomes. Brittnie’s most recent research focuses on reducing cancer disparities by examining various relational, community, and environmental influences on women’s health.
Brittnie teaches courses in interpersonal, family, and health communication, as well as research methods. She also teaches COMM 110, a course all students at UW-Superior take, which introduces them to important concepts and theories in interpersonal, small group, and public communication contexts.
She really enjoys working with students at UW-Superior because of how diverse their backgrounds are. As a first-generation college student, she finds it especially rewarding to help students navigate the unknown as they figure out college and making the most of their experience earning their degree. She loves spending time with her family and taking them to explore the outdoors. Her favorite part about Superior is being close to the waters of Lake Superior.
Education
- 2020 – Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) – Health Communication, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
- 2014 – Master of Arts (M.A.) – Interpersonal Communication, Northern Illinois University
- 2011 – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – Interpersonal Communication, University of Tennessee