Graduate Student Professional Development
Grow your skills. Build your future.
At UB’s Department of Communication, we offer more than classes. We create a launchpad for your career in academia, industry or wherever communication science can take you.
Here’s how you’ll get hands-on experience:
As a graduate student, you’ll have the chance to join faculty-led labs tackling some of the most important questions in communication today.
Co-directed by Drs. Nojin Kwak and Yini Zhang
Studies how digital media and technology influence public opinion, politics and society.
Communication Science Center
Directed by Dr. Mark Frank
Leads cutting-edge research on nonverbal communication, deception detection and real-world behavior.
Directed by Dr. Yotam Ophir
Focuses on how media spreads misinformation and fuels extremism—and how to fight it.
Directed by Dr. Lindsay Hahn
Explores how media shapes our views on morality, emotion and social behavior.
Narrative Lab
Directed by Dr. Melanie Green
Examines how stories change beliefs, emotions and actions across cultures and platforms.
Directed by Dr. David Lee
Investigates how everyday communication affects mental health and happiness.
Qualitative Research Understanding and Qualitative Method Inquiry (QRU-QMI) Group
Directed by Dr. Kelly Tenzek
Specializes in qualitative research that uncovers how people make meaning in daily communication.
Expand your horizons with our regular research talks. We invite top scholars from around the world to share the latest discoveries in communication science and related fields.
Recent speakers include:
- Dr. Srivi Ramasubramanian, Syracuse University: Data Justice Principles and Practices in Community-Engaged Communication Scholarship
- Dr. Benjamin Sovacool, Boston University: The Sociotechnical Dynamics of Negative Emissions, Carbon Removal and Solar Geoengineering
- Dr. Marie-Louise Mares, University of Wisconsin-Madison: Mutual Influence during Media Moments: LGBTQ+ Teens and Their Parents Use Media to Navigate Identity
- Dr. Matthew Grizzard, The Ohio State University: Testing Zillman’s Affective Disposition Theory
- Dr. Jiyoun Suk, University of Connecticut: Networked Communication, Hashtag Activism and Gender Justice
- Dr. Laura Rickard, University of Maine: Exploring Risk Communication through Aquaculture
- Dr. Hoon Lee, KyungHee University (South Korea): The Dunning-Kruger Effect of YouTube
From day one, you’ll be part of a tight-knit, supportive community. CGSA organizes academic and social events, represents graduate student voices in faculty meetings and works directly with the Director of Graduate Studies to shape a better graduate experience.
Recent CGSA-led workshops:
- Navigating the academic and non-academic job search
- Using Qualtrics for online research
- Attending professional conferences with impact
- Building your online scholarly profile
- Crafting a standout academic CV
- Delivering research presentations that resonate
- Managing stress during grad school