Assistant Professor Basic Course Director Lasher 111 740.593.4690 blackl1@ohio.edu

Education: Ph.D., University of Washington (2006); M.A., University of Washington (2001); B.Phil., Miami University (1993).

Professional Experience: Assistant Professor, Ohio University (2007-current); Basic Course Director, Ohio University (2011-current); Postdoctoral Associate, Cornell University (2006-07); Graduate Teaching/Research Assistant, University of Washington (1999-2006); Adjunct Instructor, University of Puget Sound (2002); Research Associate, The Boeing Company (2001-2004).

Publications: Editor of book Group Communication: Cases for Analysis, Appreciation, and Application.  Author or co-author of book chapters in edited volumes and articles in Communication Theory, Human Communication Research, Small Group Research, Western Journal of Communication, Political Communication, Journal of Public Deliberation, International Journal of Public Participation, Public Administration Review, and Qualitative Research Reports in Communication.  Numerous professional papers presented at regional and national conferences.

Research Interests: I study group deliberation and dialogue, with a special focus on storytelling, conflict management, and identity.  My research includes studies of public meetings, jury deliberations, organizational training sessions, and online discussions.  In all of these settings, I aim to understand how scholars and practitioners can further the deliberative ideals of well-informed, reasonable, respectful discussion about public issues, while also recognizing people’s need for connection, community, and an affirmation of their core values.  Some of my current work investigates how online tools are used in civic engagement and decision making.

Honors:  Top papers at the Central States Communication Association (2009) and National Communication Association (2005, 2006) annual conferences.   Recipient of the Laura Crowell Thesis/Dissertation Award, given by the National Communication Association Group Communication Division (2007).   Recipient of Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award, given by Ohio University School of Communication Studies (2010).  Participant in the Interactivity Foundation's Summer Institute for faculty development (2009).

Teaching Specialization: Group communication, public deliberation, organizational communication, computer-mediated communication, ethnography and discourse analysis.