Expertise
My line of mediated character research is closely aligned with narrative research as character and plot are the main components of a narrative and important determinants of its immersive quality. I am interested in the persuasive effects of media narratives, or stories that may affect health. My research interest is health communication with an emphasis on the persuasive mechanisms and psychological, physiological, and behavioral effects of media and technology. I am embarked on a program of research investigating three sub-topics
Past Affiliations

Assistant Professor, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Studies, School of Communication, Northwestern University (past)

Assistant Professor, Cancer Prevention Program, Cancer Prevention and Control Science Research Division, Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University (past)

Degrees
PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Mass Communication, 2009
MA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Communication Studies, 2004
BA, Peking University, Republic of China, English Language and Literature, 2002