Erich Sommerfeldt, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Maryland. Dr. Sommerfeldt is a research and strategic communication specialist with extensive experience in the monitoring and evaluation of international development and public diplomacy projects. Sommerfeldt has authored dozens of articles and book chapters on the role of communication in civil society, public diplomacy and development initiatives. Sommerfeldt is a two-time winner of the Best Article of the Year Award from the Public Relations Division of the National Communication Association for his research on civil society and development communication. Sommerfeldt is also a regular guest instructor on research and evaluation at the U.S. Department of Defense Information School (DINFOS), Ft. Meade, Maryland, and has lectured on evaluation for NATO. He is currently the secretary of the Public Relations Division of the International Communication Association.