Dr. Leah Waks is Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Communication at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her research explores persuasion, risk communication, conflict management, and the role of media in public understanding of health and safety issues. Dr. Waks has published in leading journals on topics ranging from vaccine messaging to the dynamics of social media virality during public health crises. She is also deeply committed to experiential learning, mentoring students in applied communication campaigns and public engagement initiatives.