McCarthy’s interest in helping those who can hear but cannot speak has led him to conduct innovative research in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), a field that focuses on helping individuals whose speech is so severely impaired that it does not meet their daily communication needs.

McCarthy says the use of sign language usually comes to mind when he speaks about his work, but AAC is more broadly focused on creating technologies to help those who can hear, but have speech impairments, find a way to effectively communicate with others.

Dr. Miller is frequently called upon for his expertise in political communication, particularly regarding his research work on gender in politics. Miller and a former colleague researched the possibility of an African-America, Latino or female United States president. Results of the study were featured in their 2003 book, "Anticipating Madam President."

For Andrew Alexander, a visiting professional with the Scripps College of Communication, ensuring access to public information has been an important part of his extensive journalism career. An advocate for open government, Alexander served as chair of the Freedom of Information Committee for the American Society of News Editors (ASNE). In this role, he helped launch the national Sunshine Week initiative, which serves as a way to educate the public about freedom of information and the dangers that can arise from excessive government secrecy.

Dr. Bates can provide impartial but keen understanding of what the candidates are truly saying in campaign ads and political debates. An expert on debate tactics and political communication, Bates also focuses his research on the public understanding of complex policy formation. Specifically, he investigates communication campaigns in the context of public and environmental health and public understanding of health and healing. Bates can also provide expertise about election advertising and the meaning behind candidates' messages.

Dr. Aimee Edmondson is a professor in media law and journalism history with a particular focus on civil-rights related libel law, critical race theory and free expression. She also teaches data journalism using the techniques of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) and has traveled to Kenya, China, Kazakhstan, India and Germany to lead workshops for journalists and journalism educators.

LaPoe focuses on media diversity, digital media and marketing strategy of media. Previously, she served as broadcasting and film coordinator and assistant professor at Western Kentucky University’s School of Journalism and Broadcasting.

Nerissa Young is a lecturer at Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and a writer and editor from Forest Hill, West Virginia, with 25 years’ experience in radio, magazines, newspapers and journalism education. She has taught or practiced journalism in Ohio, Oklahoma, Mississippi and West Virginia. Young is the author of “Mass Communication Law in West Virginia, Second Edition,” a book chapter on media law in “Still Captive?

Health and communication are two topics that do not seemingly go together, but Dr. Parul Jain devotes her research to both subjects simultaneously in an effort to bridge the gap. With the continued advancement in media technology and the pervasiveness of social media combined with the ever-changing health care industry, she works to create an understanding of both subjects and how they work together.

Humor works! As a coauthor of the top-selling humor writing book  Comedy Writing Secrets , (2ed), Dr. Shatz teaches others how to think, write and apply fun.

"Humor is a life defibrillator - it enhances communication, health and relationships," he says.

Nick is an award-winning author, professor, and consultant working in the areas of selling, sales management, and marketing strategy . He has 20+ years of experience in consulting and executive education with a very large number of organizations in the US, Latin America, Asia, and EU, including many Fortune 500 companies.