China C. Billotte Verhoff(Ph.D., Purdue University) is an Assistant Professor of Interpersonal Communication in the School of Communication Studies at Ohio University. Situated at the intersection of interpersonal and organizational communication, her research program explores the lived experiences of individuals with stigmatized and marginalized identities to address systemic issues of inequity and foster well-being. With her work on stigma, support, disclosure, and social justice, her broader goal is to (a) re-center marginalized voices in knowledge creation and communication theorizing and (b) highlight the implications of her work for communication-centered approaches to equity and justice. Her most recent projects have examined the discursive forces that animate the meanings of maternity leave and how mothers internalize, navigate, and resist the stigmatization of their rage . Dr. Billotte Verhoff’s work has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Communication Monographs , Sex Roles , the Journal of Language and Social Psychology , and Health Communication .
Dr. Billotte Verhoff teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in interpersonal communication, family communication, and communication and ethics. Highlighting the synergistic interplay between her research, teaching, and service Dr. Billotte Verhoff has spent several years facilitating inclusive pedagogy efforts at the university. She is a co-facilitator of the Inclusive Pedagogy Academy (IPA) run by the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment. Her work in the area of inclusive pedagogy has been recognized with the Chairs and Deans Emerging Leadership Award . Dr. Billotte Verhoff is also the recipient of the University Professor Award , one of the two highest teaching honors available at Ohio University.
When not working, Dr. Billotte Verhoff enjoys film photography, spending time with loved ones, and hiking.