Laura Gattis is a communication researcher and educator whose work explores the intersection of environmental communication, media coverage, and public understanding. Her current research examines how news organizations cover complex environmental issues, with a particular focus on mining communities in the American West. As a Snap AR Scholar at the University of Oregon, she investigates how emerging technologies can enhance storytelling and public engagement with environmental issues.

 

Drawing from her experience working with communities in Ghana and the American Southwest, Gattis studies how media shapes public discourse around environmental challenges and community resilience. Her research has been presented at major conferences including the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) and the International Communication Association (ICA).

 

Before pursuing her doctorate, Gattis worked in strategic communication and marketing, where she led sustainability initiatives that transformed how major grocery chains handle packaging waste. This industry experience informs both her research and teaching approach, helping students bridge theoretical understanding with practical application.

 

As an educator, Gattis is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments that prepare students for both academic and professional success. She has taught courses in writing, media production, and communication across various formats, from small workshops to large lectures. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning and the integration of emerging technologies to enhance student engagement.

 

Gattis is completing her Ph.D. in Mass Communication and Media Studies at the University of Oregon, where she also earned a certificate in New Media and Culture. She holds an M.A. in Media Innovation with a Graduate Certificate in Renewable Energy Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is currently on the job market and will graduate in June 2025.