About
Darrin Griffin’s work centers on interpersonal communication, with a particular focus on nonverbal communication, deceptive communication, and Deaf culture. He studies how people send and interpret messages through facial expressions, gestures, and both verbal and nonverbal communication. His interest on deception centers around what happens when signals are unclear, misleading, or intentionally misleading.
Impact Beyond the University
Griffin’s expertise informs fields ranging from law enforcement and security to education and accessibility design. By helping professionals better recognize nonverbal cues and deceptive behavior, his work supports more ethical and effective decision-making in high-stakes environments. His engagement with Deaf communities and use of sign language in different communication environments also offers practical guidance for organizations seeking to create more inclusive spaces and technologies.
A Passion for Teaching
In the classroom, Griffin invites students to look beneath the surface of everyday interaction. He teaches courses on deception, nonverbal communication, and Deaf culture, challenging students to think critically about how messages are sent, received and misunderstood. He is also passionate about travel and leads students on both study abroad and study away (domestic) programs to learn about interpersonal communication and food communication.