About
Dr. Kaylin Duncan’s research sits at the intersection of interpersonal and organizational communication, exploring how our everyday interactions influence wellbeing, workplace dynamics, and public health. Her work examines topics such as the health benefits of affectionate communication, employee resistance to tasks, the social signaling functions of loneliness, and the spread of vaccine misinformation, particularly through social media.
By studying how people use communication to navigate relationships, express emotion, and manage social norms, Dr. Duncan sheds light on the crucial role connection plays in both personal and collective health. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges communication theory, psychology, and health studies to better understand how messages shape behavior and belonging.
Impact Beyond the University
Dr. Duncan’s work contributes to important public conversations about mental health, workplace culture, and health communication. Her findings inform how organizations foster supportive environments and how public health campaigns can better address misinformation in digital spaces.
Her research on affection and loneliness highlights communication as a key determinant of emotional and physical wellbeing, offering practical strategies for improving relationships and community engagement. By combining rigorous research with real-world application, Dr. Duncan’s research helps individuals and institutions communicate with greater empathy and effectiveness.
A Passion for Teaching and Mentorship
In the classroom, Dr. Duncan helps students see the tangible power of communication in shaping relationships and organizations. She teaches courses in interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and health communication, encouraging students to connect theory with the issues that matter most in their own lives.
Her mentorship emphasizes curiosity, compassion, and critical thinking. Through research collaboration and discussion-based learning, she prepares students to become communicators who understand not only how messages work, but how they can make a difference.