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Paula Weissman Adjunct Senior Professorial Lecturer Public Communication

Degrees
BA Communication (summa cum laude), University of Massachusetts

MA Communication, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania

PhD Communication, University of Maryland

Bio
Paula Lazili Weissman is a senior professorial lecturer in the Public Communication Division with more than 20 years of experience as a research consultant, university instructor, and curriculum developer. Her expertise is in the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods to guide and evaluate strategic communication efforts. She has worked with a variety of federal government agencies and nonprofit organizations with an emphasis on the health sector. Recent projects have included developing and delivering program evaluation training for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and analyzing public guidance to inform the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute's (PCORI) strategic plan. She received the 2020 Research Prize for Professional Relevance from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication for a study on the use of social media analytics in public relations. As a collaborator with SOC's Center for Media & Social Impact (CMSI) she led a study examining portrayals of civic leadership and engagement in popular television, which won the 2023 Anthem Award (Silver) for Purpose & Mission-Driven Work. Dr. Weissman previously served as program director for AU’s Online MA in Strategic Communication and oversaw the development of concentrations in advocacy and social impact communication and digital communication strategies and analytics. She previously served on the University's self-study steering committee for Middle States reaccreditation, and she chaired and served as a member of the Faculty Senate Committee on Learning Assessment (COLA). She teaches courses in research methods, communication theory, and health communication.
For the Media
To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.

Teaching

Summer 2024

  • COMM-735 Communication Theory

  • COMM-744 Strategic Comm Capstone

Fall 2024

  • COMM-735 Communication Theory

  • COMM-744 Strategic Comm Capstone

Scholarly, Creative & Professional Activities

Selected Publications

Fitzpatrick, K. R. & Weissman, P. L. (2021). Public relations in the Age of Data: Corporate Perspectives on Social Media Analytics. Journal of Communication Management, 25(4), 401-416. 

Weissman, P. L., Puglisi, G., Bernardini, D. & Graf, J. (2019). Disruption in PR Education: Online Masters Degree Programs in Public Relations and Strategic Communication. Journalism & Mass Communication Educator, 74(4), 371-387.

Weissman, P. L. (2016). Health literacy & risk communication. Health industry communication: New media, new methods, new message (2nd ed., pp. 117-135). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett.