Sriram “Sri” Kalyanaraman has been named Senior Associate Dean for Research at the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. Kalyanaraman is a professor at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications where he serves as the Director of the Media Effects and Technology Lab, is co-founder of the Virtual Reality (VR) for Social Good initiative and a founding member of the Online Learning Institute. Previously, he was a faculty member and director of the Media Effects Laboratory at the University of North Carolina’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Kalyanaraman to the College”, said dean Heidi Hennink-Kaminski. “He is poised to mentor and support faculty, enhance our research infrastructure, and grow our portfolio of extramural funding. We look forward to the fresh perspectives and dynamic leadership he will bring to foster interdisciplinary research initiatives and build upon our culture of innovation and excellence.”
Kalyanaraman’s primary research focuses on the psychology of new technologies, particularly as they inform persuasion and attitude change in online environments.
He is especially interested in using immersive media platforms (e.g., virtual reality) to improve the human spirit and condition based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) program and focuses on such issues as climate science, health and well-being, and diversity issues, among others. His research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Ministry of Economy—Government of Spain and Janssen Pharmaceutica, and has been published in several journals including Nature Scientific Reports, Journal of Communication, Communication Research, Media Psychology, Health Psychology, Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, New Media and Society, Journal of Advertising, Health Communication, among others.
Kalyanaraman holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and an interdisciplinary doctorate degree in mass communication. He has served on multiple editorial boards including Journal of Communication, Human Communication Research, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media, and was a co-editor of the interdisciplinary journal, Media Psychology from 2011-2014.
“I am honored and humbled to be joining what I regard as the undisputed leader in research and creative accomplishment in media and communication, broadly,” said Kalyanaraman. “There is enviable talent at various levels in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and I look forward to working with faculty, staff, and students to nourish and nurture ComArtSci’s exemplary research culture.”
Kalyanaraman will begin his new role with the college on August 16, 2024.
By: Allison Eason