Christina L. Myers Ph.D.
Bio
Dr. Christina L. Myers, originally from Columbia, South Carolina, is a three-time graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a Minor in Chemistry, a Master of Mass Communication and a Doctor of Philosophy in Mass Communication. In August 2022, Dr. Myers joined Michigan State University as a tenure-track assistant professor in the School of Journalism.
Employing qualitative methods, Dr. Myers' research bridges concepts of Critical Race Theory and Mass Communication theory to offer fresh perspectives on the intersection of race and media – specifically examining depictions of Black experiences and the presence of implicit racial bias and racist ideologies in narrative creation in the areas of music, sports and news. Her dissertation, "Power, Poison, Pain & Joy": Implicit Racial Bias & Defining Blackness in Black Sports Commentary, Black Music and Black Storytelling, offers a Critical Race Conceptual Model of Implicit Racial Bias to representations of African Americans in mass media to illustrate how stereotypical depictions and racist ideologies arise in media content, including by Black content creators. Myers seeks to empower her community through scholarship by:
- Confronting the historical implications of systemic racism by exposing & dismantling societal mechanisms and practices that seek to oppress and silence African Americans and other marginalized groups;
- Amplifying the voices of those who have been systemically silenced in society by highlighting their authentic experiences;
- Offering an avenue for critical discourse on race to foster equitable practices and solutions as well as an equitable academic environment.
Dr. Myers is a freelance journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of race, culture, identity and policy. Her previous journalism postings include Equity Reporter for The State Newspaper, political reporter for The Associated Press and national desk writer for NBC News Channel. Her commentary has been featured in Andscape, BBC News, CBS Detroit, LAist 89.3’s “AirTalk,” and NPR’s flagship affiliate serving Los Angeles and Southern California.
Dr. Myers' professional affiliations and awards include the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), International Communication Association (ICA), '22 UofSC Breakthrough Graduate Scholar, '21 Southeastern Conference Emerging Scholar, '21 UofSC Critical Race Theory Summer Institute Fellow, UofSC Grace Jordan McFadden Professors Program Scholar.
In 2023, Dr. Myers was honored at the 4th Annual MSU Women of Color Community Conference for her contributions to scholarship and community empowerment. In 2025, she received the Faculty Impact Award from ComArtSci—an honor that recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional leadership, generously share their insights, and contribute the hard work and mentorship that foster vision and excellence within their programs and departments. The award celebrates those whose dedication to teaching, advising, or mentoring has made a significant and lasting impact on the lives and careers of students.
Research and Teaching
- Black representation in news, music and sports
- Implicit Bias
- Critical Race Theory
- Ideology
- Racial and cultural stereotypes
