Ruth Shillair Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Graduate Studies Director, Department of Media + Information
Department
- Media & Information
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Bio
I am an educator, researcher, writer, and entrepreneur. I enjoy engaging with MSU students, especially those that have a passion for learning in the dynamic realm of media and information studies. My background includes an undergraduate degree with a double major of management and information systems management. My master’s degree was in telecommunication and information systems policy. My Ph.D. studies focused on the human dimension of cybersecurity, which is a challenging area that is crucial to improving overall cybersecurity. In order to work towards this goal, I work collaboratively with scholars across disciplines on several projects. This has led to joint research projects with the Quello Center and the Oxford University’s Global Cybersecurity Capacity Centre. My research and publications also explore the impacts of the digital divide and digital literacies in access, security, and social marginalization.
Roles
Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Media & Information Studies
Editorial Assistant to the Annals of the International Communications Association
Research Consultant to Oxford University’s Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre
Research and Teaching
My research and teaching explore the impacts of technology on how we communicate, do business, and learn. I’ve worked on several projects funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Health (NIH), and international organizations. My current classes include both undergraduate classes (e.g., MI 452 Media Entrepreneurship, MI 462 Social Computing, MI 472 Digital Business) as well as graduate classes (MI 850 Media & Information Policy and MI 861 Media and Information Technologies in Organizations).