Awards & Honors
Distinguished Scholarly Awards
Franklin H. Knower Award (2026)
Interpersonal Communication Division, National Communication Association
The Longitudinal Influence of Supportive Messages on Stress Reactivity and General Well-Being for LGBTQ+ Recipients of Hate Speech: Comparing the Relative Effects of Verbal Person-Centered and Autonomy Support
Gerald R. Miller Book Award (2023)
Interpersonal Communication Division, National Communication Association
The Oxford Handbook of the Physiology of Interpersonal Communication, Oxford University Press
Early Career Award (2020)
Interpersonal Communication Division, National Communication Association
Research and Conference Awards
Best of the Best Session (2024)
American Psychosocial Oncology Society
Facing Cancer Together: Exploring the Associations Among Communal Orientation, Sexual Communication, and Relational Thriving When Navigating Intimacy Challenges
Top Four Paper (2023)
Interpersonal Communication Division, National Communication Association
Exploring Associations Among Shared Social Identity, Supportive Communication, Language Use, and Physiological Stress During Conversations About LGBTQ+ Individuals' Hate Speech Experiences
Top Four Paper (2022)
Interpersonal Communication Division, International Communication Association
The Longitudinal Influence of Supportive Messages on Stress Reactivity, Forgiveness, and General Well-Being for LGBTQ+ Recipients of Hate Speech: Comparing the Relative Effects of Verbal Person-Centered and Autonomy Support
Top Four Paper (2021)
Interpersonal Communication Division, International Communication Association
Exploring the Role of Oxytocin in Communication Processes: A Test of the Post Sex Disclosures Model
Top Four Paper (2017)
Interpersonal Communication Division, National Communication Association
Does Physiology Influence Accommodation and Satisfaction During Conflict? Exploring the Role of Testosterone in Couples' Conflict Conversations
Teaching and Student Recognition
Most Valuable Professor
University of Delaware Women's Soccer Team (2021, 2022, 2023)
University of Delaware Women's Lacrosse Team (2025)
University of Delaware Men's Baseball Team (2025)
University of Delaware Men's Football Team (2025, 2026)
Professor of the Week (2022)
Chi Omega Sorority, University of Delaware
Senior Capstone Faculty Appreciation Award (2015)
Department of Communication Studies, Colorado State University
Early Career and Graduate Honors
Outstanding Dissertation Award (2013)
Interpersonal Communication Division, National Communication Association
Outstanding Dissertation Award (2013)
Interpersonal Communication Division, International Communication Association
Faculty Award for Outstanding Completed Research (2013)
Department of Communication, University of Washington
Top Scholar Award (2008)
Graduate School, University of Washington