Communication and Media

Adam Rainear, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Media at West Chester University.  He teaches courses in media campaigns, media literacy, media and culture, and digital production. 

Dr. Rainear’s research examines communication during times of weather crises, with a particular interest in mediated risk communication using social media or new technology.  He is interested in investigating how different groups, such as the general public or emergency managers, use social media during extreme weather events.  His most recent publications have appeared in journals such as Journal of Emergency Management, Communication Research Reports, and Weather, Climate, & Society.

 

Selected Publications

Xu, Z., Lachlan, K.A., Ellis, L., & Rainear, A.M. (2019). Understanding Public Opinion in Different Disaster Stages: A Case Study of Hurricane Irma. Internet Research. Vol. 30 No. 2, pp. 695-709. DOI: 10.1108/INTR-12-2018-0517

Rainear, A.M., Lachlan, K.A., Oeldorf-Hirsch, A., & DeVoss, C.L. (2018). Tweeting in the Face of Uncertainty: Examining Content of State Emergency Management During Hurricane Joaquin. Communication Research Reports. 35:4, 325-334, DOI:10.1080/08824096.2018.1503945

Rainear, A.M., Lachlan, K.A., & Lin, C.A. (2017). What's in a #Name? An Experimental Study Examining Perceived Credibility and Impact of Winter Storm Names. Weather, Climate, & Society, 9(4), 815-822. DOI: 10.1175/WCAS-D-16-0037.1

Rainear, A.M., & Christensen, J.L. (2017). Protection Motivation Theory as an Explanatory Framework for Pro-Environmental Behavioral Intentions. Communication Research Reports, 34:3, 239-248. DOI: 10.1080/08824096.2017.1286472

Spence, P.R., Lachlan, K.A., & Rainear, A.M. (2016). Social media and crisis research: Data collection and directions. Computers in Human Behavior, 54, 667–672. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2015.08.045

 

Courses Taught

Public Speaking, SPK 208
Introduction to Video Production, MDC 217
Media Writing for Broadcast and Public Relations, MDC 252
Media Literacy, MDC 253
Media and Culture, MDC 254
Media Campaigns, MDC 423

 

Professional Memberships

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Central States Communication Association (CSCA)
National Communication Association (NCA)
International Communication Association (ICA)
American Meteorological Society (AMS)