About

Mark Aakhus, Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Communication, Rutgers School of Communication and Information

The School of Communication and Information (SC&I) is dedicated to improving the lives of New Jerseyans every day.

A vital mission of SC&I is to serve New Jersey residents in numerous impactful, measurable, and sustainable ways.

SC&I’s internationally recognized scholars focus on communication, information, and media processes, organizations, and technologies as they affect individuals, societies, and the relationships among them.

Our scholars focus on some of the most pressing issues of our time that impact the people of New Jersey in every area of our state, whether we live in urban, suburban, or rural communities. We focus on broad issues such as the impact of mis- and dis-information on our state’s residents, including our children; the transformation of the global media industry; communication and health, including improving communications between healthcare providers and their patients and seeking solutions to the opioid addiction crisis; exploring ways residents can benefit from or be harmed by emerging communication and information technologies; understanding the impact public relations practitioners have had on the global environment; and collaborating with libraries and librarians to help them continuously evolve to provide the support their local communities need the most.

In addition to its research, our faculty also provide top-tier instruction to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as New Jersey residents who are eager to expand their professional skills to advance their knowledge, careers, and well-being.

The school’s faculty and staff are committed to educating individuals who make lasting contributions to New Jersey, the world, and to the interdisciplinary study and professional practice of communication, journalism and media, and library and information science.