Allison Lazard

My research revolves around a core interest in how visual design influences message perception and engagement. In our digital environment, individuals encounter visual messages at unprecedented rates. Specifically, my research interests focus on how visual and interactive design influences health communication, including health and wellness campaigns . As visually communicating across a broad range of media is critical for effective messaging, my work identifies the role of visual and interactive design, in strategic communication, as tools that aid in favorable message evaluations.

Communication is my focus, and visual design my method in a career filled with multidisciplinary approaches for effective health communication to impact behavior. I have professional industry experience in a variety of creative roles ranging from commercial photography in food and product promotion to interactive and print design in the health care industry, along with teaching courses in health communication, research methods, advertising, media effects, and digital arts. With a Ph.D. in advertising (The University of Texas at Austin), M.S. in informatics (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis), and a B.S. in visual communication (Ohio University), my educational and professional experiences influence my research contributing to a larger body of theoretical knowledge in applied health communication, as well as allowing me to contribute to my discipline through teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Download my CV