Austin Beattie is a second-year PhD student studying Interpersonal Communication and Relationships under the co-advisement of Dr. Sylvia Mikucki-Enyart and Dr. Andrew High (The Pennsylvania State University). He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Economics from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI, and a master’s degree in Communication from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI (Advisor: Dr. Autumn Edwards) where he was an All-University Graduate Research and Creative Scholar.  

Austin’s primary areas of study and expertise are computer-mediated communication (CMC), supportive communication, and psychological and quantitative foundations. His most-current research explores technology’s impact on communicative processes such as social support, small-group dynamics, and perceptions of communication quality.

His work on computer-mediated and human-machine communication has been presented in regional, national, and international communication conferences, and featured in several publications. Additionally, he also serves as co-President of the Communication Studies Graduate Student Affairs Committee (GSAC) and chair of the Graduate Student Caucus at the Central States Communication Association (CSCA).