Fatima Barakji (Ph.D., Wayne State University) conducts research on health communication at
the intersection of interactive communication technology, social media effects and message
design to influence attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. She also studies the use of text messages in
mHealth interventions and has developed “communicative control” strategies targeted at
restricting unhealthy behaviors detrimental to the management of chronic illness.
Dr. Barakji’s most recent research examined mobile health interventions guided by her
“construal model of communicative control” model in the management and improvement of
patients with Type 2 Diabetes through mobile persuasion. Her research has been published in top
journals, including Review of Communication Research, Journal of Family Communication, and
the Sage Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Her research has led to several
regional, national, and international conference presentations.
Dr. Barakji has a rich portfolio in teaching in the United States, and currently in the United Arab
Emirates in both English and Arabic. She has taught multiple communication courses including
Research Methods in Communication Studies and Public Relations, Survey of Mass
Communication, and Public Speaking. In addition, Dr. Barakji teaches courses in the field of
Public Relations including social marketing, strategic public relations, and organizational
communication.