Stephanie A. (Robbins) Tikkanen

Stephanie A. (Robbins) Tikkanen

Ohio University

School of Communication Studies

Lasher Hall, 43 West Union

Athens, Ohio 45701

(740) 593-4828

Education

PhDUniversity of California Santa Barbara, 2013

Communication, emphasis in Interpersonal Communication

Certificate of College and University Teaching (CCUT)

Dissertation Title: The Confidant Response Model:Examining the Impact of Structure on Response Decisions for Recipients of Distressing Disclosures

Dissertation Committee: Walid Afifi (Chair), Tamara Afifi, Miriam Metzger

MAUniversity of California Santa Barbara, 2010

Communication, emphasis in Interpersonal Communication

Thesis Title: Gr8 Textpectations: An Examination of the Role of Need for Closure in Parental Anxiety

Thesis Committee: Walid Afifi (Chair), Tamara Afifi, Miriam Metzger

BAChapman University, 2007

Communication Studies

Summa cum Laude

Research Interests

My research program focuses on the growing role of new media (e.g., social networking sites, mobile phones) in interpersonal relationships. Specifically, I take a theoretical approach to understanding the way in which channel and structural features interact with individual and relational motivations to affect interpersonal processes across relational types.

Appointments

Ohio University, School of Communication Studies

Assistant ProfessorAugust 2013—

University of California—Santa Barbara, Department of Communication

Graduate Teaching AssistantAugust 2008—July 2013

Research

Publications

Tikkanen, S. A., Afifi, W. A., & Merrill, A. F. (in press). Gr8 textpectations:Parents’ experiences of anxiety in response to adolescent mobile phone delays. In C. Bruess (Ed.), Family communication in an age of digital and social media, New York, NY: Peter Lang.

Afifi, W. A., & Robbins, S. A. (in press). Theory of motivated information management: Struggles with uncertainty and its outcomes. In D.O. Braithwaite and P. Schrodt (Eds.), Engaging theories in interpersonal communication, 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Robbins, S. A., & Merrill, A. F. (2014). Understanding posttransgressional relationship closeness: The roles of perceived severity, rumination, and communication competence. Communication Research Reports, 31, 23-32.

Afifi, W. A., Afifi, T. D., Robbins, S., & Nimah, N. (2013). The relative impacts of uncertainty and mothers' communication on hopelessness among Palestinian refugee youth. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 83, 495-504.

Gasiorek, J., Giles, H., Holtgraves, T., & Robbins, S. A. (2012). Celebrating thirty years of the JLSP: Analyses and prospects. Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 31, 361-375.

Kanter, M., Afifi, T. D., & Robbins, S. A. (2012). The impact of a parent’s presence on Facebook on perceptions of parental privacy invasions and parent-child relationship quality. Journal of Communication, 62, 900-917.

Publications (under review)

Tikkanen, S. A. & Afifi, W. A. (under review). The confidant response theory. Under review at Communication Theory.

Tikkanen, S. A. & Afifi, W. A. (under review). The impact of structure on response decisions for recipients of distressing disclosures: The bystander effect. Under review at Journal of Computer Mediated Communication.

Tikkanen, S. A. (under review). The convergence of computer-mediated and interpersonal communication: Theories, research, and characteristics. Under review for publication in the edited volume Social Media: Pedagogy & Practice II.

Conference Papers (Refereed)

Robbins, S. A., & Afifi, W. A.(2014, May). The impact of structure on response decisions for recipients of distressing disclosures: The bystander effect. Paper to be presented at the annual conference of the International Communication Association, Seattle, WA. This paper was awarded a Top Four Paper in the Human Communication and Technology Division.

Robbins, S. A., & Afifi, W. A.(2014, May). The confidant response theory. Paper to be presented at the annual conference of the International Communication Association, Seattle, WA.

Robbins, S. A.(2012, November). The convergence of computer-mediated and interpersonal communication: Theories, research, and characteristics. Paper presented at the annual conference of the National Communication Association, Orlando, FL.

Robbins, S. A.(2012, November). Computer mediated communication, disclosure, and the confidant response model. Paper presented at the annual conference of the National Communication Association, Orlando, FL.

Robbins, S. A. (2012, July). The confidant response model and the bystander effect. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Doctoral Honors Conference, Los Angeles, CA.

Afifi, T. D., Merrill, A. F., Davis, S. M. & Robbins, S. A.(2012, May). Contextualizing communal coping and examining its benefits beyond individual active coping and social support. Paper presented at the annual conference of the International Communication Association, Phoenix, AZ.

Afifi, W. A., Afifi, T. D., Robbins, S. A.,Nimah, N. (2012, May). The relative impacts of uncertainty and mother’s communication on hopelessness among Palestinian youth in Lebanese refugee camps. Paper presented at the annual conference of the International Communication Association, Phoenix, AZ.

Robbins, S. A., & Afifi, W.A. (2011, November). Gr8 Textpectations: An examination of the role of need for closure in parental anxiety. Paper presented at the annual conference of the National Communication Association, New Orleans, LA.

Kanter, M., Afifi, T. D., & Robbins, S. A. (2011, November). The impact of a parent’s presence on Facebook on perceptions of parental privacy invasions and parent-child relationship quality.Paper presented at the annual conference of the National Communication Association, New Orleans, LA.

Robbins, S. A., & Merrill, A. F. (2011, November). A vengeful voice: The use of social media in post-transgressional revenge-seeking behaviors.Paper presented at the annual conference of the National Communication Association, New Orleans, LA.

Robbins, S. A. (2011, May). The privacy dilemma response model: An examination of factors affecting responses to privacy dilemmas. Poster presented at the annual conference of the International Communication Association, Boston, MA.

Research in Progress

Tikkanen, S. A., & Frisbie, A. (In progress). Untitled book chapter proposal competitively selected for publication in D. S. Coombs & S. Collister (Eds.)Debates for the Digital Age: The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly of our Online World.

Tikkanen, S. A. & Walter, M. (In data collection). Examining the impact of structural features of mobile health applications on behavioral change. This online survey examines the relationship between use of mobile health applications (e.g., MyFitnessPal) on healthy behavioral decision-making processes, as well as sharing behaviors.

Afifi, T. D., Merrill, A. F., Davis, S. M., & Robbins, S. A.(In progress). Contextualizing communal coping and examining its benefits beyond individual active coping and social support. The purpose of this study was to examine communal coping as a stress moderator and the conditions under which it enhances psychological well-being using a cross-sectional survey of 118 parent-adolescent dyads.

Honors and Awards

Top 4 Paper Award, International Communication Association, Human

Communication and Technology Division2014

UCSB Academic Senate Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award ($1000)2013

Paper Reader, National Communication Association, Interpersonal Division2012

University of California, Santa Barbara Doctoral Travel Grant ($685)2012

National Communication Association Doctoral Honors Seminar invitee2012

George D. McCune Dissertation Year Fellowship 2012

Graduate Division Dissertation Fellowship ($6,667)2012

Awarded but declined in lieu of other funding

Humanities & Social Sciences Research Grant ($1,600)2012

UCSB Department of Communication Edwin Schoell Excellence in Teaching Award2011

UCSB Department of Communication Service Award2011

Top Thesis Award, International Communication Association, Interpersonal Division2011

Teaching

Assistant Professor - Ohio University

Lower Division (Communication Studies)

Interpersonal Communication (COMS 2060). Developed a lower-division communication course focusing on various aspects of interpersonal communication theory and practice. Student complete two journal entries, one application paper, and three multiple choice exams. Fall 2013.

Upper Division (Communication Studies)

Empirical Methods in Communication Studies (COMS 3520). Developed an upper-division communication course geared towards understanding communication research design and basic statistical analysis. Students are introduced to research, hypothesis and questionnaire development, as well as SPSS analyses including correlation, chi-square, t-tests, and ANOVA. Students complete a group research project culminating in a research presentation. Spring 2014, Fall 2014.

Communication and New Technology (COMS 3200).Developed an upper-division communication course focusing on topics at the crossroads of new media and interpersonal studies. The course covers a variety of computer-mediated communication theories and interpersonal phenomena, such as impression formation and uncertainty reduction. Students complete three blog entries, one application paper, a theory project, and two multiple choice exams. Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014.

Teaching Associate- Instructor of Record - UCSB

Upper Division (Communication)

New Media and Relationships (COMM 160SC). Developed an upper-division communication course focusing on topics at the crossroads of new media and interpersonal studies. The course covers a variety of computer-mediated communication theories and interpersonal phenomena, such as impression formation and uncertainty reduction. Students complete two course papers and two multiple choice exams. Spring 2012.

Teaching Assistant - UCSB

Lower Division (Communication)

Introduction to Communication (COMM 1). Led 3 discussion sections each week that addressed issues and experiences related to topics covered in lecture. Responsible for developing course activities, grading assignments and assigning grades. Fall 2008, Winter 2009, Fall 2009, Fall 2010, Summer 2011.

Communication Research Methods (COMM 88). Led 3 discussion sections each week that introduced students to the research process. Worked closely with students as they developed and implemented their own research project during the quarter. Responsible for managing in-class survey results, grading assignments and assigning grades. Spring 2010, Spring 2011.

Communication Theory (COMM 89). Led 3-4 discussion sections each week that reviewed lecture material and made course material relevant to students’ personal experiences. Responsible for grading oral and written assignments, assigning grades, and developing in-class activities. Spring 2009, Winter 2011.

Upper Division (Communication)

Nonverbal Communication (COMM 111). Worked with students on 2 projects, involving an analysis of nonverbal communication in their lives as well as its role in various major research areas. Responsible for grading assignments and exams. Winter 2010.

Interviewing (COMM 120). Worked with students to develop résumés, research organizations, and improve on skills in varying interviewing contexts. Responsible for grading assignments and final exam, maintaining course management site, and facilitating a videoconference with alumna guest speaker. Winter 2012, Fall 2012.

Social Marketing (COMM 160). Worked with students on proposal of a social marketing campaign, integrating current research and creative tactics for implementation. Responsible for grading assignments and exams, as well as maintaining course management site. Fall 2011.

Invited Lectures

Digital, Social and Mobile: The Changing Landscape of Human Communication. Presented with Dr. Scott Titsworth at “Alumni on the Green” Weekend, Ohio University Athens. May 31, 2014.

The Bystander Effect in Social Media: How We Deal with Difficult Disclosures. Presented to the UCSB Foundation Board of Trustees, University of California, Santa Barbara. May 18, 2013.

The Bystander Effect in Social Media: How We Deal with Difficult Disclosures. Presented at the “Grad Slam Event,” University of California, Santa Barbara. April 17, 2013.

Survey Research Methods. Interviewing (COMM 120). University of California, Santa Barbara. November 7, 2012.

Résumé Writing. Interviewing (COMM 120). University of California, Santa Barbara. October 17, 2012.

Measurement. Communication Research Methods (COMM 88). University of California, Santa Barbara. October 11, 2012.

Résumé Writing. Interviewing (COMM 120). University of California, Santa Barbara. January 25, 2012.

Nonverbal Emotion Expression and Regulation. Nonverbal Communication (COMM 111). University of California, Santa Barbara. May 18, 2011.

Interpersonal Communication. Introduction to Communication (COMM 1). University of California, Santa Barbara. October 14, 2010.

What to Do If… UCSB Campus Teaching Assistant Training. University of California, Santa Barbara. September 21, 2010.

Nonverbal Emotion Expression and Regulation. Nonverbal Communication (COMM 111). University of California, Santa Barbara. February 22, 2010.

Interpersonal Communication. Introduction to Communication (COMM 1). University of California, Santa Barbara. October 20, 2009.

Graduate Coursework

Interpersonal/Family Communication Courses: Interpersonal Communication, Information Regulation and Management, Family Communication, Stress and Coping in Families.

Methods/Statistics: Communication Research Methods, Applied Research Methods in Communication, Research Design and Measurement, Factor Analysis, Advanced Multivariate Statistics, Advanced Methods and Statistics, Structural Equation Modeling, Qualitative Methods,.

Theory: Communication Theory Construction, Communication Theory.

Related Areas: Social Computing, Mass Media: The Individual & Society, Intergroup Communication, Intergroup Relations, Psychology of Emotions, Membership Negotiation.

Service

Department Service

Faculty Advisor, National Communication Association Student Club, Ohio University. (2014—). Supervised a student organization focused upon professional development, networking, and volunteer service. Activities include planning networking trips, attending NCA National Conference, and volunteering at events such as Scripps Involvement and Majors Fairs, Scripps College Blood Drive, and The Scripps Spelling Bee.

Committee Member, Undergraduate Committee, Ohio University School of Communication Studies. (2014—).

Member, Research Revolution, Ohio University School of Communication Studies. (2013—). Group of assistant professors working to develop a more research-based culture in the School by organizing and delivering presentations and roundtables for students and faculty on topics such as CV organization, research in progress, and journal submissions.

Committee Member, Awards Committee, Ohio University School of Communication Studies. (2013-2014).

Committee Member, Technology Committee, Ohio University School of Communication Studies. (2013-2014).

Committee Member and Volunteer; UCSB Communication Department Annual Career Day (2010-2013). Created and implemented survey for department alumni, trained and supervised undergraduate volunteers, performed various organizational duties during actual event, created post-event feedback survey for students. Networked with alumni to secure guest speakers, and created/distributed publicity materials.

Co-coordinator, Housing Chair, and Volunteer; UCSB Graduate Recruitment Weekend (2010-2013). Coordinated housing, activities, and graduate volunteers for new admit weekend. Initiated and maintained close contact via email with new admits. Hosted incoming graduate students.

Lead Teaching Assistant, UCSB Department of Communication(2010-2011). Worked closely with TA Coordinator to develop colloquia on relevant teaching topics and an online site for use by departmental teaching assistants. Colloquia included: sexual harassment training with campus speakers, an informative presentation about i>clicker technology, a faculty panel regarding upper division TA workload, and a veteran TA panel for departmental training course. Worked closely with TA Coordinator and Department Chair to improve TA course evaluations. Additionally, served as a mentor for all departmental TAs.

TA Liaison; Graduate Student Advisory Committee to the Chair, UCSB(2010-2011). Served as a member of committee which presented graduate students’ concerns and issues to department chair as a liaison for all departmental TAs.

Coordinator of Graduate Student Fund-Raising Efforts for the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, UCSB(2011).

Volunteer; Communication Department Internship Workshop (2010).

Campus Service

Speaker, National Communication Association Student Club Meeting, Ohio University (2013). Spoke to introduce self and research to undergraduate networking organization.

Speaker, Ohio University Learning Communities (2013). Spoke to two panels of first year students about adjusting to college life and the communication major.

Panelist, UCSB Graduate Division, Academic Jobs Panel for Social Sciences and Education (2013). Spoke on a panel comprised of individuals who recently secured academic positions. Topics included describing the interview process, sharing tips, and issues of fit.

Panelist, College of Letters and Science Faculty Panel, Orientation Programs (2012, 2013). Represented teaching assistants as a panel member on annual discussion panel for incoming students and their parents.

Panelist and Breakout Session Chair, Campus Teaching Assistant Orientation (2010). Spoke on a general panel concerning TA issues, created a curriculum for and led 2 breakout sessions entitled “What to do if…” addressing potential issues new TAs may encounter in the classroom.

Graduate Student Representative, W.E.B. Du Bois Event (2010). Served as a representative at annual event sponsored by the UCSB Writing Center, for informing diverse undergraduates about graduate school opportunities.

Professional Service

Planning Assistant to the Division Chair (René Weber). Assisted in assigning reviewers, determining panels, and general organization for the Mass Communication Division of the annual conference of the International Communication Association, Seattle, WA (2014).

Panel Chair, “End-Stage Interpersonal Relationships on Facebook.” Annual conference of the International Communication Association, Seattle, WA. (2014).

Panel Chair, “Creating Interpersonal Connections.” Annual conference of the International Communication Association, Phoenix, AZ. (2012).

Panel Chair, “Exploring the Cognitive Correlates of Relational Communication Behavior.” Annual conference of the National Communication Association, San Francisco, CA. (2010).

Ad Hoc Reviewer, submissions to Communication Quarterly(2014).

Ad Hoc Reviewer, submissions to the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (2012).

Ad Hoc Reviewer, submission to the Journal of Computer Mediated Communication(2011, 2014).

Reviewer, International Communication Association, Interpersonal Communication Division (2014).

Reviewer, National Communication Association, Communication and Social Cognition Division (2011).

Reviewer, National Communication Association, Human Communication and Technology Division (2010, 2011, 2014).

Volunteer, National Communication Association Annual Conference (2011, 2012).

Association Memberships

International Communication Association

National Communication Association

Lambda Pi Eta

Mortar Board, Inc.