Communication Theory, Effective Speaking, Intercultural Communication, Mass Communication and Media Studies, Ethnocultural Identity
Race and Ethnicity, Ethnocultural Identity, Latin American Studies, Activism Studies, Transnational Identity, Gentrification, Brexit
Effective Speaking, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Intercultural Communication
Stephanie Medden is an Assistant Professor of English and Media Studies at Bentley University, where she teaches multimodal communication, mass communication, intercultural communication, and public speaking. Her classes help business students understand how stories, images, and identities circulate across media, shaping collective action in ideological beliefs and consumer behavior. As a scholar of digital activism and platformed resistance, her research examines how communities use media to define who they are, build solidarity, and respond to social and political challenges, including contemporary consumer boycotts and brand controversies.
As a committed teacher scholar, Professor Medden also conducts pedagogy research on communication training, with a focus on how students develop confidence, clarity, and credibility as speakers and presenters. Drawing on this work, she designs public speaking and presentation assignments that mirror real business and professional contexts, helping students practice making persuasive, audience-centered arguments. Together, her scholarship highlights how communication practices influence culture, public opinion, and organizational reputation in ways that matter for both civic life and business decision-making. At Bentley, she contributes to the communication curriculum and collaborates with colleagues across disciplines to show how strong, ethical communication supports effective leadership and organizational culture. Across her teaching, scholarship, and service, she is committed to preparing students to be thoughtful, culturally aware communicators in a complex and interconnected world.