Amanda Cooper

Assistant Professor

Department of Communication

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Education

Ph.D., University of Arizona, 2023 

About

Amanda Cooper, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Interpersonal Communication at the University of Connecticut. Her research interests fall at the intersection of interpersonal, family, and health communication, focusing on the ways in which individuals and families navigate difficult transitions across the lifespan, particularly around aging, dementia caregiving, and end-of-life. Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, her work examines the relational processes that unfold across end-of-life transitions and the role of communication in promoting (or challenging) individual and relational well-being. Her research has been published in journals such as the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Personal Relationships, the Journal of Family Communication, Health Communication, Communication Monographs, and Communication Research. Amanda’s research has received numerous awards, including the Kory Floyd Fellowship in Interpersonal Relations (University of Arizona Department of Communication), the Dawn O. Braithwaite Qualitative Research Award (CSCA Interpersonal and Family Division), and Outstanding Dissertation Awards (NCA Communication and Aging Division & ICA Interpersonal Communication Division). 

Research Interests

• Interpersonal, Health, and Family Communication 
• Communication and Aging 
• Family Caregiving 
• Communication at the End of Life 
• Transitions Across the Lifespan 

Research Links

Google Scholar

Curriculum Vitae 

Research Infographic: Relationship Turning Points & Alzheimer’s

Research Infographic: Maintaining Marital Closeness & Alzheimer’s