The Early Career Award recognizes a communication scholar who has made a substantial positive impact on health
communication research, yet who is currently early in her/his career. Nominees should have a productive record of high-quality
publications and show evidence of sustaining their upward scholarly trajectory. In addition, nominees’ research should be of
theoretical significance to health communication, offer practical contributions, and demonstrate methodological strength.
There are three nomination criteria. The nominee must: a) have a PhD in Communication; b) have received her/his PhD within
the last seven years (e.g., to receive the 2021 Early Career Award, the nominee should have earned a PhD between 2014-
present); and c) be a member of NCA’s Health Communication Division the year that she/he is being nominated.
Please submit a single PDF nomination packet that includes: (a) A single, detailed letter of nomination addressing the aforementioned criteria; (b) The scholar’s vita; and (c) Five representative peer-reviewed
publications. Self-nominations are welcome.
2023: Joris Van Ouytsel, Arizona State University
2022: Dr. Qinghua Yang, Texas Christian University
2021: Dr. Satveer Kaur-Gill
2021: Dr. Sebastian Scherr, Texas A&M University
2019: Katharine J. Head, Indianapolis University-Indianapolis (IUPUI)
2018: Dr. Kate C. Magsamen-Conrad, University of Iowa
2017: Dr. Sun Joo [Grace] Ahn