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Alex Kresovich

Pronouns: He/Him

Research Scientist
Alex is a communication researcher who explores the ways messaging can be used to influence health behavior change.

Alex is a health communication researcher and a member of the Social Data Collaboratory at NORC. Alex is a mixed-method researcher at the intersection of health communication and media effects and is passionate about implementing behavior change theories in health communication interventions aimed at improving outcomes related to opioid use disorder, youth mental health, and substance use. His first-authored peer-reviewed research on the subject has been published in JAMA Pediatrics, Health Communication, and the Journal of Health Communication, and Social Media + Society and received media coverage in The New York Times and U.S. News & World Report.

As a key member of Sherry Emery's Social Data Collaboratory, Alex leads innovative work in health communication research, with a focus on substance use disorders, youth mental health, and social media influence in public health spaces. His research portfolio encompasses diverse areas including opioid use disorder, youth mental health, and health equity. Alex has made significant contributions to the Justice Community Innovation Network (JCOIN), investigating the impact of partisan media consumption on opioid stigma and policy support, as well as exploring the protective potential of opioid knowledge against opioid use disorder blame. His recent substance use work also includes research on public perceptions of opioid misuse recovery. His work in emerging areas such as gambling and social media influence showcases his commitment to addressing pressing public health challenges through novel approaches and technologies.

Education

PhD

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

MA

University of Georgia

BS

Cornell University

Honors & Awards

Roy H. Park Doctoral Fellow | 2018

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Presidential Scholar | 2004 - 2005

University of Georgia

Lambda Pi Eta Honors Communication Fraternity | 2007

Cornell University

Appointments & Affiliations

Peer Reviewer

Journal of Health Communication

Peer Reviewer

Health Communication

Peer Reviewer

Nicotine & Tobacco Research

Peer Reviewer

Psychology of Popular Media

Project Contributions

Media Influence on Opioid Stigma & Policy Support

Analyzing how partisan media shapes views on opioid use disorder and influences policy

Funder:

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Cannabis Prevention & Education Campaigns in Illinois

A study of the effectiveness of the Let’s Talk Cannabis and Unfaded campaigns

Client:

University of Illinois Chicago

Publications