Nicole O’Donnell, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University. Her research centers on media psychology, examining how media messages influence attitudes, beliefs, and behavior, with applications to health, science, environmental, and risk communication.

Nicole frequently collaborates with nonprofit organizations and government agencies to conduct research that informs the design and evaluation of mass media campaigns. Recent partners include the Extension Foundation, the Hume Lee Transplant Center, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, the Inland Northwest Healthy Youth Collaborative, and Room One. Through consulting and grant-funded work, she helps organizations develop, test, and evaluate campaign messages so their communication efforts are grounded in evidence. She prioritizes sharing her research outside of academia to inform policy and improve public health and safety.

Nicole currently serves as Co-Director of the Murrow Collaborative for Media and Health Promotion, Communication Lead for the INTERACT Center, and a graduate faculty member in Washington State University’s Prevention Science Program.