Chris Segrin, Ph.D.

Chris Segrin is a leading scholar on how communication in relationships shapes physical and mental health outcomes, and his research highlights what are often considered society's "invisible" illnesses. He has been head of the Department of Communication for 21 years.

Segrin's contributions to the field include improving understanding of how couples cope with cancer diagnoses and treatment and how helicopter parenting can cause mental health issues in children. His work often involves studying society's most vulnerable populations, including incarcerated people, Latinas with breast cancer, and people living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Segrin has published more than 200 journal articles and chapters and two books.  

Segrin has received $16 million in research funding throughout his career from organizations such as the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Last year, he was named a fellow of the International Communication Association.