Health and Risk Communication Center - Michigan State University

04/22/2026

Our COMMunity is proud to congratulate Health and Risk MA (2018) and Communication PhD (2023) alum Youjin Jang on receiving the Top Early Career Scholar‑led Paper Award at the 2026 Kentucky Conference on Health Communication. Her award‑winning research highlights the power of interactive, text‑based va**ng prevention programs to spark meaningful and positive conversations among youth.

03/06/2026

A recently published study explores how incentives reshape perceptions of why individuals engage in health-prompting behaviors. Co-authored by Maria Lapinski, professor in the Michigan State University Communication Department and director of Health and Risk Communication Center, the findings are already being used by The Carter Center in programs aimed at eliminating Guinea worm disease.

Explore the study: http://spr.ly/6186hb5II

02/25/2026

A recent study examined more than 20 years of incentive-based health programs and found that incentives can weaken social influence when not paired with thoughtful communications.

Led by Maria Knight Lapinski, professor in the Michigan State University Communication Department and director of Health and Risk Communication Center - Michigan State University, the findings are already being used by the Carter center in programs aimed at eliminating Guinea worm disease. Explore the study: http://spr.ly/6186hb5II

02/03/2026

Kennedy Walters, a School of Journalism at Michigan State University alumna and current student in the Health and Risk Master’s program, has recently been awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Endowed Scholarship which recognizes MSU students who are, through their stewardship, becoming society’s leaders by actively engaging in building inclusive communities in ways that fight injustice and promote equality for all on every possible level.

“This award is especially meaningful because it reflects the kind of leadership I strive to practice: service-oriented, community-centered and rooted in care. Being recognized in Dr. King’s name is affirming as I continue showing up for the communities that shaped me,” said Walters.

02/02/2026

Come out for a couple hours of fun as we host the first Communication on Tap of 2026!

When: Thursday, February, 12th at 5:00
Where: One North - 1310 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI

Join experts in communication fields for an intriguing night of discussion on topics across communication, health, and more.

01/30/2026

11/07/2025

Join us for the Bettinghaus Endowed Lecture!

📅 Today | 🕒 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 ComArtSci Room 145
🎥 Watch Live: https://www.youtube.com/live/kQTKAncv3Jo

This annual lecture honors Professor Erwin P. Bettinghaus, a pioneer in health risk research and former ComArtSci Dean. We will celebrate Dean Bettinghaus’s legacy before the lecture begins.

This years lecturer is Dr. Nancy Grant Harrington. She is going to be sharing her work on A New Approach to Persuasive Message Design.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and engage!

Michigan State University Communication Department

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11/07/2025

✅ It’s Happening Now!

We’re thrilled to welcome everyone to the 5th Annual MSU Health & Risk Communication: Day of Innovation and Insights!

Today, we’re diving into groundbreaking conversations on health and risk communication, featuring expert panels, networking opportunities, and the prestigious Bettinghaus Endowed Lecture.

📍 Location: Communication Arts and Sciences Building, MSU
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

If you’re here, share your favorite moments and tag us! If you couldn’t make it, stay tuned for highlights and key takeaways.