PhD
Associate Professor
Hussman School of Journalism and Media
UNC-Chapel Hill
Cancer Prevention and Control
Area of Interest
Dr. Allison Lazard’s research focuses on how visual and interactive message design influences the perceptions and impact of health communication. She uses communication and health behavior theories to identify and evaluate visual strategies to increase the effectiveness of health communication efforts. Partnering with content experts, Dr. Lazard has examined the impact of visual and interactive message design for variety of applied health topics, including: peer-to-peer cancer support, adolescent and young adults cancer support, tobacco prevention, food and cannabis marketing, and mental health and wellness promotion. Dr. Lazard’s work informs how we can optimize the delivery of critical health information to have the greatest impact on health outcomes.
Awards and Honors
- David Brinkley Teaching Excellence Award, UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, 2021
- E. Reese Felts Jr. Distinguished Associate Professor – Term Professorship, 2020
News and Stories
Social media health intervention wins $3.25 million in NCI funding
Allison Lazard, PhD, and Barbara Fredrickson, PhD, were awarded a $3.25 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to encourage young adults with cancer to seek social support resources.
Text messaging proves effective in communicating about colorectal cancer screening, promoting shared decision-making
A study by UNC researchers has demonstrated that text messaging is an effective and well-received tool to communicate about colorectal cancer screening.
