College of Information and Communications
Faculty and Staff
Brett W. Robertson, Ph.D.
| Title: | Assistant Professor Mass Communications Sequence Head |
| Department: | School of Journalism and Mass Communications College of Information and Communications |
| Email: | br31@mailbox.sc.edu |
| Phone: | 803-777-6783 |
| Office: | School of Journalism and Mass Communications 800 Sumter Street, Room 123 Columbia, SC 29208 |
| LinkedIn: | My LinkedIn profile |
| Resources: | Google Scholar Personal Website |
Follow @bwrobertson
Beginning January 2025, Brett Robertson serves as associate director of the Hazards Vulnerability and Resilience Institute while continuing his role in the College of Information and Communications at the University of South Carolina.
Education
B.A., Communication Studies, Chapman University
M.A., Communication Studies, California State University, Fullerton
Ph.D., Organizational Communication and Technology, The University of Texas at Austin
Research
Brett Robertson examines how individuals and institutions prepare for and respond to emergencies, with a focus on information flow, message design, organizational response, and public interpretation during high-risk events. His work explores the use of digital platforms and media in shaping risk perception, facilitating preparedness, and supporting coordination during hazard events. He collaborates with emergency management organizations, public health practitioners, and interdisciplinary research teams, drawing on both quantitative and qualitative approaches to study how communication strategies and tools can support decision-making and enhance public safety.
Teaching
Drawing on a background in public affairs and healthcare, Robertson brings a student-centered, experiential approach to the classroom — emphasizing relevance, real-world application, and professional preparation. His teaching incorporates community partnerships, applied projects, and high-stakes simulations to help students connect theory to practice in meaningful ways. Known for his mentorship and accessible course design, he creates learning environments that support critical thinking, collaboration, and long-term growth.
Awards
Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award, 2025, University of South Carolina
Ross Brinkert Rising Star Early Career Award, 2024, National Communication Association (NCA) Training & Development Division.
Top Paper Award, 2024, National Communication Association (NCA) Communication & The Future Division.
Top Paper Award, 2024, International Communication Association (ICA) Environmental Communication Division
Outstanding Tenure-Track Instructor, 2023, National Communication Association (NCA) Organizational Communication Division
Recent Publications
Robertson, B. W., Dow, K., Salinas, J., & Cutter, S. L. (2024). Heat risk perceptions and coping strategies of the unhoused. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Lawrence, N., & Robertson, B. W. (2023). Extremist organizations and online platforms: A systematic literature review. Qualitative Research Reports in Communication.
Johnson, M., Murthy, D., Robertson, B. W., Smith, W. R., & Stephens, K. K. (2023). Moving emergency response forward: Leveraging machine-learning classification of disaster-related images posted on social media. Journal of Management Information Systems.