Amy Ritchart is a PhD candidate at The University of Alabama in the College of Communication & Information Sciences. Her research focuses on developing a nuanced understanding of how the media shapes and aids in public understanding of discourse and policy about health and politics. At UA, Ritchart is an affiliate of the Office of Politics, Communication and Media, the Public Opinion Lab, and is a Graduate Teaching Fellow with the Graduate School. Before beginning her full-time work in higher education, Ritchart was a career reporter and editor.