I am a professor at The University of Tampa and social scientist whose research focuses on how people support loved ones who have been diagnosed with cancer. My work explores reasons why some attempts to be supportive are viewed negatively by cancer patients, and I also investigate instances when people choose not to communicate with those they know with cancer. I also research issues related to loneliness and the communication strategies that lonely individuals can use to make meaningful connections with others. I have published over two dozen studies on these topics and my work has been featured on multiple podcasts and has been quoted in several news outlets, including USA Today, The Guardian, and The Telegraph. I am also a consultant for multiple non-profit and for-profit organizations whose missions are to develop communication skills that improve people’s relationships, cognitive and behavioral empathy, and confidence to support loved ones during difficult times.In the classroom, I typically teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to personal relationships (e.g., interpersonal communication), organizational communication, and social scientific research methods.