Collegiate Affiliation
Writing Studies
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Professor Laura J. Gurak  (Ph.D., Communication and Rhetoric, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) studies the relationship between human language and technology, with a focus on the rhetorical and persuasive dynamics of human communication, especially  ethos, trust, and credibility in digital settings. Gurak also studies how technology and science are communicated to the public. This work includes areas such as technical writing and the study of communicative patterns in science, health, and engineering discourse. She is author of numerous articles and books including Persuasion and Privacy in Cyberspace (Yale 1996), Cyberliteracy (Yale 2001) and, with John M. Lannon, Technical Communication (2024, 16th ed., Pearson Longman). Gurak was the founding chair (2007-2016) of the Department of Writing Studies, College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota.

Educational Background & Specialties
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Educational Background

  • Ph.D.: Communication and Rhetoric, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1994
  • M.A. : Technical Communication, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1990
  • B.A. : Public Communication , College of St. Rose, 1989

Specialties

  • Rhetorical dynamics of human communication
  • Internet studies and online research methods
  • Social aspects of computing
  • Rhetorics of technology
  • Technical and professional writing and communication
  • Trust, ethos, and human communication