Sophie Downing

Dr. Downing’s teaching interests include family, interpersonal, and organizational communication; identity studies; and qualitative research practices. Adopting a philosophy of care, she believes her role as an educator is to foster students’ development as critical thinkers, writers, and community members.

Dr. Downing’s research is rooted in interpretive research practices and centers around themes of narrative, identity, care, and ambiguity. Exploring these concepts in familial and organizational contexts, her scholarship underscores the power of stories to make sense of human experience and connection. Questions that often guide Dr. Downing’s scholarly inquiries include: What narratives construct and sustain individuals, families, and organizations? What are the implications of those narratives? How do individuals, families, and organizations make sense of and respond to challenges? And finally, how do individual identities and experiences interact with broader organizational or societal narratives and power structures? 

Her previous research has been published in Health Communication, Communication Education, and Communication Teacher.