Ann Liao, Ph.D.

I joined Buffalo State in Fall 2008. I teach courses in Communication Studies. My research interests focus on learning in various contexts, such as learning in higher education and learning from the media. Prior to my academic career, I worked as a reporter for a newspaper and a public relations practitioner for a nonprofit organization. In my free time, I enjoy engaging in fitness activities and spending time with loved ones.

Education

Ph.D. in Communication, University at Buffalo

M.A. in Journalism, the Ohio State University

B.A. in English Language and Literature, Fu Jen Catholic University in Taipei, Taiwan

Classes

Communication and Society; Graduate Data Analytics for Strategic Communication; Graduate Seminar in Mass Communication; Graduate Quantitative Research Method; Communication Data Analytics; Organizational Communication; Group Communication; Rhetorical Criticism; Intercultural Communication; International Communication; Introduction to Human Communication; Introduction to Oral Communication; Foundation of Inquiry; Interpersonal Communication; Mass Communication Theory; Protest and Public Opinion; Introduction to Communication Theory; Principles of Public Relations; Public Relations Methods and Cases 

Publications

Liao, H.-A. (2025). Learning about heart failure from the news on a college campus: The effects of health attitude, healthy lifestyle, and health efficacy. Atlantic Journal of Communication, 33(3), 379–394. https://doi.org/10.1080/15456870.2024.2441197

Liao, H.-A. (2014). Examining the role of collaborative learning in a public speaking course. College Teaching, 62(2), 47–54. https://doi.org/10.1080/87567555.2013.855891

Liao, H.-A., Edlin, M., & Ferdenzi, A. C. (2014). Persistence at an urban community college: The implications of self-efficacy and motivation. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 38(7), 595–611. https://doi.org/10.1080/10668926.2012.676499

Liao, H.-A., Ferdenzi, A. C., & Edlin, M. (2012). Motivation, self-regulated learning efficacy, and academic achievement among international and domestic students at an urban community college: A Comparison. The Community College Enterprise, 18(2), 9.

Liao, H-A.  (2009). Political efficacy and campaign news attention as catalysts of discursive democracy. Web Journal of Mass Communication Research, 18.  Faculty Top Paper Award, Civic and Citizen Journalism Division, Association for the Education of Journalism and Mass Communication

Liao, H.-A. (2006). Toward an epistemology of participatory communication: A feminist perspective. The Howard Journal of Communications, 17(2), 101–118. https://doi.org/10.1080/10646170600656854

Liao, H-A.  (2006).  Cultural orientations and collaborative learning.  Academic Exchange Quarterly, 10 (3).

Liao, H-A.  (2005). Adoption of a course management system at a college campus: 
The implication of diffusion of innovation. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2 (10).

Conference Proceedings

Liao, A. (2025). Your courses on board: Using virtual whiteboards to engage students. Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association: Vol. 2024, Article 6.  Available at: https://docs.rwu.edu/nyscaproceedings/vol2024/iss1/6

Liao, A. (2024). Appreciative inquiry for a supportive climate. Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association: Vol. 2023, Article 3. Available at: https://docs.rwu.edu/nyscaproceedings/vol2023/iss1/3