Belal Hossain

Belal Hossain is a Ph.D. student and University Graduate Fellow at the William Allen School of Journalism & Mass Communications at the University of Kansas. He earned his bachelor’s in television and film studies from the University of Dhaka and master’s in communication and media from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He spent seven years working as a journalist at well-known national media outlets in Bangladesh before moving to the United States. Transitioning from journalism to academia, Belal finds fulfillment in both teaching and research. He is fond of a student-centered approach to instruction as he teaches journalism, media, and communication-related courses. Primarily interested in mass communication, Belal seeks to comprehend two overarching questions: (1) how media communication spontaneously alters thoughts of individuals and society, and (2) how media communication can deliberately be employed to influence individuals and society for a healthier world. So far, he has conducted studies exploring mental health in crisis situations, health information-seeking, older adults and rural health, psychological factors in health messaging, etc., among others. For the rest of his doctoral program, he will continue research on topics including message effects, persuasion strategies, e-health interventions, media and health literacy, health behaviors, and community health. Beyond academics, Belal enjoys writing diaries, taking photos on the street, and listening to folk music.