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Education

2011 Texas State University, B.A.
2014 Texas State University, M.A. 
2014 Texas State University, Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communication and Training
2018 Arizona State University, Ph.D. 

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Courses Taught

Speech for Business and the Professions
Interpersonal Communication
Issues in Communication
Research Strategies and Design

Career Specialties

Ray's research focuses on the intersections of interpersonal and health communication, specifically how people attempt to communicate support to loved ones who have been diagnosed with cancer. Ray’s research also explores issues related to loneliness and communication strategies that lonely individuals can use to make meaningful connections with others. As a mixed-methods social scientist, Ray's work uses experiments, surveys and interviews to investigate these issues.

Professional and Community Activities

Ray has published over two dozen studies primarily focusing on the dark side of communication after a cancer diagnosis. Ray's work explores reasons why some attempts to be supportive are viewed negatively by cancer patients and instances when people choose not to communicate with those they know with cancer (i.e., nonsupport).

Ray's research has led him to volunteer with the non-profit organization b-Present, whose aim is to provide education and resources that focus on helping young adults become better supporters for other young adults who have cancer. His roles with b-Present include facilitating workshops, delivering presentations and conducting studies that test materials developed by b-Present.

Ray also researches loneliness and the strategies that people use to create meaningful connections with others. His recent work on this topic has explored both the potential for therapeutic interventions for loneliness as well as documenting the actions taken by previously lonely people to successfully create connections in their lives.

In addition to publishing in peer-reviewed journals, Ray also appears on podcasts and other forms of media to discuss his research on cancer and loneliness. Links to these appearances and more information about his research can be found at www.ColterRay.com. A visual map of Ray's publications on cancer can be viewed HERE.

Honors and Awards

Top Paper: Interpersonal Communication Division of the Western States Communication Association (2020 & 2022)

Arizona State University: Knowledge Mobilization Impact Award for Research (2017)

Arizona State University: Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Outstanding Graduate Researcher (2017 & 2018)

Texas State University: Department of Communication Studies Outstanding Graduate Student (2014)

Texas State University: School of Journalism and Mass Communication Ralph J. Harrell Outstanding Senior (2011)

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