Dr. John J. Brooks is a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Communication at the University at Buffalo, working with Dr. Melanie Green and the Narrative Lab. His program of research explores media psychology at the intersections of health and politics. In particular, it centers the depiction of socially important topics in media, examining how storytelling can surmount social, political, and affective divides to promote prosocial outcomes. John's research has been published in a number of leading outlets, including Media Psychology, Mass Communication and Society, Health Communication, and Journal of Health Communication. In addition to research, John is an enthusiastic educator: He previously received the Northwestern University School of Communication’s “Outstanding Graduate Instructor” award and has worked extensively with the Searle Center for Advancing Learning & Teaching as both a Graduate Teaching Mentor and Formative Feedback Partner (teaching consultant).