Biography
Emily is a PhD Candidate in Communication and a co-managing editor for the Sex and Pyschology blog and podcast. Prior to her current program, Emily earned her BA in Business Analytics at Binghamton University and her MA in Communication at Baylor University.
Emily's research is concerned with topics relevant to interpersonal communication, health, and mediated communication technologies. She particularly interested in the myraid ways communication technolgies affect our intimate lives, especially as it relates to the exchange of sexual consent and our participation within different online spaces.
Her published work can be found in avenues such as New Media & Society, Social Media + Society, Health Communication, and The International Journal of Cultural Studies.
Research Interests
mediated relationships, health communication, sex communication, interpersonal communication, critical theory, technology
Education
M.A., Communication, Baylor University
B.S., Business Analytics, Binghamton University
Grants
The International Academy of Sex Research, Student Development Research Award, "Developing the signs of sexual interest index."
The Love Consortium, Graduate Student Research Grant, "A narrative analysis of expressions of love and gratitude in the United States, China, and Chile."
Awards and Honors
Donald P. Cushman Memorial Award (2024), National Communication Association
For the paper Disclosure-related social support and reappraisals as a result of sharing abortion experiences with close others.
Illinois Distinguished Fellowship, University of Illinois Graduate College
Courses Taught
Instructor of Record
CMN 111: Oral and Written Communication I
CMN 112: Oral and Written Communication II
CMN 210: Public Communication in Everyday Life
CMN 338: Relationships and Technologies
Faculty Extender
CMN 502: Health Communication Research Methods I
CMN 503: Health Communication Research Methods II
Additional Campus Affiliations
Illinois Writers Workshop
External Links
Highlighted Publications
Mendelson, E. A., & Thompson, C. M. (2026). The communicative disenfranchisement of disabled individuals during healthcare appointments: Material ramifications of inaccessible talk and space. Communication Research, 53(2), 204–232. https://doi.org/10.1177/00936502251384697
Mendelson, E. A. (2024). Sensemaking and public intimacy on TikTok: How viral videos influence interpersonal relationships offline. New Media & Society, 26(12), 7081–7099. https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448231163231
Recent Publications
Lehmiller, J. J., Graham, C. A., Ferrall, L., Mendelson, E. A., & Prine, M. S. (2026). The role of masturbation in relieving symptoms associated with menopause. Menopause, 33(4), 384. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000002675
Smith, J. K., & Mendelson, E. A. (2024). Parasocial parenting, adoption, and monetization of the “internet parent” with the Griswolds on TikTok. International Journal of Cultural Studies, OnlineFirst. https://doi.org/10.1177/13678779241288619
Mendelson, E. A., & Smith, J. K. (2024). Mediated sexual and romantic learning on TikTok: The dating wrapped trend. Social Media + Society, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051241279255
Blog Posts on Sex and Psychology
Mendelson, E. (2026, July 8). Can chatbots help prevent intimate partner violence? Sex and Psychology. https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/2026/7/8/can-chatbots-help-prevent-intimate-partner-violence/
Mendelson, E. (2026, June 24). The psychological importance of pride flags. Sex and Psychology. https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/2026/6/24/the-psychological-importance-of-pride-flags/
Mendelson, E. (2026, April 1). 2026 sexual education curriculum requirements in the US. Sex and Psychology. https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/2026/4/1/2026-sexual-education-curriculum-requirements-in-the-us/