Syed Ali Hussain, Assistant Professor

Ali Hussain is an assistant professor of digital audience engagement. He has 11 years of work experience in behavior change communication, social influence and persuasion. His focus is on both applied and theoretical aspects of designing, implementing and evaluating public communication campaigns.

Hussain's qualifications includes a master’s degree in Health Communication from Michigan State University on a Fulbright scholarship (2013), Post-Graduate Certification in Public Health from the University of Manchester, U.K. (2006) and a master’s degree in Information Systems Management (2005). During PhD, Hussain worked on research projects funded by USAID, National Science Foundation, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In 2018, Hussain received the outstanding doctoral student award by the School of Journalism at MSU.

Hussain has worked on managerial positions in International Rescue Committee and Save the Children on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent and Health projects. During his role as a Behavior Change Communication Manager with IRC, Hussain managed the creative design, implementation and evaluation of a $1 million communication campaign. Hussain also received an outstanding performance award for his work in Save the Children in 2011.

Hussain's research includes both quantitative and qualitative methodologies including experimental studies as well as focus groups, interviews and systematic analysis. He has also participated in psychophysiological studies as well as visual communication and linguistic text analysis. He also has published scholarship in a book chapter as well as Communication Research Reports, and Journal of Medical & Internet Research, among other journals.

Hussain has presented at several conferences including the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, International Communication Association, National Communication Association, Computer Human Interaction, Global Digital Health Forum, Kentucky Health Communication and DC Health Communication Conferences.