Welcome to my page! I study how individuals and organizations communicate about health issues online, often at the intersection of politics and disability studies. I’m a multi-methodological social science researcher who uses qualitative, quantitative, and computational methods, particularly thematic analysis, content analysis, surveys, sentiment analysis, topic modeling, and network analysis. At the University of Alabama, where I am finishing my dissertation work, I teach news reporting and writing. Before coming to UA, I was a tenured assistant professor at Austin Peay State University, teaching journalism and a variety of foundational communication courses. I came to academia following a career as a reporter and editor for the Leaf-Chronicle in Clarksville, Tennessee, and The Enterprise Ledger in Enterprise, Alabama, and currently write freelance features.
I enjoy photography, traveling, quilting, and coffee — and am obsessed with office supplies and libraries.
Please reach out by email at aritchart@gmail.com or connect with me on Twitter and Instagram @amyritchart with questions or to discuss collaborations.
Kind regards,
Amy