I received my B.S. in Global Health Studies from Allegheny College. I continued my education by earning an MA and PhD in Communication from the University of South Florida, where I connected my undergraduate studies in health to communication and storytelling. I came to ETSU in 2023, excited to join one of the only academic departments in the country that specializes in and foregrounds storytelling. I love the sense of community, creativity, and pride in Appalachian culture and heritage that permeates ETSU! In addition to teaching, I wear a variety of hats on campus, including supporting fellow teachers as an Affiliate of ETSU's Center for Teaching Excellence; overseeing COMM 2045: Public Speaking as the course's director; and promoting student and faculty success as the Scholarship & Awards Coordinator. I am also an active member of the Health Humanities Consortium, an international organization which promotes the arts and humanities in healthcare.

Teaching Focus

I primarily teach courses that explore qualitative research methods, health, and/or culture.

• • COMM 3300 & COMM 5300 - Qualitative Communication Research Methods
  • COMM 4377/5377 - Health Communication
  • STOR 2670 - Narrative Medicine
  • COMM 4356 - Intercultural Communication

 

Scholarly Interests / Publications

My research examines how storytelling and story-listening shape identities, organizing, and healing. I am particularly interested in exploring strategies for incorporating the arts and humanities into medical education and healthcare practice. My work has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Social Science & Medicine, Health Communication, and Culture, Health, & Sexuality.

Click Here for a Complete List of Publications

Click Here to Access Dr. August-Rae's Personal Website

 

On A More Personal Note

I love spending time outside and admiring the natural beauty of Appalachia through hiking, horseback riding, and gardening. My husband and I spend most afternoons working to convert our lawn from grass to native Appalachian plants and wildflowers. I am an equestrian and enjoy training and riding horses, primarily using positive reinforcement (i.e., clicker training/R+). I want learning to be fun and fulfilling for my students, whether horse or human! I also love to read fantasy and mystery books and cross-stitching embroidery.