Brianna Avalos

Originally from San Diego, California, Brianna L. Avalos, Ph.D., began her academic path at San Diego Mesa Community College, where a relational communication course sparked her interest in the field. She went on to transfer to San Diego State University, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication with an emphasis in interpersonal communication.

Brianna earned her Ph.D. from Arizona State University in 2023, focusing on relational and interpersonal communication, relationship management, and emotional and social media well-being. Her research has explored both organizational and relational communication, including topics such as social support and sports dialogue, sexting, family communication, and friendship dissolution, particularly ghosting. Her dissertation (recognized as the Top Interpersonal Paper Award from the International Communication Association in 2024) examined emotional well-being and social media use following friendship breakups.

Brianna is currently an instructor at the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, where she enjoys helping students connect communication theory to their everyday relationships and experiences. She also serves as the department’s tutor for communication core courses and values working closely with students to support their learning and academic growth.