Dr. Tyler R. Harrison (BA University of Washington, 1991; MA University of Arizona, 1994; Ph.D. University of Arizona, 1999) is Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Miami.
My research interests focus on the design of communication processes and systems to improve individual, organizational, and societal outcomes. I work in the areas of climate adaptation, health communication (cancer, organ donation), organizational communication, and conflict management, and most enjoy work that sits at the intersections of these areas. My work is engaged with communities and organizations, and many of my interdisciplinary projects incorporate the use of best practices for collaboration identified in the literature on the Science of Team Science.
Current and Recent Projects
HyperLocal Approaches to Climate Adaptation
I am currently working as part of an interdisciplinary team to advance new approaches to climate adaptation. We have developed a new protocol for engagement that integrates photovoice, design thinking, mapping, and integrated climate risk assessments to empower communities and community members around issues of climate adaptation. We are currently working in at-risk and underserved communities of Little River, Homestead, Overtown, Liberty City, and Allapattah. For more about this project, visit HyLoClimate.com.
Reducing Health Disparities among African American and Black Caribbean Patients by Improving the Communication Practices of Clinical Research Coordinators
This project focuses on the development, implementation, and evaluation of a clinical trial communication training program designed to enhance the communication skills of clinical research coordinators who discuss research participation with African American and Caribbean Black patients. The formative phase of this work will begin in the summer of 2021.
Science of Team Science
I am currently working as part of an interdisciplinary team to understand how newly funded interdisciplinary teams (formed to address grand societal challenges) come together, and what factors predict success. We explore how team trainings, participation, conflict, trust, and other factors influence team processes and team success.
Firefighters and Cancer: Clean Gear is the New Badge of Honor
This recently completed project focused on understanding how firefighter culture and occupational practices relate to increased exposure and cancer risk among firefighters. Based on formative research, we developed, implemented, and evaluated (in collaboration with firefighting organizations in South Florida) a successful multimedia intervention focused on culture, occupational practice, and risk reduction.
Conflict Management
My work on conflict has focused primarily on ombuds processes and third-party dispute resolution. Recent work theorized processes of engagement in mediation and third-party dispute resolution processes. Previous work has explored how disputants experience their conflicts, make decisions to use ombuds processes, and how the design of dispute resolution processes influence a variety of outcomes, including reconciliation and trust in the organization.
Organ Donation
My work on organ donation has focused on understanding barriers to donation, media portrayals of organ donation, family discussions around donation, and ultimately the design and implementation of interventions to improve rates of joining organ donor registries. We have worked across the U.S. with DMVs, Offices of the Secretary of State, universities, and large and small organizations, and internationally in Spain with University of Barcelona, Transplant Procurement Management, and Donation and Transplantation Institute.
Featured Projects
From Numbers to Words: Reporting Statistical Results for the Social Sciences
Clean Gear as the New Badge of Honor: Cancer Prevention Campaign for Firefighters