Stuart Deets Ph.D. Candidate in Scientific & Technical Writing

Exploring government communications from multiple angles and directions, bringing interdisciplinary perspectives to policy communication research at the University of Minnesota--Twin Cities.

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Stuart Deets

About

As a Ph.D. candidate in Scientific & Technical Writing at the University of Minnesota--Twin Cities, I specialize in examining government communications through multiple lenses and methodological approaches. My research takes an interdisciplinary stance, analyzing how policy messages are crafted, transmitted, and interpreted across different channels and stakeholder groups.

My work explores the strategic dimensions of governmental discourse, investigating how communication strategies evolve in response to complex policy challenges. By employing diverse analytical frameworks, I aim to uncover the multifaceted nature of policy communication and its impact on public understanding and engagement.

This multidimensional approach to communication research reflects my belief that effective policy communication requires understanding not just what is said, but how messages traverse different spaces, audiences, and interpretive frameworks.

Research

Quantitative and qualitative approaches to government communications and policy discourse, using novel methods

Research Focus

Quantitative & computational approaches

Examining the efficacy of communications through large-scale textual analysis of publicly available data on the implementation of government programs

Qualitative approaches

Usability tests and close reading of government communications, as well as rhetorical fieldwork and ethnography, reveal previously hidden aspects of communication

Environmental discourse

Integrating approaches from technical communication, rhetoric, policy studies, and digital media, to understand the ways communication and rhetoric is changing in the energy transition

AI discourse

Rhetorical fieldwork that examines the role of artificial intelligence writing tools in the corporate workplace

Methodological Approach

My research on government communications research examines:

  • Temporal Dimensions: How messages evolve over time and respond to changing contexts
  • Spatial Considerations: Geographic and institutional spaces where communications operate
  • Audience Stratification: Multiple stakeholder groups receiving and interpreting messages
  • Channel Multiplicity: Various media and platforms through which communications travel, especially social media

Current Projects

Dissertation Research

Examining the strategic communication practices of a corporate partner through interdisciplinary analytical frameworks, with particular attention to how messages are adapted for different audiences and contexts, with a focus on the energy transition.

Curriculum Vitae

Academic and professional experience

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Education

Ph.D. in Scientific & Technical Writing

In Progress

University of Minnesota--Twin Cities

Dissertation focus: Government communications through interdisciplinary analytical frameworks and multi-perspective methodological approaches.

Research Interests

  • Government Communications Strategy
  • Policy Discourse Analysis
  • Interdisciplinary Technical Communication
  • Strategic Communication in the Public Sector
  • Multi-Platform Message Analysis
  • Stakeholder Communication Strategies

Academic Skills

Research Methods

  • Qualitative, Quantitative, and Computational Analysis
  • Discourse Analysis
  • Content Analysis
  • Interdisciplinary Research Design

Communication

  • Technical Writing
  • Academic Writing
  • Policy Communication
  • Strategic Messaging

Teaching

Pedagogical experience and educational philosophy

Teaching Philosophy

My approach to teaching mirrors my research philosophy: communication is multidimensional and requires examination from multiple perspectives. In the classroom, I encourage students to consider how messages operate across different contexts, audiences, and purposes.

Effective communication pedagogy involves helping students understand the interconnected nature of writing, audience, context, and purpose.

Areas of Teaching Interest

Technical Communication

Advanced courses in technical and scientific writing, with emphasis on government and policy communication contexts.

Research Methods

Interdisciplinary approaches to communication research, qualitative methods, and discourse analysis techniques.

Professional Writing

Strategic communication in professional contexts, with focus on public sector and policy communication.

Digital Communication

Multi-platform communication strategies and digital rhetoric in governmental and institutional contexts.

Pedagogical Approach

  • Multi-Perspective Learning: Encouraging students to analyze communication challenges from multiple theoretical and practical viewpoints
  • Strategic Thinking: Developing students' ability to consider the broader implications and interconnections of communication decisions
  • Interdisciplinary Integration: Drawing connections between technical communication and other fields of study
  • Applied Learning: Connecting theoretical concepts to real-world communication challenges and professional contexts