Dr. Dawna Ballard

Biography

Dawna Ballard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. With a Ph.D. from the University of California at Santa Barbara, her research focuses on organizational communication and technology, particularly in the area of chronemics, which is the study of time-bounded human communication. Dr. Ballard examines how the pace of life impacts communication practices and the long-term vitality of organizations, communities, and individuals. Her upcoming book, 'Time Design: How Communicating Slow Allows Go Fast' (MIT Press, Fall 2025), introduces the concept of chronemic design and explores how effective use of time can benefit various relationships and contexts. Throughout her career, she has received multiple awards for her research, including the prestigious 2025 David Meyers Research Award for co-authoring a paper on essential communication practices in healthcare. She actively engages in scholarship that aims to make a positive difference, serving roles such as a Public Voices Fellow and Board Member for the Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas. Dr. Ballard's work has been recognized in various media outlets including the New York Times and Fortune, illustrating her commitment to both theory and practice in communication studies.

Research Interests