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Bio
Degree:
Research:
Teaches:
Ph.D. Rhetoric & ProComm (2020) from Iowa State University
ADA Compliance, UXD, Vis Comm, & Tech Comm Pedagogy
Intro to ProComm, Info Design, Tech Comm, Vis Comm, Usability,
UX Research, & Accessibility
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Vitae
Admin
Diversity
Teaching
Evaluations
Research
Vitae
Teaching
I’m guided by commitment to adaptability and inclusivity. My teaching philosophy is shaped by a fusion of educational theories. From foundational works by Bruffee to contemporary concepts like pedagogical equity and access-first design, I prioritize creating a collaborative and safe learning environment. Drawing from Vygotsky and Bloom, my instructional design aims at fostering engagement and intellectual growth.
Actively engaging in professional development, I contribute to conferences and collaborate on research, ensuring my teaching remains innovative, inclusive, and just. On my teaching journey I advocate for students and embrace ongoing growth in the ever-evolving landscape of education.
Research
My focus is on equipping students with cutting-edge communication and design skills through communication-as-design pedagogy and User Experience research. Students and I explore the impact of user-centered design, new technology in communication environs, and human-machine experiences of technical artifacts.
Also, we strive to study and make the world a more accessible place through ADA Compliant communication design research. Together with students, we are shaping the future of professional and technical communication expertise and information justice. Please peruse a trio of publications below.
Publications
These publication venues host some of my most recent research output.
The articles address teaching UX, exploring diversity, and ADA testing.
Full versions of each publication are available on my ResearchGate.
IEEE Transactions
“The State of UX Pedagogy” addresses the absence of systematic literature reviews in scholarship on teaching user experience (UX) design. The study found various trends, and suggests a definition emphasizing teaching UX through engaged learning and providing recommendations for future UX pedagogy.
Communication Studies
“Um, Diversity Definition…that’s Hard:” Student Communication About Diversity in the Classroom and Beyond” explores the challenges students face in defining diversity, labeling campuses, and the need for visible administrative support, offering insights for enhancing communication about diversity.
HFES Annual Meeting
“Enhancing ADA Compliance for Websites and Online Applications: A Heuristic Evaluation Approach” addresses ambiguity in ADA guidance for web apps, proposing review heuristics combining WCAG 2.0 and Section 508 to offer a practical, effective tool for assessing compliance with a heuristic evaluation.
Administration
Championing leadership in Technical Communication, I blend collaboration, innovation, and advocacy to navigate the evolving educational landscape. As a collaborator, I've established impactful grants and fueled collective efforts. Innovation drives my leadership, seen in my work on user-centered communication design, through which I've empowered faculty and students.
Advocating for adjuncts and departmental needs, I've assumed roles in curricular development and accreditation review. My vision is rooted in collaborative action, technological prowess, and giving a voice to every stakeholder. This defines my approach as an educational leader ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century department.
Diversity
Advocating for equity and justice in information design, I address the challenges of defining diversity and inclusion. In higher education, vague definitions often dilute efforts, leaving marginalized voices unheard. As an educator, my focus is on redefining diversity to center on underprivileged groups and ensuring justice in their inclusion.
Through research, I emphasize equity for non-dominant voices and work towards creating inclusive spaces that amplify historically marginalized perspectives. I hope you join me in fostering meaningful conversations and reshaping the narrative around diversity and inclusion for justice in education.
Consulting
Promoting information equity, my work with the Global Partnership for Telehealth supports their mission to provide accessible online telemedicine. Working together on the Pathways App, we strive for information justice through the inclusivity, usability, and satisfaction of all users by putting people with disabilities first.
To date, we’ve done visual design and motor-mobility compliance studies to enrich the online information design and accessibility landscape. Working with diverse stakeholders, my consultation improves user experience and ensures seamless online navigation for individuals with various abilities. Overall, my ADA testing experience fosters inclusive and user-friendly communication solutions for all.
Evaluations
I’m an educator with 12 years teaching experience across various institutions,
including a prestigious private university and an R1 land grant university.
Please review my proven success in multiple core courses below.
Intro to ProComm
This course offers a seminar-style setting where students delve into the historical and societal dimensions of technology, honing critical reading and thinking skills while cultivating the ability to articulate findings through written and oral presentations.
Info Design
This course provides an introduction to designing impactful print documents, encompassing posters and presentations, with a focus on basic design principles, visual integration, software applications, and analytical skills applicable to diverse audiences and purposes.
Tech Comm
This course introduces forms and processes of technical communication, emphasizing document design, audience awareness within organizational contexts, and incorporating oral presentations, peer reviews, collaborative projects, and basic research skills.
Into to ProComm
Students said…
“Overall, I feel that I was able to improve my communication skills through this course and that Dr. Gallagher is a good professor!”
Info Design
Students said…
“I loved the book and lectures on each chapter. I also loved the projects that we used the Adobe suites for. I like the smaller in-class activities we did that went along with the lectures (wireframing, excel graphs).”
Tech Comm
Students said…
“I enjoyed the class more than I expected to. Dr. Gallagher enjoys teaching the course and it shows. I always appreciate professors who are obviously “happy to be here’”
Get in Touch
Email: gallagher_pb@mercer.edu
Phone:
478-301-2299
Office:
1501 Mercer University Dr. Macon, GA 31211
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