My Work| Dr. Collins CV

About

MY BACKGROUND

My research examines how adolescents and young adults cancer survivors (AYAs; ages 15 – 39 per the National Cancer Institute definition) use mass-mediated, entertainment narratives, interpersonal communication, and technology-supported interventions to support identity continuity, foster meaning-making, strengthen social connectedness, and enhance psychosocial well-being across the survivorship continuum.

My program of research addresses a central challenge in survivorship care: how to intervene meaningfully on the social, emotional, and identity disruptions that AYAs experience from diagnosis through long-term survivorship. Using mixed methods, communication science, and patient-engaged design, I study how survivors draw from mass-mediated entertainment stories and use interpersonal communication to navigate uncertainty, stigma, role transitions, and evolving psychosocial needs. These insights directly inform my development of narrative-based psychosocial interventions to reduce social isolation, strengthen identity continuity, and support emotional regulation. A key strength of this work is its adaptability to the psychosocial realities of AYAs in both clinical and community contexts, including settings with limited access to supportive care resources.

I bring the following approach to my research and my professional life: I am an energetic, upbeat and self-motivated team player with excellent oral and written communication. I believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, and I am deeply committed to mentoring trainees and fostering collaborative research communities. I have supported undergraduate students, graduate researchers, clinician trainees, and Master’s-level staff in designing projects, analyzing data, and presenting their findings. I emphasize transparency, professional development, and scaffolded skill-building in my mentorship practice. I am passionate about developing and mentoring the next generation of researchers and health communication professionals.

Please take a look around my site to see all that I have to offer!

Skills & Languages

WHAT I BRING TO THE TABLE

Quantitative Data Analysis

SPSS & Stata

Survey & Questionnaire Design

Qualtrics & Microsoft Forms

Qualitative Data Analysis

Atlas.ti

Interviewing

Communicating Scientific Concepts & Results

Copy Editing

Semi-structured, in-depth

Attention to Detail & Time Management

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Event Planning & Management

Presentation Skills

Customer Contact & Service

English

Spanish

German

Publicatons

Publications

WHAT I'VE WRITTEN

Amaro, C.M., *Silver, S., *Patel, P., Collins, M.K.R., Canter, K.S., Fooks-Parker, S., Amylon, M., Hudson, S.V., Schleider, J.L., Alderfer, M.A., & Devine, K.A. Exploring preferences for a digital single-session intervention for adolescent siblings of youth with cancer. Pediatric Blood & Cancer. In press.

Collins, M.K.R., Levonyan-Radloff, K., McLaughlin, J., Masterston, M., & Devine, K.A. (2025). Facilitating self-management in young adult survivors of childhood cancer using the Managing Your Health (MYH) app: Design workshops and usability testing. JMIR Cancer, 11: e77121.

Gray, J., Collins, M.K.R., & Comello, M.L.G. (2025). Help or hindrance: examining disability media exposure, stigmatization, and support. Communication Monographs. Advance online publication.

Bono, M.H., Reese, S., Levonyan-Radloff, K., Donovan, K.A., Sahler, O.J.Z., Barnett, M.E., Collins, M.K.R., & Devine, K.A. (2025). “There’s a lot of unknowns”: A thematic analysis of the experiences of young adults with cancer who died during a psychosocial intervention trial. BMC Palliative Care.

Ma, H., Collins, M.K.R., Ritchie, C., Galper, E.F., Sheeran, P., Sutfin, E., & Noar, S.M. (2024). How do behavioral framing, linguistic certainty, and target specification impact responses to vaping prevention messages? A national experiment. Journal of Health Communication, 29(7), 420-431.

Collins, M.K.R., Lazard, A.J., Comello, M.L.G., Dillman Carpentier, F.D.R., Kent, E.E., Benedict, C., & *Yu, C. (2024). Understanding young adult cancer survivors’ responses to cancer storylines in entertainment media narratives. Journal of Adolescent & Young Adult Oncology, 13(6), 867-875.

Collins, M. K. R., Lazard, A.J., Dillman Carpentier, F.D.R., Comello, M. L.G., Benedict, C., Kent, E.E., & *Yu, C. (2024). Reel reflections: The role of entertainment media narratives in coping among young adult cancer survivors. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 42(6), 822-843.

Collins, M.K.R. (2024). Reel resilience: Unveiling the potential role of entertainment media narratives in improving psychological well-being among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Journal of Adolescent & Young Adult Oncology, 12(5), 365- 368.

Collins, M.K.R., Lazard, A.J., Hedrick McKenzie, A.M., & *Varma, T. (2024). "It's nothing like cancer": Young adults with cancer reflect on memorable entertainment narratives. Health Communication, 39(3), 552-562.

Hwang, S., Lazard, A., Collins, M.K.R., Brenner, A.T., Heiling, H.M., Deal, A., Crockett, S., Reuland, D., & Lafata, J.E. (2023). Exploring the acceptability of text messages to inform and support shared decision making for colorectal cancer screening. JMIR Cancer, 9, e40917.

Cornacchione Ross, J., Lazard, A., Hedrick McKenzie, A., Collins, M.K.R., & Sutfin, E. (2022). What cigarillo companies are putting on Instagram: A content analysis of Swisher Sweets’ marketing from 2013 – 2020. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 25(4), 755 - 762.

Collins, M.K.R., & Lazard, A. (2021). How narrative engagement with young adult literature influences perceptions of anorexia nervosa. Health Communication, 36(13), 1646 – 1655.

Benedict, C., Lazard, A., Smith, S.M., Agrawal, A., Collins, M.K.R., & Love, B. (2021). A peer-to-peer support app for young adults affected by cancer: Evaluating user experience based on theories of technology acceptance and social presence. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 49(5), 497 - 515.

Lazard, A., Collins, M.K.R., Hedrick, A., Varma, T., Love, B., Valle, C.G., Brooks, E., & Benedict, C. (2021). Using social media for peer-to-peer social support among young adults with cancer. JMIR Cancer, 7(3), e28234.

Lazard, A., Collins, M.K.R., Hedrick, A., Horrell, L.N., Varma, T., Love, B., Valle, C.G., & Benedict, C. (2021). Initiation and changes in use of social media for peer support among young adults with cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 30(11), 1859 - 1865.

Kresovich, A., Collins, M.K.R., Dillman Carpentier, F.R., & Riffe, D. (2021). 808s & chart place: A longitudinal content analysis of mental health discourse in popular rap music. JAMA Pediatrics, 175(3), 286 – 292.

Education & Experience

Education

WHAT I’VE STUDIED

2019 - 2023

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Ph.D., Hussman School of Journalism and Media

Dissertation: Testing the role of narratives in improving social support and meaning making for young adult cancer survivors

Chair: Dr. Allison J. Lazard

2017 - 2019

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

MA, School of Media and Journalism

Thesis: How narrative engagement with young adult literature influences perceptions of anorexia nervosa

Chair: Dr. Allison J. Lazard

2008 - 2012

Indiana University Bloomington

BA with Highest Distinction, School of Journalism

Major: Journalism

Minor: West European Studies

Industry Experience

WHERE I’VE WORKED

2015 - 2017

Community Development Specialist, Microsoft

Columbus, Ohio

2014 - 2015

Account Manager, NetJets

Columbus, Ohio

2012 - 2013

Development Associate, Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, & Indiana

Cincinnati, Ohio

Awards & Interests

Awards

WHERE I'VE SHINED

Minnie S. & Eli A. Rubinstein Research Award

Margaret Blanchard Dissertation Support Award

Interests

OUT OF OFFICE

Cats

Reading

Painting

Home improvement projects

Creative Writing

Collegiate & Professional Sports

Friends & Family