Muhammad Ittefaq received his Ph.D. from The University of Kansas in 2022 (M.S., Ilmenau University of Technology, Germany, 2018; MSc., University of the Punjab, Pakistan, 2015). Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication Studies at James Madison University.

Ittefaq's research delves into the ways in which people consume and interact with information through new technologies, including how they interpret scientific messages, make decisions related to health and climate, and support policies related to science. He investigates how different segments of society are influenced by the information ecosystem and messages surrounding scientific issues, while also examining how organizations use various persuasive techniques on social media to engage with global science-related topics. In addition, Ittefaq examines the role of news media in bridging the gap between various stakeholders in public policy, including journalists, scientists, the public, civil society, and medical professionals. Through his research, he seeks to provide theoretical and practical insights that can help inform effective communication strategies for promoting public understanding of science and supporting evidence-based decision-making.

With a publication record of 31 peer-reviewed journal articles, 7 peer-reviewed commentary articles, and 2 book chapters, Ittefaq's work spans a diverse range of topics at the intersection of news media, science communication, and health. His publications have appeared in prestigious academic journals, including International Journal of Communication, Journal of Science Communication, Journal of Health Communication, Vaccine, Vaccines, Digital Health, Health, Risk & Society, Psychology & Health, Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, Local Environment, Third World Quarterly, Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, and Death Studies, among others.

In addition, Ittefaq has presented over 30 papers at national and international conferences, including the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), International Environmental Communication Association (IECA), National Communication Association (NCA), International Communication Association (ICA), World Communication Association (WCA), International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR), and D.C. Health Communication (DCHC).

At JMU, he teaches courses in the public relations and health and environmental communication concentrations involving human communication, public relations writing, research methods, and health communication.

Website: https://muhammadittefaq.com/

Twitter: @IttefaqM