Mike Schmierbach

Ph.D.: University of Wisconsin
Master's degree: University of Wisconsin
Bachelor's degree: University of Oregon

Mike Schmierbach brings a strong combination of teaching and research to his role as an assistant professor in the Department of Film-Video and Media Studies.

Before coming to Penn State, Schmierbach taught at the College of Charleston for three years. He taught media studies and research methods, and served as an adviser for media studies concentration students.

Over his years as a faculty member, Schmierbach has taught such courses as mass media, communication research methods, video game research and fine arts journalism. Before teaching, Schmierbach was a teaching assistant, project assistant, office assistant and copy editor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a variety of topics.

Schmierbach has had his work published in several journals, including Mass Communication and Society, Science Communication, Journal of Communication and Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly.

He has presented at various conferences on topics ranging from video game violence and same-sex marriage to the aftermath of Sept. 11 and the role of mainstream and alternative media use in predicting traditional and protest forms of participation.

Schmierbach is a member of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication and the International Communication Association.