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Photograph of Sarah Aghazadeh

Sarah Aghazadeh Assistant Professor SOC | Public Communication

Degrees
Ph.D., University of Maryland
M.A., San José State University
B.S., San José State University

Favorite Spot on Campus
Media Innovation Lab
Bio
Sarah A. Aghazadeh (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Advocacy and Social Impact Communication at American University’s School of Communication. Broadly, her research investigates theory and application of advocacy, activism, and community building. Her work often addresses taboo and stigmatized social issues and discourses by utilizing qualitative, rhetorical, and/or community-based methods. She has taught a variety of communication, public relations, news writing, and health communication courses during her 7 years as an instructor. She joined American University in 2025, after 3.5 years as an Assistant Professor of Public Relations at Auburn University.

Selected Publications

Aghazadeh, S.A. (2024). Don’t say “the D word”: Exploring death taboo and biopower in pregnancy loss awareness advocacy. Public Relations Inquiry, 13(2), 235-257. https://doi.org/10.1177/2046147X241234066

Aghazadeh, S.A. (2024). Exploring leisure and municipal government public relations for community: A case example of parks and recreation. Public Relations Review, 50(1), Article 102410.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2023.102410

Aghazadeh, S.A., Capizzo, L., & Tindall, N.T.J. (2024). Wrangling in the marketplace or bartering in the bazaar? Adapting metaphors for public relations’ societal role. Journal of Public Relations Research, 36(2), 129-151. https://doi.org/10.1080/1062726X.2023.2285067

Aghazadeh, S.A., & Aldoory, L. (2023). Community-based participatory research for public relations: Realizing potential for researcher-participant relationships. Public Relations Review, 49(1), Article 102290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2023.102290

Aghazadeh, S.A. (2022). Advocacy and marginality: Considering legitimacy, authenticity, and culture to extend fully functioning society theory. Journal of Public Relations Research, 34(6), 257-273. https://doi.org/10.1080/1062726X.2022.2118749 
For the Media
To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request. Explore all AU Faculty Experts in our media guide.

Teaching

Spring 2025

  • COMM-209 Communication and Society

Summer 2025

  • COMM-540 Social Mktng for Social Impact

Fall 2025

  • COMM-100 Understanding Media

  • COMM-209 Communication and Society