Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5318 USA
Virtual student office hours by appointment: https://wmich.webex.com/meet/bryan.abendschein
- Ph.D., Communication, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2018
- M.A., Communication, Saint Louis University, 2013
- M.A., Counseling, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2006
- B.S., Speech Communication, Hannibal-LaGrange University, 2004
- Interpersonal Communication
- Health Communication
- Human-Machine Communication
Dr. Bryan Abendschein is an assistant professor and Basic Course Director in the School of Communication at Western Michigan University. Dr. Abendschein’s research focuses on the intersection of social support, uncertainty, and technology as people navigate times of stress and change. He is also a member of the Communication and Social Robotic Labs (www.combotlabs.org).
Dr. Abendschein has published his work in some of the top outlets in the field. Including, but not limited to:
- Social Support and Health in the Digital Age
- Communication Quarterly
- Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
- Journal of Family Communication
- Personal Relationships
- Communication Research
- International Journal of Qualitative Methods
His work has also received the acknowledgment of his peers. A sampling of that recognition includes:
Abendschein, B. (2019, November). “I loved him. It was just could I live with him.” The complicated experience of relational uncertainty and resilience in post-stroke romantic relationships." Top four paper in the Interpersonal Communication Division. Paper presented at the meeting of the National Communication Association, Baltimore, MD.
Abendschein, B. (2019, April). The moment when everything changes: A qualitative study of post-stroke relationships. Top four paper in the Interpersonal and Family Communication Interest Group. Paper presented at the Central States Communication Association Annual Conference, Omaha, Nebraska.
Abendschein, B. (2019, April). Facilitating Dialogue by Empowering Students with a Sense of Expertise. In K. Propp (Chair), Speaking up, Speaking out: Facilitating effective classroom dialogue.” Top panel award in the Instructional Resources Interest Group. Panel presentation at the Central States Communication Association Annual Conference, Omaha, Nebraska
Monk, J. K., & Abendschein, B. (2018, November). Relational and psychological turmoil in romantic relationships in the military. 2018 NCFR Families and Health Section Outstanding New Professional Publication Award. Paper presented at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, San Diego, California.
*For more information about his publications, please see: Google Scholar.
Dr. Abendschein is also an award-winning teacher. In 2018 he won the campus-wide Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, as well as the Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for Graduate Teaching Assistants at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). In 2017, Abendschein received the Marie Hockmuth Nichols Award as the most outstanding veteran teaching assistant in the Department of Communication at UIUC.
*For more information about Dr. Abendschein’s research, teaching, and career, please click here.