College of Humanities and Sciences

Jiaxi Wu, Ph.D., earned her doctoral degree in emerging media studies from Boston University and completed postdoctoral research at the Health Communication and Equity Lab at the University of Pennsylvania. Her work examines how digital media influences health behaviors and outcomes at both individual and population levels. Wu’s research spans various health contexts, including tobacco use prevention and intervention, cardiovascular health and mental health. With an interdisciplinary approach, she aims to advance health equity and contribute to more effective public health strategies.

Q&A with Jiaxi Wu

Where did you grow up? Can you tell us a little about your educational journey?

I grew up in Chengdu, China, a city known for its rich culture and spicy cuisine. After completing my undergraduate studies in China, I moved to the U.S. for a master's in mass communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, followed by a Ph.D. in emerging media studies at Boston University. During my Ph.D., I received a predoctoral fellowship from the American Heart Association Tobacco Center for Regulatory Science, where I conducted research on social media tobacco promotions, focusing on the impact on youth and historically marginalized communities. Afterward, I joined the Health Communication and Equity Lab at the University of Pennsylvania for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship, contributing to projects focused on culturally tailored health communication and interventions for underserved populations.

When did you first fall in love with your field of study? What made you decide to work in academia?

It was during my graduate studies that I realized how the intersection of media and public health could address emerging challenges, such as tobacco use prevention among youth, especially with the rise of new tobacco products like vaping and nicotine pouches, and the growing influence of social media content promoting tobacco use, including influencer endorsements. Academia offers the ideal space to dive deeper into these issues, collaborate with diverse stakeholders including local communities and non-profits, and produce research that can lead to meaningful, real-world change.

Can you explain the focus of your research?

I examine how emerging media platforms, including social media, shape public health attitudes and behaviors, with a particular focus on youth and underserved populations. Using an interdisciplinary approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative methods, along with social media analytics, my research aims to promote health equity and develop more effective strategies for health communication and intervention.

Can you talk a little about your teaching philosophy? What do you most like about teaching?

My teaching philosophy is centered around making learning practical, interactive, and relevant. I aim to create an environment where students can connect what they’re learning to everyday life, encouraging them to think critically and engage with the material in a way that feels relevant to them. I want my classroom to be a space where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, asking questions and learning from each other. What I love most about teaching is seeing students light up when they connect the dots between theory and real-life situations. It's rewarding to watch my students grow in confidence, not just in their knowledge, but in their ability to think critically and apply what they’ve learned.

What attracted you to VCU? What are you most excited about in regards to VCU and Richmond?

What attracted me to VCU was its strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as its interdisciplinary approach to research and education. I was drawn to the opportunity to work in an environment that values collaboration across different fields and encourages innovative thinking. The chance to contribute to the vibrant academic community at VCU, particularly in the College of Humanities and Sciences, was an exciting opportunity. I'm also really excited about being in Richmond. The city’s rich cultural history, growing arts scene, and diverse communities make it an inspiring place to both live and work.

Can you tell us either a quirky fact about yourself or some of your hobbies?

I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and paddleboarding, especially with my dog. I also love crocheting and knitting, and I’m always on the lookout for new patterns to try for my next project.