Dr. Khoo completed his Ph.D. in Mass Communication at the Pennsylvania State University’s College of Communication. Prior to UT Austin, he was an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Roanoke College who taught in various areas including introduction to film, media effects, and research methods. In the Stan Richards School, he teaches primarily in the interdisciplinary Communication and Leadership program. He also advises senior thesis projects in the Moody College Honors Program.
Dr. Khoo’s research examines the social and psychological effects of media, particularly the impact of somber entertainment. Using experimental methods, his current research interests include the benefits of contemplating tragic drama and the effects of socially-conscious films on social justice concerns. His research has been published in journals such as Human Communication Research, Media Psychology, and Mass Communication and Society. Overall, his work seeks to reexamine catharsis theory and investigate the values of experiencing complex emotions through narrative entertainment.
