Scientists often struggle to explain subjects they’ve studied intensely, often resorting to jargon and concepts that are difficult to understand.

In the course of his storied career,

Amanda Zappler was a kindergarten teacher when she noticed problems with her 18-month-old daughter’s hearing. After experiencing hardship convincing health practitioners to properly diagnose her child, Zappler said the dissatisfaction and helplessness that kept her child isolated during this time inspired her to change careers.

The Moody College of Communication recently released design plans for a pedestrian bridge connecting the CMA, CMB and Belo Center for New Media. The bridge will serve as the northwest gateway to The University of Texas at Austin.

What compels people to select a particular news source, stand up to peer pressure or read a grueling war memoir? How does such communication influence attitudes, behaviors and identification with systems of belief or behavior?