Paula Hopeck, Ph.D.

Dr. Paula Hopeck joined the faculty in 2017. Her teaching interests include public speaking, and theory-based classes where she introduces students to the intersection of theory and application. She loves learning about the different backgrounds and interests of students, and strives to incorporate assignments that allow students to explore and pursue those interests within the boundaries of the class. Many of these assignments help students realize the connections between their lives and communication concepts. Over the years, she has taught in a variety of teaching formats, including large lecture, online classes, flipped classrooms, and service learning.

As a researcher, Dr. Hopeck is interested in conflict management, especially in service organizations. Her dissertation focused on communicative challenges care workers face when discussing end-of-life issues with patient family members. Some of these issues include conflict management strategies, and the misunderstanding and misuse of medical terms when making requests. Currently, Dr. Hopeck is examining how nurses become socialized to the field and how they learn conflict management techniques. Her work has been published in Health Communication, Management Communication Quarterly, and the International Journal of Conflict Management.

Dr. Hopeck has been active in the National Communication Association (NCA) for the past 10 years, beginning as a reviewer when she was a graduate student, and will serve as chair of the Peace and Conflict Communication Division in 2018. She is also excited to be in an advising capacity for Bloomsburg’s NCA Student Club, where she hopes that she can help students continue their professional development outside of the classroom that will prepare them for life after college.