Judy Watts is an assistant professor in the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas. She received her doctorate from The Ohio State University School of Communication. Her research interests include narrative persuasion, health communication, and children’s understanding of media. Broadly, her research pursues the influence of media on individuals’ emotional responses, attitudinal change, and knowledge across the lifespan. She has been published in the Journal of Communication, Media Psychology, Health Communication, Journal of Health Communication, and Broadcasting of Entertainment & Media. 

Before joining academia, Watts had a career in public service, working for local and regional government entities as their public information officer and outreach administrator. She began her professional career by working in development for a local public radio station. Her hobbies include completing her national park passport by visiting national parks, scuba diving, kayaking, running, and yoga. She also volunteers for her neighborhood community garden.