Rachel Young's research investigates the role of social media and other user-generated digital content in health and wellness. Overall, the goal behind her research is to apply mass communication theory to improve health outcomes.

Prior to joining the UI Faculty, Rachel had more than a decade of professional experience as a health and science writer/editor for a variety of publications and organizations, including the American Medical Association and Cricket Magazine Group. Most recently, she designed a public relations campaign promoting consideration of health outcomes in local policy decisions.

Current projects include a series of studies on promoting bystander intervention in online aggression and cyberbullying and an investigation of how public health organizations use social media during disease outbreaks. Rachel also serves as academic advisor for the University of Iowa chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America.