International Scholar Calls ASU Home

Joris Van Ouytsel, who is known worldwide for his research focusing on internet safety, digital dating violence and ways to create safer online environments, was recently tenured and promoted to associate professor at the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University.

Van Ouytsel came to ASU from the University of Antwerp in Belgium. When asked why he chose to join the faculty at the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication he replied, “The Hugh Downs School has a global reputation for excellence in communication scholarship. The School is truly unique because of its interdisciplinary approach to communication research. Being here allows me to push my work in new directions and to develop an impactful research program focused on the development of educational and prevention initiatives.”

The high impact of Van Ouytsel’s research is demonstrated by his ranking in the top 2% of all scientists worldwide based on his citations in 2021 and 2022, as reported in the Stanford Research Innovation Center rankings. He also received the 2023 Early Career Award from the Health Communication Division of the National Communication Association.

As an expert in digital communication and healthy online relationships, Van Ouytsel’s research has been featured in outlets such as Newsweek, The Economist and The Atlantic

He has also had an impact on students. 2024 Dean’s Medalist for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Christina Reimche credited Van Ouytsel for enriching her undergraduate experience, saying that “I could not have done a lot of the things that I did without him.”

Professor Laura K. Guerrero, who chaired the search committee for his position, noted that “Professor Van Ouytsel has added depth and breadth to the Hugh Downs School by studying both the dark and bright sides of digital communication. Many universities around the world would have been happy to hire him. We are lucky we did.”