Professional Preparation
Doctor of Philosophy - Communication
University of Oklahoma - 2023
Master of Science - Communication Studies
University of North Texas - 2016
Bachelor of Science - Speech/Communications
Texas A&M - Commerce - 2013
Research Areas
Communication [Media]
The processes by which people use symbols to create and negotiate meaning. I am particularly interest in the "dark side" of communication, such as how people use media for manipulation (cults, toxic fandoms), and how to resist dark communication strategies.
Popular Culture
Connections that people form with one another through texts. I'm especially interested in how people make meaning from mass media texts and share those meanings with others in their communities.
Hermeneutics (and Narrative)
The art of interpreting, especially in terms of the structures used to organize experience[s] (narrative). I am invested in learning not only what people take away from media texts, but the processes of how they arrive at particular meanings.
Fandom
Communities centered around "fan objects" or favored mass media texts. I study how people cultivate community, culture, and identity through fan affiliation. I'm also interested in how fandoms become associated with unique ethics and political behavior.
Publications
One-above-all: Stratifying communication within Marvel fandom 2024 -
Journal Article
Communicating Cultism in the Media: Discursive Sense-Giving of Cult Status 2022 -
Journal Article
Additional Information
Hammonds Author Interview (Podcast)
Dr. Garret Castleberry interviews Dr. Kyle Hammonds about his book, Interpreting and Transmitting Kynicism in Joker.
Affiliations
National Communication Association
The organization that hosts the national conference and sponsors flagship journals for the field of Communication in the U.S.
Popular Culture Association
The organization that hosts the national conference and sponsors flagship journals for the field of Pop Culture in the U.S.
