Stewart (Stewart C. Alexander) Chang Alexander headshot photo

Pronouns: he/him/his

Phone: 765-496-0144

Office:

Matthews Hall, Room 222

Curriculum Vitae Selected Publications Back to Directory

Stewart (Stewart C. Alexander) Chang Alexander

Associate Professor, Department of Public Health


Areas of Expertise

  • medical communication
  • LGBTQA+ Adolescent Health
  • Oncology Communication
  • Palliative Care Communication

HHS Signature Research Area(s)

  • Developmental Health and Wellness
  • Healthy Lifestyles and Vital Longevity
  • Sustainable Organizations and Thriving Communities

Department of Public Health Research Area(s)

  • Health Disparities
  • Prevention Science
  • Community-Engaged Research
  • Rural Health

Biography

Dr. Stewart C. Alexander is a leading authority in communication methodology within the health sector. His current research tackles several critical areas: 1) mental health among rural Asian American adolescents, 2) pharmacist counseling for transgender youth, 3) how young gay and bisexual men in rural Indiana proactively seek support and information regarding sexual health, 4) the significant barriers faced by transgender adolescents and their families in rural Indiana, and 5) the methods rural men who have sex with men and Indigenous men employ to access HIV information and testing.

In a groundbreaking initiative, Dr. Alexander is piloting an innovative online Music Therapy program to empower Asian American teens to explore their identities in predominantly white rural environments. His work with pharmacists focuses on how they approach transgender youth about medical adherence. With transgender and gay/bisexual teenagers, he is identifying the perceived barriers to health information to inform a mobile intervention that provides teens with information and suggested resources.

Previously, Dr. Alexander conducted robust research on how patients effectively communicate with healthcare providers about their illnesses, select optimal treatment options, and enhance their overall health and well-being. His expertise lies in developing communication assessment systems that rigorously quantify the substance of conversations between providers and patients, transforming qualitative data (e.g., conversations) into measurable, quantifiable data (e.g., variables).Dr. Alexander’s work in improving LGBT health in primary care decisively examines how physicians engage with their teenage patients about sexual health topics. Although clinical guidelines endorse discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity, there are currently no evidence-based interventions that enhance identity-affirming primary care. His team is actively identifying critical gaps in healthcare needs for LGBT teens in rural Indiana, and he is dedicated to understanding the education requirements of pharmacists and providers.

Dr. Alexander’s research fundamentally promotes individual health and wellness in patient-provider communication by documenting and improving clinician-patient interactions. He focuses on elevating patients’ understanding of their illnesses, providing practical strategies for health improvement, and promoting health-enhancing behaviors. Dr. Alexander is recognized for his expertise in measurement development and communication analysis.

Additionally, his work in intercultural development is pivotal. It equips individuals with the skills to interact effectively in culturally diverse settings. This work has been published and adopted by the Department of Public Health, college of Health and Human Services, and University-level.

Education

  • Post Doc, 2002-2004, Durham VA Medical Center, Health Services Research and Development
  • Ph.D., 2002, Department of Communication, University of Illinois
  • M.S., 1994, Department of Speech Communication, Indiana University
  • M.L.S., 1991, School of Information Science, Indiana University
  • B.A., 1989, Communication, Purdue University

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

  • Growing Intercultural Learning Mentor
  • Center for Intercultural Learning, Mentoring and Research

Current Courses

  • PUBH 250 - Intercultural Development in Public Health and Human Sciences
  • PUBH 501 - Introduction to Health Equity

Selected Honors/Awards

  • Engel Award (Outstanding Research Contributing to the Theory, Practice, and Teaching of Effective Health Care Communication and Related Skills), Academy of Communication in Health Care - 2021
  • Class of 1922 Outstanding Innovation in Helping Students Learn Award, Purdue University - 2021
  • Vision Award, Center for Intercultural Learning, Mentoring and Research, Purdue University - 2020
  • Study Abroad Leadership Award, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University - 2018
  • Purdue University’s Trailblazer Award, Purdue University - 2017