Assistant Professor

Julie Gerdes

- Virginia Tech

Julie Gerdes is an assistant professor of technical and professional writing and rhetoric at Virginia Tech. She works at the intersection of technical communication and global public health, and she teaches courses in professional and technical writing and in qualitative research methods. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on inclusive risk communication, particularly during outbreaks of infectious disease. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, Dr. Gerdes spent five years working as an advisor on global health programs for the federal government. She holds a PhD in technical communication and rhetoric from Texas Tech University, a master of arts in rhetoric and composition from the University of South Florida, and a bachelor of arts in English and Spanish from Clemson University. She is also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and has taught English as a Second Language in Namibia and in adult literacy programs in the United States.

Articles:

Professional and Technical Communication: An Overview


Workplace Writing

This article introduces workplace writing as an umbrella term that encompasses written and visual communication within sites of work—an activity that students across academic majors will need to accomplish in their careers.