Debra Merskin
Debra Merskin is Professor Emerit (not a typo) from the University of Oregon School of Journalism & Communication. Her research and teaching focus on marginalized groups’ representation (or re-presentation) in media and popular culture. In particular, her work focuses on the impact of media portrayals on the lives of animals other than humans. She is the author of four books, multiple book chapters, and numerous journal articles. She and Dr. Carrie Freeman co-created the media style guide animalsandmedia.org to assist those who photograph, film, and write about animals to do so respectfully and responsibly. She lives in Central Oregon in the US, where she also volunteers in the Central Oregon Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation nonprofit (Thinkwildco.org) and serves on their board.