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Curriculum vitae
Updated April 2026
MIRANDA POLLOCK, Ph.D., M.F.A.
Education
2022
Ph.D. · General Psychology
Northcentral University · San Diego, CA
Dissertation: Memes of Persuasion: A Quantitative Predictive Study of the Influence of Memes and Effects of Affect, Ideology, and Familiarity on Truth Judgments
2003
M.F.A · Graphic Design
University of Minnesota Duluth · Duluth, MN
Thesis: The Boards Game: A Game for the USLME Step 1 of Medical Boards
2001
B.F.A. · Pre-Graduate Studio Art
University of Minnesota Duluth · Duluth, MN
Senior Exhibition: Elegy
Current Positions
2023–current
Assistant Professor of Graphic Design
Pacific University · Forest Grove, Oregon
Developed new graphic design program curriculum, including courses in interaction design, motion graphics, and typography. Curriculum focused on design thinking and human-design interaction.
2023–current
Adjunct Professor of Psychology
Maryville University · St. Louis, Missouri
Course taught: Psychology of Design
Publications
Unraveling the Persuasive Power of Memes
In W. Huang et al. (Eds.), Illuminating Perspectives through Critical Visual: The Book of Selected Readings 2025 (pp. 75–93). International Visual Literacy Association.
2025
Woman Wonder
With Larson, B., Claiborne, J., et al. Produced at Buena Vista University. Performed at KCACTF Regional Festival 2018. Nominated for the David Mark Cohen National Playwriting Award.
2017
Weeping Angels, Archetypes, and the Male Gaze
With Goodfriend, W. In T. Langley (Ed.), Doctor Who Psychology: A Madman with a Box. Sterling.
2016
Making Home: Adapting Our Homes and Our Lives to Settle in Place
Astyk, S. New Society Publishers. Illustrations by Miranda Pollock.
2011
ACCEPTED CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS
The Future of Design Education
20th International Conference on Design Principles & Practices
Rome · Italy· Accepted
2026
Visualizing the Sacred Nation: Nationalism and Religious Iconography
International Visual Literacy Association
The Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Mexico · Accepted
2025
Persuasive Memes: Affective and Truth Responses to Memes of the Other
EMPACT International Conference on Semiotics of Culture and Visual Communication
Cyprus · Accepted
2024
Selected Presentations
Unraveling the Persuasive Power of Multimodal Memes
International Visual Literacy Association
San Diego, CA
2024
Memes of Persuasion: Relationships between Affect, Ideology, and Familiarity on Truth Judgments
American Psychological Association · Division 46, Society for Media Psychology and Technology
Seattle, WA
2023
UNgrading — Concept, Techniques, and Reflections
Invited Talk
University of Nebraska Omaha
2021
The Impact of COVID-19 on Higher Education
Fall Faculty Forum
Bradley University, Peoria, IL
2021
The Future of Communication Design & Design Education
Invited Talk · Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design
Dundee, Scotland
2020
Aesthetic Emotions Toward Images of Persuasion
SSBS Research Conference
Northcentral University
2020
Creating the Aesthetic Experience: Combining Art, Experience, and Psychology
Invited Talk
University of Nebraska Omaha
2019
The Games We Play: Designing Games while Considering Interactive Experiences
Ireland Game-Based Learning Conference
Cork, Ireland
2018
Selected Exhibitions
Out the Other Side
Heuser Gallery
Peoria, Illinois
2021
Elements & Principles
Albrecht-Kemper Gallery
St. Joseph, Missouri
2019
Faculty Exhibition
NorthWestern Gallery
Maryville, Missouri
2019
#whileIstayed
Peru State College Gallery
Peru, Nebraska
2019
Senses
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, Iowa
2018
Honors & Awards
2018, 2017
Finalist, Wythe Award for Teaching Excellence
Buena Vista University
Nominated twice
2018
Finalist, Student-Nominated Faculty of the Year Award
Buena Vista University
2018
Nominated, David Mark Cohen National Playwriting Award
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
Service
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Board Member, International Visual Literacy Association
Member: Conference Committee · Conference Planning Committee · Communication Committee
2025–current
Conference proposal reviewer
American Psychological Association · Division 35, Society for the Psychology of Women
2025
Conference proposal reviewer
International Visual Literacy Association
2025
Judge, Oregon Game Project Challenge
Western Oregon University
2025
PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
Faculty Senate
2025–current
Committee Member, Whiteley Lecture Series
Selected featured artist: Patricia Vásquez Gómez
2025
EDIA Faculty Fellow
2024–2025
Academic Advisor
2024–current
2023–2024
Redesigned the graphic design program curriculum
Developed five new courses
BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY
Faculty Senate
Chair, Faculty Development Committee
2016–2018
Co-Advisor, SAVE
Students Against a Violent Environment
2015–2018
Institutional Research Board (IRB)
Committee Member
2015–2018
Advisor, BVU Alliance
LGBTQ+ advocacy
2014–2018
Member, Committee Against Sexual Assault, Stalking & Relationship Violence
Advisory to Title IX coordinator
2016–2018
Professional affiliations
American Psychological Association (APA)
American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
International Visual Literacy Association (IVLA)
Interaction Design Association (IDA)
Interactive Design Foundation (IDF)
American Association of University Professors (AAUP)
For complete academic record including full teaching history, conference proceedings, and service documentation
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