Academic Degrees:

• Ph.D., Purdue University
• M.S., Minnesota State University, Mankato
• B.A., College of Saint Benedict

Courses:

• COMM 105/HONRS 220B Introduction to Human Communication
• COMM 205 Interpersonal Communication
• COMM 350 Intercultural Communication
• COMM 351/HONORS 325B Gender & Communication (cross-listed with Gender Studies)
• COMM 352 Health Communication
• COMM 353 Capstone: Intercultural Health Communication

Dr. Jen Kramer began teaching at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in 2007. She was trained in community health and health communication and has worked in a variety of positions in healthcare organizations. Her research focuses on doctor/patient interactions specifically those surrounding chronic pain and obesity. Dr. Kramer enjoys using pop culture in her classes to explore our everyday communication practices; therefore, in taking a course with her, students have a 98 percent chance of watching clips from Friends and Scandal. When not teaching, Dr. Kramer enjoys making jewelry, reading and swimming.  

Recent Publications:

• Kramer, J. S. (2015). “No matter what I have, it’s because I’m fat”: Harm in framing weight as a medical concern. Presentation given at the Central States Communication Association Annual Conference, Madison, WI.
• Roberts, F. & Kramer, J. S. (2013). Request and refusal of opiates in the chronic pain context. In H. Hamilton & W. S. Chou (Eds.) Handbook of Language and Health Communication, Routledge.
• Kramer, J. (2013). Weighty talk: Obese women's stigmatizing weight discussions with physicians. Presentation given at the National Women’s Studies Association Annual Conference, Cincinnati, OH.
• Kramer, J. S. (2012). It’s okay that we back-stab each other: Cultural myths that fuel the battling female in The Bachelor. In R. A. Lind (Ed.), Race/gender/media: Considering diversity across audience, content, and producers (3rd ed.). Pearson Higher Education.      
• Kramer, J. S., & Mattison, A. A (CSB alum; 2011). Aligning primary goals in chronic pain communication for treatment adherence. Paper presented at the annual Central States Communication Association conference (Top Paper Award for the Health Communication Division), Milwaukee, WI.