Dr. Bertapelle is a communication researcher at Wichita State University in Kansas. Dr. Bertapelle's current research focuses on the dynamics of communication in grandfamilies (families in which grandparent(s) serve as the primary caretaker for at least one grandchild). Bertapelle, who is a product of a grandfamily herself, will be presenting her first paper on this topic at the 2014 GSA Scientific Meeting.
Until recently, her research has largely focused on mass communication and its effects. She teaches undergraduate Communication Research Methods and Inquiry; Writing for the Mass Audience; Sex, Violence & Media, Editing for Print; and Media Effects.