Doctoral Student Contact Info moa82208@uga.edu Office: 513 Caldwell Hall Mark Ofosu Asirifi is a first-year Ph.D. student whose research explores the intersection of health, cultural identity, and stigma. His work focuses on how cultural beliefs and social stigma impact patient-provider relationships and access to care, particularly among underserved populations. He is interested in stigma-laden health issues such as HIV/AIDS, HPV vaccination, hepatitis, and mental health. Mark’s research explores culturally informed, persuasive communication strategies that promote health equity and encourage care-seeking behaviors without reinforcing stereotypes. In today’s polarized U.S. health landscape marked by misinformation, politicized health policies, and widening disparities, his work addresses a critical need for inclusive, evidence-based interventions. Outside of academia, Mark is a painter and travel blogger who uses art and storytelling to reflect on culture, identity, and global communication. Education: Mark holds an M.S. in Communication from Illinois State University, where his thesis explored cultural identity in mental health service among African international students in the U.S., and a B.A. in Public Relations Management from the University of Professional Studies, Accra Ghana. Research Research Interests: Health and intercultural communication Cultural identity in healthcare Health-related stigma (mental health, HIV/AIDS, HPV, hepatitis) Patient-provider communication Culturally tailored health interventions Health equity and access Public health messaging and persuasion Stigma and misinformation in health contexts Communication barriers in immigrant and underserved populations Global and cross-cultural health communication
