Biography and education
Born and raised in Delhi, India, Dr. Nandini Bhalla is a distinguished scholar in mass communication. She earned her Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina, where she developed a deep understanding of media dynamics and communication strategies. Before pursuing her Ph.D., Dr. Bhalla completed a BSc. (H) in Chemistry from the University of Delhi. She then earned an MA in Mass Communication from the Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication with a specialization in Public Relations from Indira Gandhi National Open University, also in Delhi. Additionally, she holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (equivalent to an MBA) with a focus on Marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Distance Learning, Pune, India.
With seven years of experience in media and communications in India, Dr. Bhalla has worked as both a journalist and a public relations consultant in various government and private organizations. Her diverse educational background and extensive professional experience make her a valuable asset in the field of mass communication.
With seven years of experience in media and communications in India, Dr. Bhalla has worked as both a journalist and a public relations consultant in various government and private organizations. Her diverse educational background and extensive professional experience make her a valuable asset in the field of mass communication.
Teaching Interests
Research Interests
Featured grants
- Bhalla, Nandini (Principal), Ngondo, Prisca Sibongile (Supporting). Service-learning Collaboration with the University Writing Center (UWC) to Enhance Students’ Engagement, Service Learning Excellence, Texas State University, $2000. (Funded: September 2025 - Present). Grant.
- Bhalla, Nandini. Digital Ethnic Futures Consortium (DEFCon) Teaching Fellowship, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Private / Foundation / Corporate, $2500. (Funded: February 2024 - September 2024). Grant.
- Bhalla, Nandini. Mini- course grant by Service Learning Excellence Program, Service Learning Excellence Program, Texas State University, Texas State University, $500. (Funded: January 2023 - May 2023). Grant.
- Bhalla, Nandini. Mini- grant [for inviting guest lectures in classes], Washington and Lee University, Institutional (Higher Ed), $640. (Funded: 2020 - 2021). Grant.
- Bhalla, Nandini (Principal). Community Based Learning (CBL), Washington and Lee University, Institutional (Higher Ed), $2000. (Funded: August 2020 - July 2021). Grant.

Featured scholarly/creative works
- Bhalla, N., & Villagran, P. D. (n.d.). Developing Critical Thinking Skills: Teaching Students to be Gatekeepers of Generative AI-created Content in Classrooms. Florida Communication Journal, 51(1).
- Bhalla, N., Zain, A., & O’Boyle, J. (n.d.). Twitter Conversations about Air Pollution in New Delhi: Causes, Solutions, and Perceived Effects. Global Media and Communication.
- Bhalla, N., & Kim, Y. (2025). LGBTQ+-supportive CSR in India: the influence of CSR levels and issue involvement on public responses. Corporate Communications: An International Journal, 30(7), 62–78. https://doi.org/10.1108/ccij-11-2024-0212
- Bhalla, N., & Hawkins-Jedlicka, C. E. (2025). GIFT: Using ePortfolios in Public Relations Writing Courses: A Growth Mindset Approach to Feedback and Revision. Kentucky Journal of Communication, 43(1).
- Bhalla, N., & Alharbi, K. (2024). Contactless Shopping During Health Crisis: Moderating Impact of Four Attribution-Driven Motives on Brand Equity. Journal of Promotion Management, 31(1), 72–95. https://doi.org/10.1080/10496491.2024.2427050
Featured awards
- Award / Honor Recipient: Community-Engaged Learning Award, AEJMC Mass Communication and Society Division. August 2026 - Present
- Award / Honor Recipient: Digital Ethnic Futures Consortium Scholar (DEFCon), Mellon Foundation. March 2023 - Present
- Award / Honor Recipient: Kopenhaver Fellow, Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women in Communication in association with the AEJMC Commission on the Status of Women. August 2020 - Present
- Award / Honor Recipient: Inaugural class of the AEJMC/Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Fellowship for the Empowerment of Early-Career Women in Communication Education. August 2026 - August 2027
- Award / Honor Recipient: Top Book Chapter Award, Spiritual Communication division, National Communication Association. November 2020 - Present

Featured service activities
- Member
AEJMC Standing Teaching Committee
- Chair
Brown Bag Research group
- Reviewer / Referee
Journal of Promotional management
- Other
Service Learning Excellence
- Reviewer / Referee
Journal of Public Relations Research
- Member
Graduate Students sub-committee for evaluating graduate applications
