Comm ETC

Communication, Eye-Tracking, & Cognition (Comm ETC) Lab

I started the Comm ETC lab at the College of Charleston in 2024  to support my  laboratory experiment and eye-tracking research program as well as introduce in-person experimental research mentorship for communication undergraduates. The Comm ETC lab was the first dedicated research space for the Department of Communication at the College of Charleston, and offers students the opportunity to complete an independent study as a research assistant  each semester. 

Meet the Team

Primary Investigator

Dr. Elizabeth E. Riggs, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication, CofC

Affiliated Faculty

Dr. Na Yu, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication, CofC

Research Assistant (F25-F26)

Del Kolstad, Exercise Science Major, Communication Minor, CofC

Research Assistant (F26)

Lily Doyle, Communication Major, Biology Minor, CofC

Research Assistant (F26)

Rell Strocko, Communication major, Writing Rhetoric and Publication Minor, CofC

Lab Happenings

Del, research assistant F25-SP26, presents WHO Cares about WHAT Issue? A survey of Americans’ opinions on public issues at the College of Charleston Undergraduate Research EXPO. This research project began as a topic pre-test to understand issue-level variations in message perceptions. The results of this survey informed stimuli design for an on-going eye-tracking experiment on how Americans process emotional news stories. 

On-Going Data Collection

Currently, the Comm ETC lab is collecting eye-tracking data for an experiment related to cognitive load and reading the news. 

Call for REsearch Assistants

The lab is currently accepting applications for current CofC student research assistants. Please email Dr. Riggs for information on applying.

Curious about Eye-tracking methods?

Read more in my recent book chapter.

Copyright Elizabeth E. Riggs 2026