Education

B.A., Communication and Journalism, University Jorge Tadeo Lozano (Bogotá, Colombia)
M.S., Strategic Communication, Central Connecticut State University
Ph.D., Health and Marketing Communication, University of Connecticut

Background

Before joining the University of South Carolina, Viviana Carolina Zambrano Rodriguez made significant contributions as a health communication researcher in the industry sector. She supported and led various projects for federal clients, applying knowledge of multiple mixed-methods applications and decision-making processes. Her work contributed to various initiatives supporting formative and summative research in developing strategic communication plans, health communication campaigns, and programs for multiple organizations.

Zambrano's research skills are extensive and comprehensive. Additionally, she taught as a teaching assistant and adjunct faculty member at various universities.

Awards

University of Connecticut

• 2023 -  Graduate School and CLAS Fellowship, Spring 2023
• 2020 - Award-Winning Instructor, rated as 'Excellent in Teaching,' Fall 2020

Central Connecticut State University

• 2018 - Graduate Academic Award, Master of Science in Communication
• 2017 - Graduate Student Association Scholarship Award

Normal Superior Pasca

• 2009 - High School Class Valedictorian

Research

Zambrano's research seeks to understand individuals' decision-making processes, particularly regarding risky behaviors affecting public health, environmental protection, and transportation safety.

In the academic sphere, she has worked on various research initiatives, including cannabis use and unsafe driving, unsafe sex as a public health issue, COVID-19 health protection behaviors, social media and health information-seeking behaviors, and message framing strategies.

In the industry sector, she has contributed to research projects addressing topics such as substance use, uptake and acceptance of mosquito-borne illness preventive behaviors, youth and tobacco use, safety for consumers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, food safety, and vaccination intentions.

Teaching

Zambrano characterizes the learning process with the word 'Rethink.' She promotes real-world approaches, in-class activities and discussions to encourage critical thinking. She integrates culture-centered perspectives, fostering respect and valuing diversity within and outside the classroom. Her teaching approach hinges on creating a safe and supportive environment where students can learn and become empowered citizens equipped with the means to exercise their agency. Her lessons not only promote students' application of their critical thinking and communication abilities but also apply an integrative approach for students to connect, understand, and respect their classmates' cultures, attitudes, beliefs, learning abilities and language skills.

Recent Publications

Zambrano Rodriguez, V.C., & Auguste, M. (2025). Utilizing Mixed Methods to Explore Cannabis Users’ Opinions of Messaging and Potential Adverse Effects of Driving Under the Influence. Transportation Research. Part F, Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 115, 103337.

Zambrano Rodriguez, V.C., Bellur. S., & Christensen, J. L. (2025). Health information seeking via social media: a study of college students using the MAIN model. Journal of American College Health, 1–14. Advance online publication. 

Snyder, L. B., Newton, K. M., Ng, H. X., Reed, S. D., Guthrie, K. A., Zambrano Rodriguez, V. C., & LaCroix, A. Z. (2025). Positive impact of a menopause website - MyMenoplan.org - on treatment intentions, knowledge, and decision making: A randomized controlled trial. Maturitas, 199, 108630. Advance online publication. 

Gans, K. M., Chacón, V., Warykas, S. W., Baird, M., Esquivel, V., Zhang, S., Tovar, A., Ray, S., Inman, N., McCauley, P., Zambrano Rodriguez, V. C., Miller, M., Stekler, N., & Markham Risica, P. (2025). Exploring barriers and facilitators to water availability and accessibility, and potential strategies for improving water accessibility and children’s intake in family childcare homes: a qualitative study. Frontiers in Nutrition (Lausanne), 12, 1442070-.

Auguste, M. E., & Zambrano Rodriguez, V. C. (2023). Self-reported impacts of recreational and medicinal cannabis use on driving ability and amount of wait time before driving. Traffic Injury Prevention, 24(3), 237–241.

Steinke, J., Lin, C.A., Duncan, T., & Zambrano Rodriguez, V. C. (2022). "Cover Your Mouth and Nose”: Communication About Health Protection Behaviors by Role Models in YouTube COVID-19 Videos for Children. Journal of Science Communication, 21(03).

Service

Advisory Board Member (2022 – 2023) – Central Connecticut State University, Elihu Burritt Library, New Britain, CT

Board Member (2022 – 2023) – Council for Developing Positive Youth Culture, Ellington, CT

Health Researcher Specialist (2022 – 2023) – Task Force New College of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Advisor at Central Connecticut State University, Health Clinic, New Britain, CT