The IU School of Medicine Dean’s Office of Strategic Communications manages internal and external communications, including public and media relations, marketing and branding. The team also oversees and provides training and support for digital platforms, including the website, social channels, email messaging and more.
Media Inquiry
To reach the media relations team at IU School of Medicine, please contact Rory Appleton by phone at 317-671-3114 or by email with the link below.
As executive director of communications, Katie Duffey is responsible for helping lead a team of communicators tasked with executing strategies designed to engage internal and external audiences—telling the stories and sharing the successes of work being done every day at the school. A Hoosier native, Katie returned to Indiana after graduating from Ohio University in 2005 with a degree in journalism. She previously worked as a reporter, page designer and editor in Indiana newsrooms before joining the strategic communications team at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2018.
Lynn serves as the communications support specialist to the Office of Strategic Communications and Visual Media. Along with coordinating internal office operations, Lynn provides support for the development and implementation of communication initiatives that support IU School of Medicine’s strategic plan. Lynn holds a BA in anthropology from DePauw University.
Internal Communications
Teresa Dunn joined IU School of Medicine in November 2021 after serving as the Associate Director for the Integrated Program in the Environment at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Teresa is a graduate of Indiana University and received her master’s degree from IU in 2017. She’s a native Hoosier and lives in Brownsburg in an historic home with her fiancé, Mark, and their two dogs.
External Communications
Andrea helps lead a communications team and strategy supporting the world-class research and education happening at the IU School of Medicine, sharing stories and information that drive the school's reputation as a global leader in biomedical science and training. Andrea first joined IU in 2012 and has since held various communications and marketing roles throughout the university. She has also worked as a science writer at the University of Iowa and as a newspaper reporter in Indiana. Andrea earned a master’s degree in journalism with a concentration in health and science communication from IU Bloomington and a bachelor’s degree in news-editorial journalism from Ball State University.
Rory Appleton is the public relations manager for IU School of Medicine, where he works to share the important work of faculty and students with the public. As the school's primary news media contact, Rory assists reporters in an effort to highlight the expertise and groundbreaking research that set Indiana's only medical school apart. Prior to holding this role, Rory spent 10 years as a news reporter in Indiana, Nevada and his native California. He holds a bachelor's degree in mass communication and journalism from California State University, Fresno.
Jasmin Cheairs serves as the communications specialist at IU School of Medicine. With her bachelor's in journalism/telecommunications news and a master's in public relations from Ball State University she aims to tell impactful stories and help businesses, organizations and brands reach their maximum potential. Although Jasmin was not born in Indiana, she does value the city's rich history and amazing opportunities for growth.
Editorial
As senior writer for the Indiana University School of Medicine, Laura tells the stories of the people behind innovative scientific discoveries, compassionate care initiatives and statewide excellence in medical education. She is an experienced journalist who enjoys travel and photography and is always eager to learn something new.
Digital Marketing
Chris is responsible for monitoring, reporting and providing direction on how Indiana University School of Medicine can extend its reach and impact through its digital marketing channels. Prior to joining IU School of Medicine in 2015 as a Web Analyst, Chris worked as an SEO Consultant for a local digital marketing agency. In this role he provided consulting services for some of the nation’s top brands and Fortune 500 companies. In 2005, Chris earned an undergraduate degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. Upon graduating, Chris spent the next decade owning and operating a photography and graphic design studio.
Bailey England is the social media specialist at IU School of Medicine. Following her graduation from IU Bloomington, she kickstarted her career by honing her social media skills while working for IU Athletics. Since then, she has worked in marketing agencies and the direct-to-consumer space, managing impactful campaigns. With experience in social media marketing strategy, influencer campaign management and branded creative content development, she focuses on crafting meaningful social campaigns backed by data-driven insights.
Alyssa joined the Office of Strategic Communications in 2019 as the content manager. She moved back to Indiana after eight years in Utah, where she told stories about research, education and clinical care at Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah. She also served as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Utahns Against Hunger. Alyssa holds a BA in public communications and literature from American University.
Visual Media
Brandon is responsible for researching, strategizing, and designing print and interactive media, including ads, invitations, brochures, magazines, displays, digital signage, email communications, kiosks, websites, and more. Additionally, he coordinates vendors and stakeholders at the department, campus, and university level. Brandon has previous experience as a graphic designer and art director in higher education, commercial real estate, and marketing agency settings. Brandon joined Indiana University School of Medicine in 2022.
Tim is a graduate of Herron School of Art and holds a bachelor degree in fine arts with a major in visual communication. After graduating, he began working for the Indianapolis Center for Advanced Research (ICFAR)—an affiliate of IU, Purdue, City of Indianapolis and the Indy Chamber of Commerce—where he served as a graphic designer, photographer and illustrator for seven years. He then began his own freelance design business in Indianapolis and spent a decade working with a variety of clients, including Howard S. Wilcox, Sease Gerig & Associates, Ivy Tech, Riley Children’s Foundation, Indianapolis Public Library and Fairbanks Hospital. Tim returned to IU as a graphic designer and photographer in the IU School of Medicine Office of Visual Media. In his current role, he works with faculty and departmental leaders to provide photography for communications and fundraising materials. He also served for three years as an adjunct professor teaching third- and- fourth-year medical students introduction to medical illustration, photography and Adobe Creative Suite.
Interview an IU School of Medicine Expert
Schedule an interview with an IU School of Medicine faculty member or receive material and resources about a specific area of medical research and education by contacting Rory Appleton.