Faculty Spotlight
Rubaiya Zannat
By Amelia DuBard, PR student and CMT intern
If you've ever taken a class with Rubaiya Zannat, you've probably heard her say that communication is everywhere. Whether it's family conversations, workplace interactions, social media trends, or even the occasional group chat misunderstanding, she believes every interaction has something to teach us.
That curiosity is what drew Zannat to the field and continues to inspire her work as an instructor in Mississippi State University's Department of Communication, Media & Theatre. Since joining the department in Fall 2025, she has taught Public Speaking, Introduction to Communication, and Health Communication. She also teaches Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Communication through the Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies program.
For Zannat, some of the most rewarding moments in the classroom are the ones students don't always expect.
"My favorite part of being a professor is watching students surprise themselves," she noted. "I love seeing someone go from being nervous about speaking in front of the class to confidently sharing their ideas. Those little 'I actually did it!' moments are the best."
Originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Zannat earned both her Bachelor of Social Science and Master of Social Science in mass communication and journalism from the University of Dhaka. She later completed her Master of Arts in communication studies at the University of Southern Mississippi and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in communication there as well.
One of her favorite memories since arriving at Mississippi State came from a student success story. A research paper completed in her Health Communication class was accepted for presentation at the National Communication Association Conference.
"I was beyond excited and so proud of her," Zannat said. "Watching something that started as a class assignment make its way to a national conference? How cool is that?"
While communication theories are important, Zannat loves showing students how those concepts appear in everyday life. Sometimes, those lessons come from unexpected places.
"One day, I was having a serious discussion about how easily messages can be misunderstood when a student suddenly asked, 'So when my mom texts me, We need to talk, and I spend the next three hours panicking, that's a communication problem?'" she said. "The whole class burst into laughter."
Moments like that remind her why communication is such a fascinating field to study.
"It's about understanding people, listening to different perspectives, thinking critically, and making meaningful connections," Zannat said.
Outside the classroom, Zannat's research focuses on health communication and social media. Her current work examines cancer vlogs and how people use storytelling, emotional expression, and online support networks to navigate difficult health journeys.
"The most exciting part is discovering how communication can make a real difference in people's lives," she said.
When she's not teaching or researching, Zannat enjoys spending time with her family, trying new foods, and exploring new places. She jokes that free time is hard to come by, but whenever she gets the chance, she enjoys slowing down and simply enjoying the moment.
On Mississippi State’s campus, one of her favorite places is the Drill Field.
"There's something so peaceful about it, even with students rushing to class all around," she said. "It reminds me why I love being part of the Bulldog family. Hail State!"
On a lighter note, if she could watch only one movie for the rest of her life, she would choose 3 Idiots, an Indian film she loves for its humor and message about following your passions. If she weren't teaching communication, she could see herself working as a psychologist, counselor, or even a travel blogger.
Of all the places she has visited, Cherokee, North Carolina, remains her favorite destination.
"I fell in love with its breathtaking mountains, peaceful surroundings, rich Cherokee culture, and charming small town vibe," she said. "It's the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and soak in every moment."
Whether she's helping students overcome their fear of public speaking, researching how people communicate through health challenges, or finding everyday examples of communication in action, Zannat brings energy, curiosity, and a genuine love for connecting with others to everything she does.