Dr. Heather Riddell
@heatherriddell.bsky.social
Associate Professor of Communication focused on social media, PR, crisis communication, and AI. 🔵
Reminder, don’t take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from.
November 12, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Reminder, don’t take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from.
Reposted by Dr. Heather Riddell
that's why grading submissions feels so pointless these days *sigh* #academicsky #edusky
original by @nedroid.com from 2013: nedroidcomics.tumblr.com/post/4187900...
original by @nedroid.com from 2013: nedroidcomics.tumblr.com/post/4187900...
October 29, 2025 at 6:46 PM
that's why grading submissions feels so pointless these days *sigh* #academicsky #edusky
original by @nedroid.com from 2013: nedroidcomics.tumblr.com/post/4187900...
original by @nedroid.com from 2013: nedroidcomics.tumblr.com/post/4187900...
They pushed the grade entry deadline, but we continue to wait for Canvas to come back up.
Of course grades are due tomorrow morning for half term classes and Canvas is down due to AWS.
I was ready to start my grading marathon at 7:30am… it’s almost noon.
I have 40+ final projects to grade 😩
#academicsky #aws
I was ready to start my grading marathon at 7:30am… it’s almost noon.
I have 40+ final projects to grade 😩
#academicsky #aws
October 20, 2025 at 8:44 PM
They pushed the grade entry deadline, but we continue to wait for Canvas to come back up.
Of course grades are due tomorrow morning for half term classes and Canvas is down due to AWS.
I was ready to start my grading marathon at 7:30am… it’s almost noon.
I have 40+ final projects to grade 😩
#academicsky #aws
I was ready to start my grading marathon at 7:30am… it’s almost noon.
I have 40+ final projects to grade 😩
#academicsky #aws
October 20, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Of course grades are due tomorrow morning for half term classes and Canvas is down due to AWS.
I was ready to start my grading marathon at 7:30am… it’s almost noon.
I have 40+ final projects to grade 😩
#academicsky #aws
I was ready to start my grading marathon at 7:30am… it’s almost noon.
I have 40+ final projects to grade 😩
#academicsky #aws
I have two to-do list strategies.
Post-it notes and unread emails.
I’m down to one unread email which means I can start on my post-it note to-do list that is all things research related.
#academicsky
Post-it notes and unread emails.
I’m down to one unread email which means I can start on my post-it note to-do list that is all things research related.
#academicsky
October 17, 2025 at 12:47 AM
I have two to-do list strategies.
Post-it notes and unread emails.
I’m down to one unread email which means I can start on my post-it note to-do list that is all things research related.
#academicsky
Post-it notes and unread emails.
I’m down to one unread email which means I can start on my post-it note to-do list that is all things research related.
#academicsky
Reposted by Dr. Heather Riddell
Poll: Public Confidence in Higher Ed Growing https://bit.ly/4pIhTDB
September 27, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Poll: Public Confidence in Higher Ed Growing https://bit.ly/4pIhTDB
Reposted by Dr. Heather Riddell
AI models are using material from retracted scientific papers
#academicSky
www.technologyreview.com/2025/09/23/1...
#academicSky
www.technologyreview.com/2025/09/23/1...
AI models are using material from retracted scientific papers
Some companies are working to remedy the issue.
www.technologyreview.com
September 26, 2025 at 11:42 PM
AI models are using material from retracted scientific papers
#academicSky
www.technologyreview.com/2025/09/23/1...
#academicSky
www.technologyreview.com/2025/09/23/1...
Reposted by Dr. Heather Riddell
Adding the following to all course descriptions:
We are going to talk about all the shit in this course. All of it. There will be shit everywhere. If your delicate sensibilities can't handle the shit, don't sign up.
#academicsky
We are going to talk about all the shit in this course. All of it. There will be shit everywhere. If your delicate sensibilities can't handle the shit, don't sign up.
#academicsky
September 9, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Adding the following to all course descriptions:
We are going to talk about all the shit in this course. All of it. There will be shit everywhere. If your delicate sensibilities can't handle the shit, don't sign up.
#academicsky
We are going to talk about all the shit in this course. All of it. There will be shit everywhere. If your delicate sensibilities can't handle the shit, don't sign up.
#academicsky
Second week in a row I was able to give good news to my coauthors. 🎉
I love acceptances and r&rs. They keep the hope alive.
#academicsky
I love acceptances and r&rs. They keep the hope alive.
#academicsky
September 1, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Second week in a row I was able to give good news to my coauthors. 🎉
I love acceptances and r&rs. They keep the hope alive.
#academicsky
I love acceptances and r&rs. They keep the hope alive.
#academicsky
Reposted by Dr. Heather Riddell
All tools do this.
Me+hammer+nail = Nail in wall
Hammer+nail = Static objects.
The same is true for AI. There is no "hybrid intelligence;" it is us using a tool, an that use makes things happen.
Additional complexity is complexity, not intelligence.
#PsychSciSky #AcademicSky #EduSky
Me+hammer+nail = Nail in wall
Hammer+nail = Static objects.
The same is true for AI. There is no "hybrid intelligence;" it is us using a tool, an that use makes things happen.
Additional complexity is complexity, not intelligence.
#PsychSciSky #AcademicSky #EduSky
August 28, 2025 at 6:43 PM
All tools do this.
Me+hammer+nail = Nail in wall
Hammer+nail = Static objects.
The same is true for AI. There is no "hybrid intelligence;" it is us using a tool, an that use makes things happen.
Additional complexity is complexity, not intelligence.
#PsychSciSky #AcademicSky #EduSky
Me+hammer+nail = Nail in wall
Hammer+nail = Static objects.
The same is true for AI. There is no "hybrid intelligence;" it is us using a tool, an that use makes things happen.
Additional complexity is complexity, not intelligence.
#PsychSciSky #AcademicSky #EduSky
The first week of class is a great reminder of why I got into academia. The energy and excitement from the students is contagious.
#academicsky
#academicsky
August 27, 2025 at 1:46 AM
The first week of class is a great reminder of why I got into academia. The energy and excitement from the students is contagious.
#academicsky
#academicsky
Reposted by Dr. Heather Riddell
Hey everybody! @drjuliawester.bsky.social and I have a new paper!
We surveyed over 800 scientists, science communicators, and science educators who use social media.
Conclusion: Scientists no longer find Twitter useful or pleasant, and many have switched to Bluesky! 🧪🌎🦑
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...
We surveyed over 800 scientists, science communicators, and science educators who use social media.
Conclusion: Scientists no longer find Twitter useful or pleasant, and many have switched to Bluesky! 🧪🌎🦑
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...
Scientists no Longer Find Twitter Professionally Useful, and have Switched to Bluesky
Synopsis. Social media has become widely used by the scientific community for a variety of professional uses, including networking and public outreach. For
doi.org
August 19, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Hey everybody! @drjuliawester.bsky.social and I have a new paper!
We surveyed over 800 scientists, science communicators, and science educators who use social media.
Conclusion: Scientists no longer find Twitter useful or pleasant, and many have switched to Bluesky! 🧪🌎🦑
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...
We surveyed over 800 scientists, science communicators, and science educators who use social media.
Conclusion: Scientists no longer find Twitter useful or pleasant, and many have switched to Bluesky! 🧪🌎🦑
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...
Reposted by Dr. Heather Riddell
Social psychologists will have a lot to say about AI in the coming years, especially bc ppl are *definitely* treating AI like it's another person, often highly knowledgeable or highly skilled. "Diffusion of responsibility" comes to mind on this one... #academicsky
Good people, don't outsource anything you're not willing to lose....
August 20, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Social psychologists will have a lot to say about AI in the coming years, especially bc ppl are *definitely* treating AI like it's another person, often highly knowledgeable or highly skilled. "Diffusion of responsibility" comes to mind on this one... #academicsky
Reposted by Dr. Heather Riddell
Senate Appropriators Reject Trump’s Deep Education Cuts
Senate Republicans are planning to protect the Pell Grant program, keeping the maximum grant award at $7,395 for the coming academic year, despite the Trump administration’s proposal to lower it. bit.ly/4fmIYHI
#HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky
Senate Republicans are planning to protect the Pell Grant program, keeping the maximum grant award at $7,395 for the coming academic year, despite the Trump administration’s proposal to lower it. bit.ly/4fmIYHI
#HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky
Senate Appropriators Reject Trump’s Education Dept. Cuts
The spending plan protects TRIO from Trump’s chopping block and boosts funding for the National Institutes of Health.
bit.ly
August 1, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Senate Appropriators Reject Trump’s Deep Education Cuts
Senate Republicans are planning to protect the Pell Grant program, keeping the maximum grant award at $7,395 for the coming academic year, despite the Trump administration’s proposal to lower it. bit.ly/4fmIYHI
#HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky
Senate Republicans are planning to protect the Pell Grant program, keeping the maximum grant award at $7,395 for the coming academic year, despite the Trump administration’s proposal to lower it. bit.ly/4fmIYHI
#HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky
Tomorrow I take on the role as Faculty Senate President and the challenge of representing over 400 faculty.
It is increasingly important to fight for academic freedom and shared governance. I am lucky to have an amazing team that will help me do it.
#academicsky
It is increasingly important to fight for academic freedom and shared governance. I am lucky to have an amazing team that will help me do it.
#academicsky
August 1, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Tomorrow I take on the role as Faculty Senate President and the challenge of representing over 400 faculty.
It is increasingly important to fight for academic freedom and shared governance. I am lucky to have an amazing team that will help me do it.
#academicsky
It is increasingly important to fight for academic freedom and shared governance. I am lucky to have an amazing team that will help me do it.
#academicsky
Reposted by Dr. Heather Riddell
The George Mason University Faculty Senate has passed a resolution expressing “confidence in Pres. Washington’s leadership” and urging our Board of Visitors to defend him and the University from political pressure. #academicsky #georgemason #resist
July 24, 2025 at 10:25 PM
The George Mason University Faculty Senate has passed a resolution expressing “confidence in Pres. Washington’s leadership” and urging our Board of Visitors to defend him and the University from political pressure. #academicsky #georgemason #resist
Good days are days where faculty who earned tenure, get tenure.
Today was one of those days. I am so happy for my colleague.
#academiclife
Today was one of those days. I am so happy for my colleague.
#academiclife
July 25, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Good days are days where faculty who earned tenure, get tenure.
Today was one of those days. I am so happy for my colleague.
#academiclife
Today was one of those days. I am so happy for my colleague.
#academiclife
Reposted by Dr. Heather Riddell
Here's my updated, Americanized version of "Demographics Don't Work"...
#MikeJohnson #Eminem #AcademicChatter
#MikeJohnson #Eminem #AcademicChatter
July 23, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Here's my updated, Americanized version of "Demographics Don't Work"...
#MikeJohnson #Eminem #AcademicChatter
#MikeJohnson #Eminem #AcademicChatter
Reposted by Dr. Heather Riddell
For anyone on the Communication job market this year S. Rutherford McEwan has put together an excellent spreadsheet for 2025-2026 openings. Highly recommend checking it out (whether you're applying or hiring):
docs.getgrist.com/rHppfvPrMDQd...
#commsky #academicsky #communication
docs.getgrist.com/rHppfvPrMDQd...
#commsky #academicsky #communication
Comm Job Spreadsheet 2025-2026 - Grist
A modern, open source spreadsheet that goes beyond the grid
docs.getgrist.com
July 24, 2025 at 12:08 AM
For anyone on the Communication job market this year S. Rutherford McEwan has put together an excellent spreadsheet for 2025-2026 openings. Highly recommend checking it out (whether you're applying or hiring):
docs.getgrist.com/rHppfvPrMDQd...
#commsky #academicsky #communication
docs.getgrist.com/rHppfvPrMDQd...
#commsky #academicsky #communication
I watched the meeting and appears that NC, SC, GA, TX, TN are willing to give their university systems over to FL. Perhaps a new “accreditation cartel” where you pay to play.
Despite Reservations, Florida Approves New Accreditor
The State University System of Florida’s Board of Governors moved forward with plans to start a new accreditor. But the board has questions about how it will work. #HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky bit.ly/4kJZToQ
The State University System of Florida’s Board of Governors moved forward with plans to start a new accreditor. But the board has questions about how it will work. #HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky bit.ly/4kJZToQ
Despite Reservations, Florida BOG Approves New Accreditor
The State University System of Florida’s Board of Governors moved forward with plans to start a new accreditor. But the board has questions about how it will work.
bit.ly
July 12, 2025 at 1:18 AM
I watched the meeting and appears that NC, SC, GA, TX, TN are willing to give their university systems over to FL. Perhaps a new “accreditation cartel” where you pay to play.
Reposted by Dr. Heather Riddell
Techbro grifters: Here's an innovative new approach to agentic genAI
Neo-luddites: Does it actually work or is it a mechanical Turk
Techbro grifters: Don't worry it actually works
The innovative approach: It's a mechanical Turk
Neo-luddites: Does it actually work or is it a mechanical Turk
Techbro grifters: Don't worry it actually works
The innovative approach: It's a mechanical Turk
AI agents are hitting a liability wall. Mixus has a plan to overcome it using human overseers on high-risk workflows
Mixus's "colleague-in-the-loop" model blends automation with human judgment for safe deployment of AI agents.
venturebeat.com
July 1, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Techbro grifters: Here's an innovative new approach to agentic genAI
Neo-luddites: Does it actually work or is it a mechanical Turk
Techbro grifters: Don't worry it actually works
The innovative approach: It's a mechanical Turk
Neo-luddites: Does it actually work or is it a mechanical Turk
Techbro grifters: Don't worry it actually works
The innovative approach: It's a mechanical Turk
Reposted by Dr. Heather Riddell
More than 100 UVA faculty (and counting) have signed an open letter condemning political interference in the university. The forced installation of a new president under these circumstances will cast a shadow on teaching and research. Read here: docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Open Letter on Academic Freedom at UVA
Open Letter from Members of the Faculty of the University of Virginia In light of reporting that officials at the Department of Justice are pressuring University of Virginia President Jim Ryan to re...
docs.google.com
June 27, 2025 at 6:53 PM
More than 100 UVA faculty (and counting) have signed an open letter condemning political interference in the university. The forced installation of a new president under these circumstances will cast a shadow on teaching and research. Read here: docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Woot woot! Another publication is out! That’s two for the year. Not bad for a little R2 associate prof.
#academicsky
#academicsky
June 5, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Woot woot! Another publication is out! That’s two for the year. Not bad for a little R2 associate prof.
#academicsky
#academicsky
Reposted by Dr. Heather Riddell
“The only way to learn to write is to force yourself to produce a certain number of words on a regular basis.”
— William Zinsser
#WritingSky #AcademicSky
— William Zinsser
#WritingSky #AcademicSky
June 2, 2025 at 11:13 PM
“The only way to learn to write is to force yourself to produce a certain number of words on a regular basis.”
— William Zinsser
#WritingSky #AcademicSky
— William Zinsser
#WritingSky #AcademicSky