Dr. Lan Ni is Professor in the Valenti School of Communication at the University of Houston. Her research focuses on the role of culture, identity, and values in how organizations identify publics, build relationships, and manage conflicts. She has conducted research in contexts such as public health, societal aspects of technology, racism, multinational corporations, and emergency management. She is the lead author/editor of two books by Routledge on intercultural public relations and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in major journals in communication and public relations. She has received grants from many funding agencies including the National Science Foundation and Urban Communication Foundation. Guided by her research, she has delivered presentations and training for various business, government, and nonprofit organizations. She has also directed student campaigns that won awards from the Department of Homeland Security and Public Relations Society of America.