Zach Riordan

Biography:

Zach Riordan is a Ph.D. student in Organizational Communication at the Brian Lamb School of Communication at Purdue University. He earned an M.S. in Management with a concentration in Finance from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business and a B.A. in Communication with a minor in Business from Hope College.

At Purdue, he works with Dr. Stacey Connaughton to examine how leadership, communication, and decision-making shape organizational performance in high-pressure environments. His research combines mixed methods, case studies, data analytics, and industry insights to bridge research and practice. He collaborates with international NGOs to develop leadership and communication strategies that address complex institutional and community challenges. He also consults with industry partners through targeted engagements to improve operations and drive measurable financial results.

Research and Teaching:

Zach teaches COM 114, where he integrates communication theory with practical application to challenge students and equip them for success in academic, professional, and personal contexts.