Brooke Fisher Liu is a professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Maryland. Her research investigates how government messages, media, and interpersonal communication can contribute to individual and community resilience from disasters. Dr. Liu's research has been supported by a variety of US government agencies including the Food and Drug Administration, National Science Foundation, Department of Homeland Security, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She is the co-founder and former editor of the Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research. Dr. Liu co-founded and co-directs the University of Maryland Pandemic Readiness Initiative.

Amisha Mehta is a Professor in the School of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations, Faculty of Business and Law at QUT, Brisbane, Australia. She specializes in risk and crisis communication and trust, applying this expertise in emerging industries and corporate, health, and natural hazard emergencies. Amisha actively works with industry and her research has been translated into national policy. She has received a number of individual, team, and national awards for teaching and research.