Stuart Selber

Stuart Selber studies the applications and implications of digital technologies for writing and communication purposes, employing multimodal research designs that combine the most productive aspects of humanist critical traditions and social science methods. In disciplinary terms, he aligns himself with work in technical communication, computers and composition, and human-computer interaction.

Selber is a past president and Fellow of the Association of Teachers of Technical Writing (ATTW), a past president of the Council for Programs in Technical and Scientific Communication (CPTSC), and a past chair of the CCCC Committee on Technical Communication. As chair of CCCC Committee on Technical Communication, Selber was instrumental in helping to establish the CCCC Outstanding Dissertation Award in Technical Communication. As a past president of ATTW, he was instrumental in helping to establish the Routledge/ATTW Book Series in Technical and Professional Communication. In 2011, he received the Distinguished Service Award from CPTSC.

Selber has earned several awards for outstanding research publications. In 2010, his essay "A Rhetoric of Electronic Instruction Sets" won the Nell Ann Pickett Award for Best Article in Technical Communication Quarterly. In 2005, his monograph Multiliteracies for a Digital Age (Southern Illinois University Press) won the Distinguished Book Award from Computers and Composition and Best Book in Technical or Scientific Communication from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). Also in 2005 from NCTE, his co-edited volume Central Works in Technical Communication (Oxford University Press) won the award for Best Collection of Essays in Technical or Scientific Communication. In 1998, his edited volume Computers and Technical Communication: Pedagogical and Programmatic Perspectives (Ablex Publishing/ATTW) won the NCTE award for Best Collection of Essays in Technical or Scientific Communication. In 1997, his co-authored essay "Policing Ourselves: Defining the Boundaries of Appropriate Discussion in Online Forums" won the Ellen Nold Award for Best Article in Computers and Composition. And in 1995, his essay "Beyond Skill Building: Challenges Facing Technical Communication Teachers in the Computer Age" won Best Article on Methods of Teaching Technical or Scientific Communication from NCTE.

Selber has delivered workshops and papers on technology topics at the University of New Hampshire, University of Denver, Michigan State University, Virginia Tech, Fordham Graduate School, Texas A&M University, University of Maryland, Purdue University, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Miami University, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, University of Wyoming, James Madison University, and numerous other places. He provides technology leadership at Penn State through his roles as Director of Digital Education in English, Professor in Charge of the undergraduate Technical Writing Minor and graduate Teaching with Technology Certificate, Faculty Fellow in Education Technology Services (ETS), and Director of the Penn State Digital English Studio.

In non-academic settings, Selber has worked as a technical writer or consultant for The Du Pont Company, Lotus Development Corporation, Beyond Incorporated, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, Micron Technology, Transition Systems, West One Bankcorp, Editorial Services of New England, and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Books:

• Multiliteracies for a Digital Age
• Solving Problems in Technical Communication
• Rhetorics and Technologies
• Central Works in Technical Communication
• Computers and Technical Communication