Dr. Emily L. Blout is a media scholar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Media Studies at the University of Virginia, and wife of former Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer. She holds a Ph.D. in History, Iranian Studies from the University of St. Andrews and a M.A. in International Security from the National Defense University. Her upcoming book, "Soft War: Media, Culture, and the Legitimation of Power in Iran" is a case study of media politics and ideology in the modern state.

Professor Blout is a fellow at the Internet Governance Lab, a joint project of the School of International Service and the School of Communication at American University, and guest editor of The Communication Review.

Blout's scholarship is enriched by over eight years of experience working on foreign policy and national security issues in Washington, D.C. Her background includes advising and serving as spokesperson for a senior member of Congress, directing legislative affairs for a leading Iranian-American non-profit organization, and working on Turkey and Syria issues at the Pentagon.

Dr. Blout's research and teaching interests include: the history and politics of media in Iran, cyberwar and cyber conflict, and issues relating to ideology, identity, and sovereignty in hypermedia space.