Debra Bass

Debra Bass is the Director of Communications for the Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation and the Office of Research and Innovation at UC San Diego. She is a strategic communications leader with more than two decades of experience spanning journalism, public relations, executive communications, and content strategy.

In her current role, Debra leads communications initiatives that support research leadership and the broader research enterprise, with responsibility for messaging, digital content, media relations and stakeholder engagement. She is known for translating complex topics into clear, compelling communications and for partnering closely with executive leaders to advance organizational priorities.

Prior to her work in higher education communications, Debra had an award-winning career in journalism as a columnist, editor and reporter. Her background in news and storytelling continues to shape her approach to strategic messaging, audience engagement and brand voice.

Debra earned her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and holds the APR credential from the Public Relations Society of America.