We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our team.
Dr. Ruoxu Wang, Dr. Jin Yang, and Prof. Joel Nichols
Dr. Ruoxu Wang, Dr. Jin Yang, and Prof. Joel Nichols will present their research at the International Communication Association’s (ICA) 75th Annual Conference. Their study, titled “A Content Analysis of User Engagement and Trend of Super Bowl Ads 2015-2024,” explores the connection between user engagement and Super Bowl advertisement content.
Dr. Ruoxu Wang, the lead researcher, said, “Inspiration came to me while watching the 2024 Super Bowl, particularly the political ad for RFK Jr. This sparked the idea to conduct a content analysis study on Super Bowl video ads.” She emphasized the uniqueness of their work, noting, “Researchers have heavily studied the content of Super Bowl ads, but rarely the connection between user engagement and the ads’ content.” Dr. Wang expressed gratitude to two graduate students, Aaliyah Brown, and Kittie Sullivan Baldwin, for their help coding ads during the research process.
Professor Joel Nichols added, “We examined various factors, including ad length and sensory outputs. We found that humor and ego were frequently used, with celebrity endorsements and emotional warmth increasing over the decade we studied.”
Dr. Jin Yang expressed confidence in their research, stating, “We spent a lot of time decoding and collecting data, which fueled our excitement about the conference.”
The ICA conference aims to advance communication research by providing a platform for diverse scholarly dialogue and promoting public interest in communication findings. Join us in congratulating Dr. Wang, Dr. Yang, and Prof. Nichols on this significant achievement as they prepare to share their valuable insights at the conference in Denver, Colorado, from June 12-16!
Lilian Onianwa
Graduate student and assistant Lilian Onianwa won 2nd place in the Debut Paper Category at the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) for her research, “You Are Not A Sin: A Textual Analysis of LGBTQ+ Experiences in Africa.”
The BEA is a leading international media organization dedicated to advancing electronic media scholarship and production. Through its publications and annual convention, BEA offers a platform for critical analysis and encourages discussions on various media-related topics.
Lilian shared her passion for her research, saying, “I’ve always been interested in the intersections of psychology and media and how social media can be used to promote wellbeing.” She also highlighted her commitment to social justice, noting the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Africa.
Lilian expressed gratitude for her mentorship from Dr. Byrd and Dr. Macklin, stating, “The best thing a student can ever ask for is good mentorship.” Lilian will present her research at the 70th Annual BEA Convention from April 5 to 8.
Professor Kim Marks Malone
Professor Kim Marks Malone has been appointed to the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB). In this vital role, she will help develop and implement the policy for the Accreditation of Public Relations (APR).
Professor Marks expressed her enthusiasm about this opportunity, stating, “Accreditation is something I’m very passionate about. I’ve had my APR since 2005, and the new student certificate is a fantastic opportunity for students to help themselves stand out in the job market.”
Reflecting on her responsibilities as a board member, she added, “Being able to be on the board that decides the policy and procedures, write the exam, administer the exam, and grant accreditation to those who take the test—being a part of that is really exciting to me.”
The UAB plays a crucial role in maintaining accreditation standards, from developing exam questions to reviewing appeal cases and granting or revoking Accreditation.
Dr. Jasper Fessmann
Dr. Jasper Fessmann has two papers accepted for presentation at the upcoming International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference (ICRCC) 2025. This prestigious conference is known for bringing together crisis communication practitioners, leaders, and researchers, providing an excellent platform for networking and collaboration.
Dr. Fessmann’s research papers, titled “Trouble in the C-Suite? CEO sociopolitical advocacy as a cause of corporate crisis” and “Strategic corporate social responsibility and media reputation – Master frames guiding strategic CSR flow signals,” delve into crucial contemporary issues in the field.
In discussing his first paper, Dr. Fessmann noted, “The role of the CEO is changing drastically. In 2016, scholars started to realize that the traditional role of a CEO trying to stay out of controversy has changed. Now CEOs deliberately insert themselves in major social issues on both sides of the aisle. That has been a phenomenon we have been monitoring and just published a book chapter on. Specifically looking at how this may be potential for crisis.”
Regarding his second paper, he stated, “We look specifically at master frames, which is basically an overarching term that signifies organizations coming together to pull one string.”
Dr. Fessmann attributes the success of his research to his collaborative efforts with his wife, Anja Fessmann. He says, “She is the better scholar, and we worked closely together to complete this research.”
This will be Dr. Fessmann’s third time attending the ICRCC, and he looks forward to engaging with fellow researchers and professionals in the field. Congratulations to Dr. Jasper Fessmann and Anja Fessmann for their significant contributions to crisis communication research!
Dr. Matthew Haught and Rebecca Law
Dr. Matthew Haught and graduate student Rebecca “Bex” Law have been accepted to present their research paper, “Sketches of Perception: Visual Rhetoric of Alabama Newspaper Editorial Cartoons About the Freedom Rides,” at the 50th annual AEJMC Southeast Colloquium. This esteemed conference will take place from March 13–15, 2025, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media.
Reflecting on the collaborative nature of the project, Dr. Haught noted, “I began this work with my mentor, Kathy Roberts Forde. When I started working at the University of Memphis, the project sat on the shelf for a couple of decades. Then Bex came along with a keen interest in history, and I was excited to take her under my wing to complete this research.”
Bex expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I’m really excited that my first experience working in the professional academic space was with Dr. Haught. He is so knowledgeable and has done this before. While we are co-authors, the process involved a lot of delegation from him, which allowed me to learn and grow.”
The research also benefits from the expertise of a third author, Professor Gabrielle Tait, from Ball State University. Congratulations to Dr. Haught and Bex on this accomplishment as they prepare to share their important work at this milestone event!
Let’s all extend our heartfelt congratulations to all these fantastic scholars for their hard work and dedication to their work!
Written by Makayla Davis