Latest Achievements

pattern of small crosses

Our commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry drives our latest endeavors in areas such as artificial intelligence, crisis communication, health communication, social media, esports and more. Our faculty and students are pushing the boundaries of media and communications, translating groundbreaking research into real-world solutions. Discover how our creative activity and cutting-edge research are shaping the future of journalism and mass communications, preparing our graduates to lead and innovate in an ever-evolving media landscape.

Grants

University of Nebraska | Nebraska Research Initiative

Social (and Traditional) Media Analytics and Research Tools Lab (SMART-Lab).

Cory Armstrong | Valerie Jones | Bryan Wang

$101,376 

National Center for Problem Gambling

Agility Grant

Brian Petrotta

$2,500 

Center for Transformative Teaching

OER Course Transformation Grant

Frauke Hachtmann

$1,000

Nebraska Department of Economic Development

Develop a Tabletop/Online Role-Playing Tool to Improve Public Engagement in Nebraska's Disaster Recovery and Community Resilience

Ryan Tan | Cory Armstrong | Sharon Baldinelli

$59,860 

University of Alabama

Risk Information During Weather Events

Cory Armstrong

$26,726

Stanton Foundation

Rural Journalism Internship Program

Rick Alloway and Shari Veil

$148,465

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Research Council

Nebraska News Map: Examining how and where Nebraska communities get local news

Jessica Walsh

$10,000

Faculty Senate Convocations Committee

Guest Speaker Grant

Frauke Hachtmann

$800

Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences

Building Browser Extensions for Instagram and TikTok to Increase Algorithmic Media Literacy and Shape Attitudes toward Algorithms

Bryan Wang

$2,400

Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences

Nurturing Connections, Breaking Loneliness - An AI-Powered Journey into Senior Social Well-being

Valerie Jones

$3,600

SMART-Lab: Advancing Media Research Through Data and Innovation

The Social and Traditional Media Analytics and Research Tools Lab at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications is a cutting-edge facility dedicated to advancing media research. Funded by a $101,376 grant from the Nebraska Research Initiative, the lab builds on the success of the Public Insight Lab to support interdisciplinary collaboration and provide innovative data analysis services. With expertise in media data scraping, mining and research support, SMART-Lab enhances research capabilities while creating hands-on learning opportunities for students. Co-directed by Fred and Gladys Seaton Professor Valerie Jones and Associate Professor Ming Wang, the lab aims to become self-sufficient by 2029, establishing itself as a leader in media data analysis.

Read More  Visit the SMART Lab

smart lab office

Scholarship

Publications
  1. Hachtmann, Frauke. (in press). From soccer to gridiron: Exploring brand communication and the rise of NFL fandom in Germany. International Journal of Sport Communication.
  2. Park, Michael. (in press). Anti-Racism as a National Security Imperative: The Safeguarding of Core Democratic Values. Maryland Law Journal of Race, Religion, Gender & Class.
  3. Park, Michael. (in press). Foreign Control and the Corporate Form: National Security Imperatives and First Amendment Limitations. Tulane Law Review.
  4. Petrotta, Brian, & Taylor, Matthew. (2025, December). “He Either Has a Gambling Addiction or He Is an Idiot”: Analysis of Social Media Posts Surrounding Athlete Gambling Scandals. International Journal of Sport Communication, 18(3), 1-11.
  5. Emmons, Betsy, & Petrotta, Brian. (2025, September 26). “The Employment Landscape Has Shifted Massively, and We Must Shift With It”: A Review of Sports Public Relations Courses within Sports Communication Programs. Journalism & Mass Communication Educator, 0(0).
  6. Petrotta, Brian, & Bell, Travis. (2025, September 26). Constructing Mediated Betting Discourse: A Typology of Responsible Gambling Language Identified Through ESPN's Sports Wagering Shows. Journal of Gambling Studies.
  7. Slater, Kelsey. (2025, September 23). Discrimination and Deterrents Affecting Female Sports Journalists and Sports Coverage in Tanzania. International Journal of Sport Communication, 18(4), 484-494. 
  8. Yan, Changmin. (2025, September 16). Health equity in Nebraska: addressing disparities through place-based policy innovation. Frontiers in Public Health, Public Health Policy, Volume 13.
  9. Boling, Kelli, & Slakoff, Danielle. (2025, September 9). “What an invasion, an immense invasion”: Examining the adverse effects of true crime media on co-victims. Crime, Media, Culture: An International Journal, 0(0).
  10. Walsh, Jessica. (2025, August 31). Who is responsible? Examining the way U.S. newspapers in rural agricultural and ranching states cover water quality. Journal of Rural Studies, Volume 120, 2025, 103862.
  11. Britten, Kelli, & Waite, Matt. (2025, August 28). ManyClasses 2: The Effects of Prequestions on Media Interactions and Learning. Journal of Educational Psychology.
  12. Boling, Kelli, & Slakoff, Danielle. (2025, August 22). “Media Pressure is What Makes Law Enforcement Move”: Insights from Co-victims About the Positive Impacts of True Crime Media Attention. Mass Communication and Society, 1–17.
  13. Armstrong, Cory, & Baldinelli, Sharon. (2025, July 28). Expertise or Experience: Comparing Discussion of Drought between Audiences and Agencies in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri. Weather, Climate and Society, 17, 449-459.
  14. Boling, Kelli, & Scovel, Shannon. (2025, July 7). “Can You Believe This Was Once a Football School?:” Social Media Fan Discourse Before, During, and After Nebraska’s Record-Setting Volleyball Game. Communication & Sport, 0(0).
  15. Wang, Bryan, & Akin, Heather. (2025, June 29). Effects of epistemic beliefs, science populism, and social media use on climate change misperceptions. Public Understanding of Science, 0(0).
  16. Armstrong, Cory, & VanDyke, Matthew. (2025, June 28). Verify, Accept, or Ignore: The Complexities of Media Trust Along Southeastern U.S. Coastal Communities During Severe Weather Events. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 0(0).
  17. Armstrong, Cory, & Baldinelli, Sharon. (2025, June 27). Debated, Deluged or Disappeared: The Flow of Public Discussion Surrounding Drought in FEMA Region 7. Journal of Applied Communications, 109(1).
  18. Wagler, Adam. (2025, June 25). Exploring Generative AI as Part of the Design and Creative Process. Journal of Advertising Education, 29(2), 118-132.
  19. Kirkpatrick, Ciera, & Lawrie, LaRissa. (2025, June 2). “This is What a Speculum Looks Like!” Effects of Medical Instrument Demonstration and Message Framing in Pap Test Videos on Social Media. Health Communication, 1-12.
  20. Jones, Valerie, & Yan, Changmin. (2025, May 5). Interactive AI Routines for Pain Symptoms and Loneliness in Older Adults. Pain Management Nursing Journal, 26(5), 530-537.
  21. Kirpatrick, Ciera. (2025, May 1). “I Respect Whatever Decision You Make!” How Autonomy Support and Exemplars in Short-Form Videos Influence Clinical Trial Recruitment. Health Communication, 40(14), 3100–3113.
  22. Armstrong, Cory. (2025, April 17). Twisted up about potential tornados? Examining factors that amplify one’s need for information. Journal of Risk Research, 28(5), 401–413.
  23. Tan, Ryan. (2025, April 15). Effects of state-sponsored political posts on perceived credibility and persuasion. Journal of Information Technology & Politics, 1–12.
  24. Kirkpatrick, Ciera. (2025, March 21). #Bopo or Bounce Back?: Investigating the Impact of Social Media Videos on Postpartum Mothers. Health Communication, 40(12), 2674–2685.
  25. Yan, Changmin, & Jones, Valerie. (2025, January 24). Evaluating older adults’ engagement and usability with AI-driven interventions: Randomized pilot study. JMIR Formative Research, 9, e64763.
  26. Marron, Maria. (Fall 2024). Framing Ireland’s climate change: A story of mitigation and adaptation in conflict and culture at local, national and international levels. International Communication Research Journal, 59(2), 29-51.
  27. Boling, Kelli S. (December 31, 2024). Advertising account plan#ning: New strategies in the digital landscape (2nd ed.). Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
  28. Baldinelli, Sharon E. (December 20, 2024). Athlete injuries and death: Media coverage of CTE and beyond. In P. J. Creedon & L. A. Wackwitz (Eds.), Media, women, and the transformation of sport: From Title IX to NIL (1st ed.). Routledge.
  29. Boling, Kelli S. (December 4, 2024). “The Supreme Court is poised to overturn #RoeVWade and I’m mad as hell”: A politically charged feminist discourse analysis. Feminist Media Studies, 1–17.
  30. Petrotta, Brian A., & Stamm, Jason. (December 1, 2024). "It’s in the syllabus: What sport media instructors communicate to students." Journalism & Mass Communication Educator, 0(0).
  31. Stamm, Jason. (November 6, 2024). "What fans crave: Including sports audiences in the reporting process through engagement journalism." Journalism, 0(0).
  32. Wagler, Adam. (November 7, 2024). Visual communications curriculum for the 21st century: A longitudinal assessment of a communication design program. Journalism & Mass Communication Educator, 79(4), 474-493.
  33. Kiambi, Dane. (November 2024). Analyzing media valence shifts: The association between a U.S. PR firm's engagement and Kenya's portrayal in U.S. media. Public Relations Review, 50(4), 102485.
  34. Park, Michael K. (October 1, 2024). A marketplace (failure) of ideas: Foreign disinformation campaigns in an age of generative A.I. and a proportionality approach to falsehoods. North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology, 26(1), 45.
  35. Hachtmann, Frauke. (September 17, 2024). Basic research. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Sport Management (pp. 82–83). Edward Elgar Publishing.
  36. Hachtmann, Frauke. (September 17, 2024). Applied research. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Sport Management (pp. 49–50). Edward Elgar Publishing.
  37. Hachtmann, Frauke. (September 17, 2024). Grounded theory. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Sport Management (pp. 432–434). Edward Elgar Publishing.
  38. Hachtmann, Frauke. (September 17, 2024). Crisis communication. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Sport Management (pp. 224–226). Edward Elgar Publishing.
  39. Walsh, Jessica. (September 16, 2024). Gleaning rural journalism: Rural journalists' agricultural and environmental reporting utilizing community storytelling networks. Rural Sociology, 89(4), 815-834.
  40. Jones, Valerie K. (September 5, 2024). A more connected future: How social connection, interdisciplinary approaches, and new technology will shape the affective science of loneliness, a commentary on the special issue.Affect Science, 5(3), 217-221.
  41. Petrotta, Brian A. (September 2, 2024). Displaced and diminished: How the placemaking value of “being there” influences play-by-play broadcasters’ professional identity. Communication & Sport, 0(0).
  42. Kirkpatrick, Ciera E. (August 15, 2024). Using short-form videos to get clinical trial newcomers to sign up: Message-testing experiment. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 26, e49600.
  43. Boling, Kelli, Walsh, Jessica, Petrotta, Brian, & Stamm, Jason. (June 15, 2024). "Perjurers, rapists, and zealots are ending abortion": Sports journalists’ symbolic annihilation of women athletes on social media during the national loss of abortion rights. Communication & Sport, 0(0).
  44. Boling, Kelli, Kirkpatrick, Ciera E., & Jones, Valerie. (June 11, 2024). "Addiction is not a choice." #narcansaveslives: Collective voice in harm reduction on TikTok. Health Communication, 1–11.
  45. Yan, Changmin, Eno, Alan, & Wagler, Adam. (May 31, 2024). Mitigating identity-related anxiety through humor and immersive storytelling with 360-degree video in virtual reality: A study on microaggressions’ mental health effects. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(6), 713.
  46. Yan, Changmin, & Jones, Valerie. (May 31, 2024). Understanding older people's voice interactions with smart voice assistants: A new modified rule-based natural language processing model with human input. Frontiers in Digital Health, 6.
  47. Kirkpatrick, Ciera E. (May 21, 2024). TikTok as a source of health information and misinformation for young women in the United States: Survey study. JMIR Infodemiology, 4, e54663.
  48. Walsh, Jessica. (May 11, 2024). Neutrality and impartiality in Midwestern U.S. newspapers: Community-oriented newspaper journalists reporting of environmental water problems in agricultural and ranching states. Journal of Communication in Healthcare, 17(2), 223-232.
  49. Armstrong, Cory. (May 10, 2024). Are you watching or warning? The role of comprehension, warning lead time, and prior experience on individual preparation of tornadic events.Journal of Extreme Events, 10(01n04), 2441001.
  50. Kirkpatrick, Ciera E. (May 10, 2024). COVID-19 vaccination communication: Effects of vaccine conspiracy beliefs and message framing among Black and White participants. Vaccine, 42(13), 3197-3205.
  51. Kirkpatrick, Ciera E. (May 3, 2024). “Trust me, I’m a doctor.” How TikTok videos from different sources influence clinical trial participation. Health Communication, 1–12.
  52. Kirkpatrick, Ciera E. (April 8, 2024). Exploring the strategic use of TikTok for clinical trial recruitment: How audiences’ prior short-form video usage influences persuasive effects. Health Communication, 39(3), 294-306.
  53. Marron, Maria. (Summer 2024). Femicide frames in Ireland’s two leading newspapers, the Irish Independent and The Irish Times. Media Report to Women, 52(3), 12-20.
  54. Kirkpatrick, Ciera E. (March 1, 2024). Idealized motherhood on social media: Effects of mothers’ social comparison orientation and self-esteem on motherhood social comparisons. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 68(2), 284–304.
  55. Jones, Valerie, & Yan, Changmin. (February 22, 2024). Reducing loneliness and improving social support among older adults through different modalities of personal voice assistants. Geriatrics (Basel), 9(2), 22.
  56. Boling, Kelli S. (January 22, 2024). From critical pedagogy to communication activism pedagogy in a large lecture classroom: Increasing awareness, knowledge, and a desire for change. Howard Journal of Communications, 35(4), 490–501.
  57. Yan, Changmin, & Jones, Valerie K. (January 16, 2024). The impact of interaction time and verbal engagement with personal voice assistants on alleviating loneliness among older adults: An exploratory study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(1), 100.
  58. Weber, Joseph (Ed.). (January 10, 2024). "The Routledge companion to business journalism." Routledge.
  59. Boling, Kelli S. (January 10, 2024). "Black, Brown and Thriving: Redefining economic podcasting." In J. Weber (Ed.), The Routledge companion to business journalism (Chap. 37). Routledge.
  60. Martin, Jill, & Richter, Kaci. (January 10, 2024). "The sound of business journalism: How the field thrives on audio platforms." In J. Weber (Ed.), The Routledge companion to business journalism (Chap. 16). Routledge.
  61. Jones, Valerie, Kirkpatrick, Ciera E., & Boling, Kelli. (2024). Algorithmic doors to community and the trap of visibility: TikTok for harm reduction activism in the U.S. overdose crisis. Contemporary Drug Problems, 51(2), 67-88.
  62. Jones, Valerie K., & Fargen-Walsh, Jessica. (2024). ‘My good friend’: Why “older old” adults continued to use voice assistants during COVID-19. Journal of Communication Technology, 6(2), 52-72.
Creative Works
  1. Shrader, John. (October 8, 2025). The Soccer Media Podcast. Podcast. Soccer America.
  2. McCoy, Barney. (May 23, 2024). "Running Towards the Fire: A War Correspondent's Story." Documentary. Nebraska Public Media.
  3. Graves, Chris. (September 1, 2024). "Busted luggage, vomit and an earthquake." Nebraska Quarterly Archive, Fall 2024, Voices.
Research, Creative and Academic Presentations
  • Baldinelli, Sharon & Petrotta, Brian. (2026, March). LA2028: Gold Medals, Travel Bans, and Violated Expectations. Paper accepted for presentation at International Association for Communication and Sport Summit on Communication & Sport, Dublin, Ireland.
  • Armstrong, Cory. (2026, March). Should the show go on? Public discussion during college sporting event weather delays. Submission accepted for presentation at International Association for Communication and Sport Summit on Communication & Sport, Dublin, Ireland.
  • Hachtmann, Frauke. (2026, March). Taylor Swift’s Boyfriend: The Socialization Pathway of German NFL Fans. Extended abstract accepted for presentation at International Association for Communication and Sport Summit on Communication & Sport, Dublin, Ireland.
  • Hachtmann, Frauke. (2026, March). Lecture Series, Podcast, and Experiential Learning: A 2025 World University Games Global Collaboration. Panel accepted for presentation at International Association for Communication and Sport Summit on Communication & Sport, Dublin, Ireland.
  • Stamm, Jason, &  Tan, Ryan. (2026, March). Cleatus’ longevity: How visual framing of data influences audience perception of AI use in NFL broadcasts. Paper accepted for presentation at International Association for Communication and Sport Summit on Communication & Sport, Dublin, Ireland.
  • Park, Michael. (2026, March). Free speech in a changing America [Invited symposium presentation]. Creighton University School of Law, Omaha, Nebraska.
  • Veil, Shari. (2025, June). When It Hits The Fan: Lessons in Crisis Communication. Panel discussion for Public Relations Society of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE. 
  • McCoy, Barney. (2025, June). Running Towards the Fire. Screening for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Abilene, KS. 
  • Emmons, Betsy. (2025, June). Aggression in the Super Bowl, domestic violence, and the Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift relationship: A crisis response on Reddit case study. Paper accepted for presentation at the International Communication Association Conference, Denver, CO.
  • Kirkpatrick, Ciera. (2025, June). "I respect whatever decision you make!" How autonomy support and exemplars in short-form videos influence clinical trial recruitment. Paper accepted for presentation at the International Communication Association Conference, Denver, CO.
  • Kirkpatrick, Ciera. (2025, June). #Bopo or bounce back?: Investigating the impact of social media videos on postpartum mothers. Paper accepted for presentation at the International Communication Association Conference, Denver, CO.
  • Park, Michael. (2025, June). A fear of ideas? Social media, foreign influence, and national security in a new era of great-power competition. Paper accepted for presentation at the International Communication Association Conference, Denver, CO.
  • Walsh, Jessica. (2025, June). Life on the rural-urban continuum: Using metajournalistic discourse to examine boundary definition among rural adjacent journalists. Paper accepted for presentation at the International Communication Association Conference, Denver, CO.
  • Armstrong, Cory. (2025, April). Verify, accept, or ignore: The complexities of media trust along Southeastern U.S. coastal communities during severe weather events. Paper accepted for presentation at the Broadcast Education Association Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
  • Emmons, Betsy. (2025, March). Branding 14-year-olds: Motorsport promotion of adolescent drivers on Instagram. Paper presented at the International Association of Communication and Sport Conference, Chicago, IL.
  • Emmons, Betsy. (2025, March). Fandom and acceptance of the NIL era: A longitudinal Reddit discourse analysis. Paper presented at the International Association of Communication and Sport Conference, Chicago, IL.
  • Hachtmann, Frauke. (2025, March). Medals and the power of the media – Reactions of Olympic athletes to media observations as strategies of defensive mediatization. Paper accepted for presentation at the International Association for Communication and Sport Summit, Chicago, IL.
  • Petrotta, Brian, & Stamm, Jason. (2025, March). Examining the intersection of sports communication education with industry hiring practices. Paper accepted for presentation at the International Association for Communication and Sport Summit, Chicago, IL.
  • Petrotta, Brian, & Shrader, John. (2025, March). Best practices in sport-themed experiences abroad. Panel accepted for presentation at the International Association for Communication and Sport Summit, Chicago, IL.
  • Hachtmann, Frauke, Stamm, Jason, & Petrotta, Brian. (2024, November). Major sporting events and gender and media in the U.S.: A focus on the world record for spectators in women's volleyball in 2023. International Lecture Series, Cooperation Project FISU Rhine-Ruhr 2025 World University Games/Macromedia University.
  • Shrader, John. (2024, November). Keynote: Dallas Cowboys and sports broadcasting in America. Broadcasting Education Association Latin American Conference, Quito, Ecuador.
  • Veil, Shari. (2024, November). Respondent for panel: Navigating corporate crises with integrity: Corporate social advocacy and ethical approaches in crisis communication. National Communication Association conference, New Orleans, LA.
  • Baldinelli, Sharon. (2024, November). Outside the water lines: How resource dependency impacts drought communication. Paper presented at the National Communication Association conference, New Orleans, LA.
  • Armstrong, Cory. (2024, November). Closing the communication loop: Perceptions about severe weather communication in the Gulf Coast among officials and the public. Paper presented at Bays & Bayous Symposium, Biloxi, Mississippi.
  • Kiambi, Dane. (2024, November). Communicating greater regard of Ubuntu: Public relations role in public participation mandate in Kenya. Paper presented at the National Communication Association conference, New Orleans, LA.
  • Park, Michael. (2024, November). Critical legal developments that have arisen with social media regulation and their implications for social media doctrine. Panel presentation at the National Communication Association conference, New Orleans, LA.
  • Hachtmann, Frauke. (2024, October). Canvas New Quizzes. Panel presentation at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Academic Technologies Learning Series, Lincoln, NE.
  • Wang, Bryan. (2024, August). Informational and experiential antecedents and trust outcome of dataveillance and data profiling perceptions. Paper presented at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Wagler, Adam. (2024, August). Exploring generative AI as part of the design and creative process. Paper presented at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Park, Michael. (2024, August). Balancing the First Amendment with national security in a new era of great-power competition. Paper presented at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Boling, Kelli. (2024, August). "Can you believe this was once a football school?": Social media fan discourse before, during, and after Nebraska's record-setting volleyball game. Paper presented at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Jones, Valerie. (2024, August). Keynote: Shaping the future of AI: Human-driven impact in a data-driven world. Thrive, Nelnet’s marketing conference, Lincoln, NE.
  • Armstrong, Cory, & Baldinelli, Sharon. (2024, August). Debated, deluged or disappeared: The flow of public discussion surrounding drought in FEMA Region 7. Paper presented at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference, Philadelphia, PA.
  • White, Linda. (2024, August). Response to Black and White female television anchors: Effects of audience race and expectation violations. Paper presented at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Hachtmann, Frauke. (2024, August). The impact of COVID-19 on DEI practices in the advertising industry: An introspection. Paper presented at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Walsh, Jessica. (2024, August). "That s**t is hard to get away from": The labor of working alone in rural journalism. Paper presented at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Walsh, Jessica, & Boling, Kelli. (2024, August). Tweeting about #Roe: Journalists’ media messages in the civil sphere during an emotional, political story. Paper presented at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Walsh, Jessica. (2024, August). ‘I’m not the environment reporter’: Climate change reporting perspectives among rural journalists. Paper presented at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Hachtmann, Frauke. (2024, July). Crisis response advertising: Key strategies for brand communicators. Presentation at the ON Brand Conference, Omaha, NE.
  • Walsh, Jessica. (2024, June). Collaboration in rural journalism: How rural journalists work together within the journalistic field. Paper presented at the International Communication Association Annual Conference, Broadbeach, Australia.
  • Walsh, Jessica. (2024, June). Distinguishing water information disparities: Framing and sourcing of water quality stories in rural and urban communities in Midwestern states. Paper presented at the International Communication Association Annual Conference, Broadbeach, Australia.
  • Jones, Valerie. (2024, June). Ageing with technology: Multiple interfaces for social connection. Panel presentation at the International Communication Association Annual Conference, Broadbeach, Australia.
  • Park, Michael. (2024, June). A marketplace (failure) of ideas: Disinformation campaigns, market-based coercion and an affirmative democratic theory of the First Amendment. Paper presented at the International Communication Association Annual Conference, Broadbeach, Australia.
  • Armstrong, Cory, & Baldinelli, Sharon. (2024, June). Expertise or experience: Comparing discussion of drought between audiences and agencies. Abstract presented at the American Meteorological Society’s Seventh Conference on Weather Warnings and Communication, Myrtle Beach, SC.
  • Yan, Changmin. (2024, May). Examining disparities in the association of obesity with sociodemographic factors along the rural-urban continuum. Paper presented at the 23rd Annual Meeting of the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Omaha, NE.
  • Waite, Matt. (2024, April). AI in the newsroom. Presentation at the Nebraska Press Association conference, Lincoln, NE.
  • Petrotta, Brian, & Reisbig, Madeleine. (2024, March). It's in the syllabus: What sport media instructors communicate to students. Paper presented at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Midwinter Conference, Norman, OK.
  • Hachtmann, Frauke, Shrader, John, & Stamm, Jason. (2024, March). Nebraska Volleyball Day. Presentation at the International Association on Communication in Sport Summit, Los Angeles, CA.

Research examines the good, bad and ugly of true crime media

Kelli Boling, assistant professor of advertising and public relations, published new research highlighting the impacts of true crime media on the family and friends of crime victims. Through in-depth interviews with 20 co-victims — all of whom experienced their loved ones’ stories told through true crime media — Boling and co-author Danielle Slakoff of California State University, Sacramento, found that co-victims often have to wrestle with a dichotomy between feeling an immense loss of privacy amid grief and wanting the media’s help to keep a criminal case in the public eye in the pursuit of justice. 

Read More

Kelli Boling is photographed in the podcast studio in Andersen Hall.

More CoJMC Achievements

Awards
  • Emmons, Betsy. (2025). Dean’s Pretty Awesome Award, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Eno, Alan. (2025). Service Award, 15 years, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Graves, Chris. (2025). Service Award, 5 years, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Griffin, Rick. (2025). 1st Place & Honorable Mention, daily & online newspapers: profile, Excellence in Journalism Awards.
  • Griffin, Rick. (2025). 2nd Place & 3rd Place, PR, PIO and trade publication: general writing for internal publication, Excellence in Journalism Awards.
  • Griffin, Rick. (2025). Honorable Mention, daily & online newspapers: light subject, Excellence in Journalism Awards.
  • Hubbard, Brian. (2025). Advisor of the Year, National Student Advertising Competition. American Advertising Federation, District 9
  • Klein, Leslie. (2025). 3rd Place, Law and Policy Division Top Faculty Paper Competition, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2025). Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondent's Story. Sigma Delta Chi TV Small Market Documentary Award. Society of Professional Journalists.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2025). Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondent's Story. 1st Place, Medium Market Television, documentary/special, Eric Sevareid Awards.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2025). Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondent's Story. Gold Award, Spotlight Documentary Awards.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2025). Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondent's Story. Best Historical War Film, Festival Napoléon on Champs-Élysées.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2025). Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondent's Story. Official Selection, Festival Napoléon on Champs-Élysées.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2025). Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondent's Story. Duty & Honor Award, Beaufort International Film Festival.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2025). Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondent's Story. Official Selection, Beaufort International Film Festival.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2025). Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondent's Story. Monthly Best Documentary Film Award, International Motion Picture Awards.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2025). Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondent's Story. IMPA Gala Awards Nomination, International Motion Picture Awards.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2025). Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondent's Story. Official Selection, Frozen River Film Festival, Minnesota.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2025). Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondent's Story. Official Selection, LA Film and Documentary Awards.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2025). Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondent's Story. Official Selection, New York Film and Cinematography Awards.
  • Shrader, John. (2025). JILLIAN MARTIN, University of Nebraska Bowler. 1st Place, Medium Market Radio, sports reporting, Eric Sevareid Awards.
  • Shrader, John. (2025). The Booming Market: Sports Reporters covering Sports Media. Award of Merit, Medium Market Radio, podcast, Eric Sevareid Awards.
  • Veil, Shari. (2025). Service Award, 5 years, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Walsh, Jessica. (2025). Excellence in Industry or Community Engagement Award, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Walsh, Jessica. (2025). Service Award, 5 years, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Yan, Changmin. (2025). Service Award, 10 years, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Becerra, Natalie. (2024). Servant Leadership Award. LAUNCH Leadership. 
  • Anderson, Kristian. (2024). January Not Too Shabby Award. Staff Council, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Becerra, Natalie. (2024). Young Emerging Leader Award. Lincoln Young Professionals Group.
  • Boling, Kelli. (2024). December Professor of the Month. Student Advisory Board, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Boling, Kelli. (2024). Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Early-Career Woman Scholar Award. The Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women in Communication at Florida International University and the AEJMC Commission on the Status of Women.
  • Doleman, Bill. (2024). December Professor of the Month. Student Advisory Board, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Franzen, Zac. (2024). March Not Too Shabby Award. Staff Council, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Hill, Shoun. (2024). November Professor of the Month. Student Advisory Board, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Kirkpatrick, Ciera. (2024). Top Poster Award. Kentucky Conference on Health Communications.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2024). Award of Merit. Eric Sevareid Awards, Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2024). Running Towards the Fire. Best Documentary, May-June Indian Independent Film Festival Competition.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2024). Running Towards the Fire. Grand Prize, TV Documentary Category, Marina del Rey Film Festival.
  • McCoy, Barney. (2024). Running Towards the Fire. Award of Excellence, Documentary Competition, On-Location Creative Works Competition, Broadcast Education Association. 
  • Richter, Kaci. (2024). First Place. Eric Sevareid Awards, Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association.
  • Richter, Kaci. (2024). March Not Too Shabby Award. Staff Council, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Shrader, John. (2024). Award of Excellence, Sports Radio, Broadcast Education Association.
  • Smith, Alisa, & Hamel, Haley. (2024). Not Too Shabby Award. Staff Council, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Walsh, Jessica, Graves, Chris, & McCoy, Barney. (2024). 'Oh Baby, When You Write Like That, You Make an Editor Go Mad': Using TikTok and Video Platforms to Increase AP Stylebook Efficacy and Build Community. First Place, Teaching News Terrifically, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.
  • Waite, Matt. (2024). Winner, Esports Tournament. College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Wagler, Adam. (2024). Not Too Shabby Award. Staff Council, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Wang, Ming (Bryan). (2024). Informational and Experiential Antecedents and Trust Outcome of Dataveillance and Data Profiling Perceptions. Second-Place, Open Research Paper, Advertising Division, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.
  • Wenz, Jill. (2024). January Not Too Shabby Award. Staff Council, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Waite, Matt. (2024). Nonprofit News Award, Exploratory Journalism. Institute for Nonprofit News. 
Appointments
  • Armstrong, Cory. (2025). Fellow, National Strategic Research Institute.
  • Armstrong, Cory. (2025). Fellow, NU Developing Excellence in Academic Leaders Program.
  • Emmons, Betsy. (2025). Chair, Public Relations Society of America Nebraska State Board.
  • Emmons, Betsy. (2025). Participant, NU 2 Foundation Research Program.
  • Emmons, Betsy. (2025). Selected Member, Institute for Public Relations' ELEVATE Program.
  • Graves, Chris. (2025). Member, Managing Editor Search Committee, Nebraska Public Media.
  • Graves, Chris. (2025). Member, Nebraska Writing Project Advisory Board.
  • Hachtmann, Frauke. (2025). Chair, Professorships Committee, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Hachtmann, Frauke. (2025). Gilbert & Martha Hitchcock Professor in Journalism, University of Nebraska.
  • Hachtmann, Frauke. (2025). Member, Intercollegiate Athletics Committee.
  • Hachtmann, Frauke. (2025). Participant, ANA Educational Foundation Visiting Professor Program.
  • Jones, Valerie. (2025). Member, U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Fulbright Specialist Roster.
  • Park, Michael. (2025). Member, Franklyn S. Haiman Award for Distinguished Scholarship in Freedom of Expression Selection Committee, National Communication Association.
  • Stamm, Jason. (2025). Managing Editor, BullInsider.
  • Wagler, Adam. (2025). Interim Dean, University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
  • Wagler, Adam. (2025). Accessibility Ambassador, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Digital Accessibility Collaborative.
  • Wang, Bryan. (2025). William H. Kearns Chair in Journalism, University of Nebraska.
  • Wenz, Jamie. (2025). Member, Lincoln Telecommunication/Cable Advisory Board.

Study shows importance of autonomy in social media recruitment for clinical trials

Clinical trials are a crucial step in medical research, and without adequate numbers of participants, treatments can be delayed or prevented from reaching the health care market. But recruiting participants for clinical trials is challenging for a variety of reasons — time constraints, hesitation about safety and lack of awareness are just a few. Social media, especially short-form videos, has emerged as a potent tool to expand knowledge of and recruitment to clinical trials, and new research from Assistant Professor of Advertising and Public Relations Ciera Kirkpatrick suggests there is a formula for impactful messaging that can reduce negative emotions and improve attitudes toward participation.

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Ciera Kirkpatrick, assistant professor of advertising and public relations, does much of her research on the impacts of social media.

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