As social media platforms continue to influence how people understand culture, politics and one another, a central question remains: What do people actually encounter online? Dr. Elliot Panek, an associate professor in the Department of Journalism and Creative Media, explores that question in his forthcoming book, “Phantom Publics: How We Perceive Social Reality Online,” set…
Dr. Yuan Li, an assistant professor at the School of Library and Information Studies, studies how people interact with information and digital technologies in everyday contexts. Her work looks at human-computer interaction, human-AI interaction and user experience design, with a focus on building systems that better support how people learn, create and make decisions. The…
Dr. Abdullah Salehuddin, assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies, centers his research on how communication and relationships shape the ways people navigate stress, both within families and in higher education. His work spans two primary areas: communal coping in close relationships and the structural and interpersonal barriers students face in academic settings. Together,…
Dr. Martina Topić-Rutherford, associate professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, examines how communication shapes leadership and cultural meaning. Drawing from behavioral sociology and media studies, her work explores how authority and belonging are not simply declared but are constructed through everyday interactions. The Construction of Credibility At the center of Topić-Rutherford’s research…
Studying How Everyday Communication Influences Workplace Experience and Decision-Making Dr. Jeonghyun Oh, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies, researches how communication, or lack of it, shapes organizational behavior, employee motivation and workplace engagement. Her work focuses on how everyday communication processes influence how people experience their jobs, interpret their roles, and decide whether…
Understanding Right-Wing Media: Examining the History and Influence of Conservative News In the modern information landscape, the influence of right-wing media is often discussed but rarely historically contextualized. Dr. A.J. Bauer, an assistant professor in the Department of Journalism and Creative Media, focuses his research on the origins and evolution of conservative news and its…
Strong leadership has never been more critical for the public relations profession, especially for students emerging in the industry. Located in Capital Hall at The University of Alabama, The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations is working to meet that need by connecting research, mentorship and professional development to prepare the next generation of…
