Class of 2020 Commencement events to be held Sept. 17-19

Syracuse University will host a Commencement ceremony—delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic—and other celebratory events for the Class of 2020 during the weekend of Sept. 17–19.  

Commencement will be held Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Stadium. This University-wide ceremony, where Syracuse University Chancellor and President Kent Syverud will formally confer degrees, is for all undergraduate, graduate and doctoral candidates. Doors open at 8 a.m.

Following Commencement, all 2020 Newhouse graduates and their families are invited to join Dean Mark J. Lodato and the faculty and staff for a celebratory reception. The event will include a dean’s welcome, recognition of participating graduates and an opportunity to reconnect with faculty. A precise time and location will be announced soon; stay tuned for details.

For more information about Commencement activities for the Class of 2020, see the event listing.

Master’s Alumni Profile: Syrine Bougatef G’24

Newhouse Master’s Program: Public Relations
Current Position: Senior Account Executive at Edelman

How did you land your current position and what positions did you hold before it? 

Edelman reached out regarding an account executive opportunity in June 2022, while I was an account coordinator at Allison Worldwide, and I have since been promoted to senior account executive. 

Before this position I had been an account executive at Edelman, an account coordinator at Allison Worldwide and a graphic designer for Hill Communications. 

What is an average day like for you on the job? 

My day starts with media monitoring. Then I will pivot to any outstanding deliverables which I complete in between internal meetings and client calls. My day ends with another round of media monitoring. I work in a very fast-paced sector of public relations (national and global healthcare policy) so no day looks the same and external factors will often intercept, but a variety of media monitoring, deliverables and meetings are always sprinkled throughout. 

How do you feel Newhouse prepared you for your current position? 

Completing Newhouse’s thesis track laid the foundation for the writer and strategic thinker that I am today. My thesis was by far the most challenging component of my time at Newhouse, but simultaneously the most rewarding, and forced me to be resilient—which is crucial in the public relations field. 

Did Newhouse open your eyes to new professions or aspects of your field you may have not considered when applying?  

Newhouse exposed me to communication law courses and graphic design courses, which I did not initially foresee being part of my graduate journey but were greatly appreciated. 

What are the moments of your career so far that have been the most important? 

Through my professional opportunities so far, I have had the chance to work in New York City and Washington, D.C.—two iconic cities that I likely would not have had the opportunity to live in if it was not for work and have shaped me into the person I am today, both personally and professionally. 

What unique features encouraged you to apply to your graduate program? 

The 13-month aspect of the program was a big selling point, as well as the variety in the curriculum and emphasis on community, both while completing the program and following graduation. Newhouse’s renowned reputation also made the program stand out among my other options.  

What are some of the obstacles and misconceptions that students should be aware of when it comes to your field?

The misconception that networking is the most important part of the Newhouse experience—developing tactical skills and becoming a well-rounded, motivated and mature professional is just as important, and will lay the foundation for success and growth in the professional world post-graduation.   

What advice do you have for current or incoming students? 

• You do not have much time at Newhouse, so make sure that you are spending it wisely and taking classes that align with the direction you’d like to take post-graduation.   

• If your program offers different tracks (i.e. internship vs thesis), pick the one that you are truly interested in and will bring you value, even if it is not the popular choice.   

• Do your research regarding post-graduation employment opportunities early and often—your degree can take you in many different directions and industries. 

Newhouse Impact: Read the Fall 2024 Impact Journal; Professor Publishes Public Relations Book

The Newhouse School has published the Fall 2024 issue of the Newhouse Impact Journal, an annual research publication that examines the most transformative aspects of the communications industry.

The journal, which can also be viewed online, explores the evolving landscape of contemporary storytelling through immersive experiences. Essays and commentaries were assembled from the contributions of speakers at the 2024 Newhouse Impact Summit.

Senior Associate Dean Regina Luttrell and Nick Bowman, an associate professor of communications, edited the latest issue, which also features work from Newhouse visual communications faculty Michael O. Snyder and Jason Webb.

The inaugural issue published in January 2024 focused on subjects related to the emerging realm of generative artificial intelligence.

Newhouse Professor Publishes Textbook

Anthony D’Angelo, a Newhouse public relations professor of practice, is the co-author of the recently published book “Public Relations Writing Worktext: A Practical Guide for the Profession.” This fourth edition textbook for students and early-career practitioners covers topics like content strategy design, media tools and the basic skills needed for professional public relations writing.

Newhouse Impact Podcast

A collaboration between WAER and the Newhouse School, the podcast provides another platform to share the research and creative work of students, faculty and staff across a range of topics in media and communications. Recent episodes include:

• “How an enhanced focus on journalism could reduce illegal doping in sports” Faculty guest: Brad Horn
• “How your online habits and information are really used in a data-privacy obsessed world” Faculty guest: Beth Egan
• “How concerned should you be about AI-generated content in media and communications?” Faculty guests: Jason Davis and RC Concepción.

---

Recent accolades, highlights and notes

Anthony D’Angelo talked to PR Daily about how corporate communications could change after the death of the UnitedHealthcare CEO.

Austin Kocher provided insight on Texas’ fragmented border wall to the Austin American-Statesman.

Roy Gutterman discussed Trump’s campaign against the media to stifle dissent.

The Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship launched the IDJC Visiting Fellows program.

Five faculty members and two doctoral students were awarded funding through Newhouse’s internal grants program.

Lessons Learned with Dennis Kinsey

Dennis Kinsey, a distinguished figure in the field of public relations, serves as both the director of the public diplomacy and global communications program and a professor of public relations at the Newhouse School.

Kinsey is from the small town of East Liverpool, Ohio, where he attended East Liverpool High School. During his early academic years he wasn’t interested in most subjects, but a special topic political science class in high school caught his attention.

“The class was quite different from the typical education I received in K-12. It was a political science course, which I don’t believe is commonly offered at that level,” Kinsey said.   

Little did he know this class would spark an entire career in political science.   

Kinsey earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in political science from Kent State University, followed by a Ph.D. in communication from Stanford University. Reflecting on his experiences, Kinsey noted that the most challenging part of his academic career was navigating Stanford’s rigorous doctoral program.   

“Fortunately, I had a great advisor who would not allow me to fail,” Kinsey recalled. “He kept on top of it, kept pushing me, helped correct things and pointed me in the right direction.”   

One of Kinsey’s proudest moments was publishing his first academic article as a master’s student. This early success solidified his passion for research and set the stage for a fulfilling academic career. The tough piece of advice he attributes to his successes? “Stop crying. Don’t be a baby.”   

Kinsey’s career path was influenced by a desire to share knowledge and inspire others. While working in political consulting, he found himself drawn to research but was frustrated by the limitations of proprietary work, he said. This led him to pursue a career in public relations and teaching, where he could freely share his findings with the broader public.   

His decision to eventually become an academic advisor was inspired by a mentor who possessed a unique ability to encourage and support high-achieving scholars, Kinsey recalled. He said he admired his mentor’s wisdom and guidance, recognizing the impact a mentor can have on a student’s academic journey.  

Kinsey often shares advice he’d learned over years of academic rigor with his students at Newhouse, emphasizing the importance of maintaining perspective, learning from failures and striving for continuous improvement.  

“Failing is not bad; failing shows progress,” he said.  

Kinsey also focuses on helping students defend their doctoral dissertations.  

“I don’t have the same pressure to maintain a research agenda, so I focus on helping doctoral students get started,” he said. “Often, it’s a Q-methodology study because they want to learn how to conduct one, and I have some experience with this method.” 

Kinsey has many interests outside of academia, including expressing himself creatively through music and art. He enjoys painting and sells his pieces on his website. A talented guitarist, he has been the head of Hondo Mesa Records since 2003. 

He also has a passion for storytelling, which benefits him in his career in public relations. He has a love for movies, especially anything with actor Denzel Washington, but has a tough time choosing a favorite. 

“I like movies a lot so I could list a zillion of them,” he joked.  

When it comes to television, Kinsey loves the show “Breaking Bad,” admiring the depth and complexity of the characters. His ability to appreciate diverse forms of art and storytelling is reflected in his successful career as a mentor. 

“The character development is awesome. When [Breaking Bad] started, I disliked this one character-Jessie-and I liked Walter, but as it moved along it flipped on me, and I changed,” he said.  

Kinsey’s journey from a small-town student to a renowned academic and mentor proves his passion for learning and his dedication to guiding others. Through constant support and creative outlets, he continues to inspire and shape the next generation of scholars at the Newhouse School. 

Finding Ways to Fuel Creativity Through the Newhouse Community

Newhouse is constantly buzzing with creative energy. Take one step inside, and you will see it: the students packed into Food.com booths collaborating on magazine projects, the breathtaking displays of photography and graphic design projects decorating the walls, students posted outside with larger-than-life cameras and mics to film a broadcast package. 

One of my favorite things about Newhouse is how many opportunities there are to fuel creativity among other Newhouse students, both through Newhouse programs and external endeavors. Not only do these opportunities create space for artistic expression, but they also equip you with unique experiences and provide engaging ways to learn about different industries.  

Participate in a film shoot

A recent experience I had that ignited my creative passion for the arts was acting in a film project for Audrey Weisburd, a fellow Newhouse student. Wesiburd’s final assignment for her TRF 451 class, Directing, entailed writing and directing a short film. After writing an experimental, dreamlike script, Weisburd formed a crew of students, both inside and outside of Newhouse.  

When I arrived on the film set, there were crew members for photography, sound design, production design, etc. Overall, it was a stellar experience! I had a lot of fun learning the script and becoming the character “Kate” for the short film, but I also gained a better understanding of the mechanics behind film sets and production. Additionally, it was rewarding to see all our hard work come together on screen a few weeks later when the short film premiered.  

Go to a local event and write about it

One way to mix groovy dancing with academic enhancing is to attend an event and write about it. The NewsHouse is a fabulous digital publication on campus that has an entire section dedicated to entertainment. Weekly entertainment at local venues like the Syracuse Landmark, the Westcott Theatre, and Funk’n Waffles offers a wealth of inspiration for writing. From covering an up-and-coming DJ’s show to reviewing a traveling Broadway production, these opportunities not only exercise your journalistic brain, but also deepen your connection to the local arts community. 

Ally Watkinson, a graduate student in the Goldring program, pitched an event coverage story about one of her favorite artists, Eliza McLamb, to The NewHouse after hearing that McLamb would be performing at The Song & Dance Theatre. Approved by NewsHouse producer, Watkinson got to interview McLamb and wrote an article covering the event.  

“It was really cool to bring to life something I envisioned and pitched,” Watkinson said.  

Join a magazine

Interested in putting multimedia storytelling into practice? Newhouse has loads of student-run magazines that cover different topics and involve many forms of media production. On-campus magazines can include teams of writers, graphic designers, photographers, social media coordinators and creative directors, inviting students to dabble in different creative fields and meet other students with likeminded interests.  

One example, Zipped magazine, is a Newhouse publication that focuses on fashion and beauty. Students involved in the magazine can engage in a broad spectrum of media, from photography to promotional social media content.  

---

Newhouse and Syracuse University’s campus as a whole provides so many opportunities for students to have dynamic experiences engaging in creative production. Additionally, these opportunities might just give us the experience we need to take into our professional careers after graduating!  

Supporting Our LA Community Impacted by Wildfires

Dear Members of the Newhouse and VPA Communities:  

As you know, our schools share a presence at the Syracuse University Dick Clark Los Angeles Program. Just last week, as the devastating fires broke out, several of our students arrived on the West Coast to begin their spring semester away. Since then, leaders from across our campus have been working to support our students, faculty and staff on the ground in Los Angeles.  

Colleagues from Academic Affairs, Emergency Management and University Communications have been in constant contact with the Los Angeles staff. This includes meeting regularly to assess conditions, review evacuation warnings and orders, and make plans to evacuate and relocate should those actions become necessary. We’ve also been regularly communicating with our students and their families, as well as faculty and staff at SULA, to ensure they have the most up-to-date information. 

As our students return for the start of the spring semester here on campus, we are cognizant that many are from Los Angeles and/or have families or loved ones who have lost homes, evacuated or remain in harm’s way. The University has been in touch with these students to provide available resources and services. The Office of Student Outreach and Support has a team that coordinates services such as counseling at the Barnes Center, financial aid, and parent and family services. We will continue to assess daily conditions and connect with Los Angeles area students to provide additional support as necessary. Understandably, this is a very difficult time for them and their families. 

Finally, many of you have also asked what you can do to support our students, faculty, staff and alumni affected by the disaster. For now, we ask that you please keep our community members from Los Angeles in your thoughts. We will share additional updates as pertinent. 

The crisis in southern California continues to weigh heavily on all our minds. Our hearts go out to our Orange community members impacted. We echo Chancellor Syverud’s sentiments this week and express our deep gratitude for the exhaustive efforts of VPA and Newhouse faculty and staff in Los Angeles. They have begun instruction and are working around the clock to support our students and each other despite very difficult personal challenges.  

Sincerely,  

Dean Mark J. Lodato 
S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications 

Dean Michael S. Tick 
College of Visual and Performing Arts

Student Spotlight: Surya Vaidy

Surya Vaidy remembers watching “Tom and Jerry” cartoons at age 10 and appreciating the quirky typography and title screens. He didn’t realize it then, but those eye-catching visuals from the animated classic inspired Vaidy’s passion for multimedia and design. 

That drive led him to Syracuse University, where he graduated in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in geography from the College of Arts and Sciences and a minor in photo, video and design. But Vaidy felt like he still had more to learn after completing that minor, and decided to return to the Newhouse School to further explore his creative side and pursue a master’s degree in multimedia, photography and design (MPD). 

He pursued graduate school with the help of a Forever Orange Scholarship, which provides half of the tuition for Syracuse University students the fall after graduating with their bachelor’s degree.  

Studying at Newhouse allowed Vaidy to view photography as more than just a hobby. The opportunity to complete a master’s in multimedia, photography and design felt like a “sign from the universe,” he said. 

In 2023, Vaidy won a Gold Award in the Interpretive Eye category in the international College Photographer of the Year competition. This past September, six of Vaidy’s photos were selected to be shown at the Pingyao International Photography Festival in China.  

Vaidy credits visual communications faculty members Greg Heisler, Paula Nelson, Bruce Strong, Renée Stevens, Milton Santiago, Ken Harper, Seth Gitner, MaryAnne Golon and RC Concepción for guiding him at Newhouse.  

“Being taught by people who have done the things that I want to do has been invaluable,” Vaidy said. “Through them, I have received access to people who have a name, place and legacy the industry.” 

Vaidy, though, isn’t quite sure what he’s going to do next, because he was exposed to so many ideas and potential career paths during his time in the master’s program. 

He said it was nerve-wracking to admit to himself that there were career options other than photography, but his professors and classes introduced him to new topics, and he learned to fall in love with the technical aspects, artistic components and the human connection of visual communications.  

“There are these revelations you have once you start doing at a higher level what you thought you wanted to do in the field, and what you are introduced to at school. And you kind of balance, and you start figuring [out] … where do my new loves align,” Vaidy said.  

“And for me, I think photography for a publication, magazine or newspaper, would be a lovely start,” he added. “But I also think I would like to be behind the desk, behind the scenes, working as an editor, coordinating with people.”  

One of Vaidy’s most memorable experiences at Newhouse was covering the Empire State Winter Games in February 2024. He was never interested in sports photography before that assignment in Lake Placid; he left knowing that he could cover sports, too.  

Vaidy ended his classes in December, and hopes to defend this thesis and graduate in May 2025. He said his only regret is that he didn’t ask more questions earlier during his time as a Newhouse master’s student. 

“To have people who challenge you, not in a destructive way, but in a constructive way—that changes you for the better,” Vaidy said. “That that gives you a platform to boost off” your career.

IDJC Launches Fellows Program for Thought Leaders in Journalism and Public Affairs

The Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship (IDJC) has launched the IDJC Visiting Fellows program, giving experts in the fields of journalism, politics and public affairs an opportunity to deeply explore topics of interest with the support of an academic environment.

The inaugural class of IDJC fellows for the Spring 2025 semester includes investigative reporter and producer Josh Fine and former U.S. Public Delegate to the United Nations Andrew Weinstein.

“We are thrilled to announce this new program and to have Josh Fine and Andrew Weinstein as our inaugural fellows,” says Margaret Talev, Kramer Director of the IDJC and professor of practice of magazine, news and digital journalism in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. “This fellows program is designed to give thought leaders in the fields of journalism and public affairs an opportunity to delve more deeply into subjects that matter to all of us.”

The program provides workspace for fellows at IDJC headquarters in Washington, D.C., as well as access to University scholars and resources, and a stipend for their travel and projects. The fellows will convene events or pursue projects while developing nonpartisan thought leadership in issue areas that align with the IDJC’s mission to explore the challenges to—and connections between—democratic governance and journalism.

Fine, whose award-winning sports journalism has examined the International Olympic Committee, FIFA and the NFL, plans to use his time as a fellow to explore better ways to fund investigative sports journalism, with a focus on the challenges that go beyond the scoreboard and directly impact communities, including the public financing of stadiums, the health impact of certain high school programs and the profit behind youth sports.

“I’m delighted to be one of IDJC’s inaugural fellows,” says Fine. “As the journalism industry changes, it’s critical that accountability-based sports journalism endures. I’m grateful to have the support of Syracuse University to explore new ways to sustain this crucial work.”

Weinstein, who in addition to his role as public delegate, previously served on the board of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and as a member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities during the Obama administration, will work to develop nonpartisan public dialogues and workshops aimed at addressing the rise in antisemitism, religion-based hatred and intolerance, and bridging divides between the American Jewish and Palestinian communities.

“I look forward to expanding on my work at the United Nations and am proud to do so in affiliation with such a prestigious academic institution. It’s an honor to help launch the Visiting Fellows program at the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship,” says Weinstein.

The launch of the IDJC Visiting Fellows program is made possible by a gift from Gary Greenberg ’72. For information on how to support or engage with the visiting fellows program, please email democracy@syr.edu.

Master’s Alumni Profile: Tommy Hogan G’22

Newhouse Master’s Program: Television, Radio and Film
Current Position: Sports Producer at the New York Post

How did you land your current position? 

I started as a production assistant (PA) at the New York Post in 2022 and now I’m a producer. I found the PA job on LinkedIn and continued to email my now boss, Warren Cohen, about my strong interest in the position before and throughout the interview process. Before working at the Post, I was a producer and co-host on ESPN Radio Syracuse.  

What is an average day like for you on the job? 

I work the night shift, so I go into the office at 4 p.m. on weekdays and start the day by talking with my day shift co-workers about their workday and whatever is going on in the sports world. Then, I get settled in and have a conversation with the night shift producer and associate producer about our plan for the night. I see which local teams spoke to the media that day and if there’s a story that would benefit with an interview by a New York Post writer. After that, I scour the internet for videos in the sports world from that day and work with our digital host to start producing and editing YouTube shorts. 

How do you feel Newhouse prepared you for your current position? 

Newhouse gave me a sense for what the daily production conversations would feel and sound like. I now have the confidence to interject when I have an opinion about something we are working on. A big part of my job has become editing YouTube shorts, and I was introduced to editing on Adobe Premiere at Newhouse—a program I now use at work.  

Did Newhouse open your eyes to new professions or aspects of your field you may have not considered when applying?  

I never was exposed or interested in video editing before Newhouse, now it is my favorite part of my job at the New York Post. I also never knew I was interested in live TV production before Newhouse. Multi-Camera TV Production was my favorite class while at Newhouse. All the different aspects that go into creating live TV and the teamwork that needed to go into it for it to be quality content blew me away.   

What are the moments of your career so far that have been the most important? 

NFL and NBA Draft nights are always the most fun because of the anticipation…and New York teams are usually picking pretty high.  

What unique features encouraged you to apply to your graduate program? 

Working in radio at the time made the television, radio and film program very attractive. I gained an interest in radio while getting my undergraduate degree at Syracuse University but knowing that radio was a dying medium, I hoped to learn more about its transition into the digital world.  

Did you take advantage of the Newhouse Career Development Center?

The Newhouse Career Development Center aided me tremendously in improving my resume to make it more professional when I was applying for jobs. 

What are some of the obstacles and misconceptions that students should be aware of when it comes to your field?

Working in sports means you must always be ready for news to break, especially in New York where there are many teams, and all the fan bases are extremely passionate.  

What advice do you have for current or incoming students? 

Try your best to make connections with people in your industry because that will always be helpful down the road. Multi-Camera TV Production is my favorite class I have ever taken, graduate or undergraduate. It is great exposure to how live television works and forces you to build relationships with classmates.  

Newhouse Faculty, Doctoral Students Awarded Internal Funding for Research Projects

Five faculty members and two doctoral students are the recipients of funding through the Newhouse School’s internal grants program. The program, administered by the Office of Research and Creative Activity under the leadership of Senior Associate Dean Regina Luttrell, establishes a foundation for a dynamic research and creative culture. It not only creates a vibrant learning environment for students and faculty, but also contributes to advancements in media and communication fields with broader impacts.

By prioritizing a direct and impactful approach, the program emphasizes Newhouse’s commitment to cultivating a robust culture in innovation and advancing knowledge across the public communications landscape.

The recipients:

Lauren Bavis, faculty fellow, magazine, news and digital journalism
Erika Schneider, assistant professor, public relations

Title: Both Sides of the Podium: A Media Briefing Workshop for PR and Journalism Students

Erika Schneider and Lauren Bavis will develop a workshop to facilitate students’ skills in hosting and participating in media briefings, an essential part of the public relations and journalism professions. The workshop will involve conversations with experienced media professionals and a hands-on learning workshop in which public relations students serve as mock executives during crisis scenarios and journalism students serve as breaking news reporters covering the crisis for broadcast and text platforms. This workshop will demonstrate the intersection of PR and journalism and how these events serve as an example of collaboration and relationship building.

Arien Rozelle, assistant teaching professor, public relations

Title: Communicate, Agitate, Motivate: The Role of PR in the Fight for Women’s Rights

Through proposed strategic partnerships with the National Susan B. Anthony House and Museum (Rochester, NY), the Matilda Joslyn Gage Center (Fayetteville, NY) and the Women’s Rights Hall of Fame (Seneca Falls, NY), this project will present a dynamic series of seven lectures across Central and Western New York. This lecture tour, accompanied by a traveling exhibit exploring the critical role of public relations and media in the women’s suffrage movement, will visit our proposed partner sites, who are pivotal locations on the New York Women’s Heritage Trail, as well as colleges/universities in four cities that served as locations for a New York State Women’s Suffrage Association (NYSWSA) convention: Geneva, Utica, Syracuse, Ithaca. Through a combination of lectures in historic suffrage locations, a traveling exhibit of PR and media artifacts, and a curated website with digitized artifacts and a teaching toolkit, this project aims to inspire activism and raise awareness of the historic struggle for women’s suffrage in upstate New York and the vital role of communication throughout the movement.

David Peters, doctoral candidate, mass communications

Title: Virtually Present in the Vastness: VR’s Pathway to Awe and Appreciation 

Virtual reality (VR) offers unique opportunities to evoke profound emotional responses by immersing individuals in experiences that transcend everyday reality. This study investigates how spatial presence and perceived vastness in VR environments contribute to the elicitation of awe and enhance media appreciation. Understanding these responses is critical as VR increasingly shapes the way media is experienced, from education to entertainment and beyond. Participants will engage with custom-built virtual reality environments while playing a game that positions them as nature photographers. This immersive experience is designed to examine how VR can create meaningful media interactions and foster emotional engagement. This research aims to provide valuable insights for VR designers and media creators, offering strategies to craft more impactful and emotionally resonant VR experiences. This work underscores VR’s potential as a transformative medium for storytelling, education and entertainment.

Bruce Strong, associate professor, visual communications

Title: Call to Me, Balkans: Impressions of a Place and its People

“Call to Me, Balkans” is a curated photographic exhibit that captures the rich, diverse and interconnected cultures of the Balkans, specifically Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia and Slovenia. This collection of monochromatic images, taken during a four-month journey, reflects Bruce Strong’s exploration of a more intimate documentary style, utilizing only a smartphone to push creative boundaries and test the limits of accessible technology.

The “Call to Me, Balkans” exhibit celebrates the resilience, diversity and beauty of a region heavily impacted by the conflicts of the 1990s following the dissolution of Yugoslavia. By showcasing these photographic impressions in Central New York, especially in Utica where there is a large Bosnian community, we aim to foster dialogue between immigrant communities and the broader population. This project has already received international acclaim, with work from the exhibit awarded by the Sarajevo Photography Festival and featured in China as a solo exhibition at the Pingyao Photo Festival in September 2024. Bringing “Call to Me, Balkans” to New York will help strengthen cultural connections between the Balkan community and the local area, furthering the university’s mission of global diversity and inclusion.

Jason Webb, assistant professor, visual communications

Title: Non-Verbal Communication in VR

This pilot research project is designed to qualitatively evaluate participants’ emotions and interactions in social virtual reality spaces when face, body and eye tracking are used. This project aims to increase presence in VR by assessing how participants communicate nonverbally in VR and whether the uncanny valley causes uneasiness in the avatar’s motion during social VR interactions. 

Bixuan Ren, doctoral student, mass communications

Title: Exploring Stakeholder-Based AI Ethics Strategies for PR professionals

With the widespread adoption of AI by PR professionals and the availability of numerous AI tools, it is essential to identify the stakeholders emerging alongside these technologies, including both formal and informal AI regulators. Grounded in principles of fairness, transparency and responsibility, this research examines the ethical implications of AI in shaping relationships with diverse stakeholders. Using semi-structured interviews, the study seeks to offer practical guidelines and theoretical insights to promote the responsible use of AI in public relations.

My Syracuse University Story: Sean Branagan ’80 and A Passion for Helping Student Entrepreneurs at the Newhouse School 

Sean Branagan ’80 describes himself as a serial entrepreneur, interactive marketer and “evangelist” for innovation and startups. Before joining the Newhouse School, he spent his career in media and technology—fields in which he is still active.  

Now, Branagan serves as the director of the Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship at Newhouse and teaches courses in media entrepreneurship and innovation.  

“Entrepreneurial spirit—it’s about fearlessness about doing the work,” he said. “If you really want this and you’re passionate about it—let’s go!”  

Learn more about why Branagan is so eager to help students at his alma mater reach their entrepreneurial goals by watching his My Syracuse University Story video.