Cynical Social Media Voices Can Erode Trust in News Media
Research finds that media trust is heavily influenced by the views of others – and, in the online world, negative voices are more influential.
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ITI Students Help Launch New COVID-19 Detection App: HLTH I.D
Two Information Technology and Informatics students and one ITI alumnus are helping to bring an innovative COVID-19 detection app, with an underlying operating system designed to maintain both the user’s privacy and data ownership, to market.
Jonathan Potter to Step Down as Dean of the School of Communication and Information
Dean Jonathan Potter has announced his decision to step down from his administrative role and duties as Dean of the School of Communication and Information (SC&I), effective June 30, 2022, to focus on his scholarship and research as Distinguished Professor.
Master of Communication and Media Student Sarah Wilson Succeeds Both as Student and EMT
Master of Communication and Media student Sarah Wilson describes how the knowledge she has gained through the master’s program is helping her achieve her goals as a student, full-time Emergency Medical Technician, and volunteer.
SC&I Alums Make Virtual Trip Back to Campus
Three SC&I graduates came back to campus – virtually – to give insights to students about job searches and the workplace, in an online panel discussion conducted by the MCM/MHCI Graduate Student Association (GSA).
Six New Faculty Members Welcomed at the Annual Fall Colloquium
New faculty members Tawfiq Ammari, Shawnika Hull, Yonaira Rivera, Megan Threats, Maria Venetis, and DaJung (DJ) Woo were welcomed by SC&I and introduced their research interests to the SC&I community in a virtual school event.
"Ever Wonder Why Brits Sound So Smart? Right!"
According to a new Rutgers study, British and American English speakers use the word “right” differently in everyday conversation. Understanding this difference can lead to a deeper understanding of both language and culture.
#BeCOMM Talk Show to Celebrate the Communication Major
Held on October 24 at The Yard on College Avenue, the event will feature interviews with SC&I Communication current students and alums including a News Anchor, a Broadway actress, a National Morning Show radio host, a TikTok influencer, and other special guests.
18 SC&I Students Named 2022-23 Big Ten Distinguished Scholars
To qualify, student-athletes are required to have earned a minimum GPA of 3.70 or better during the previous academic year, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher during their entire academic career.
2019 Public Speaking Contest Attracts Largest Group of Participants Since 2013
The seventh annual SC&I Public Speaking Competition was held on April 12th and involved 48 participants, the highest number of participants in the event’s history.
2024 #BeCOMM Talk Show to Celebrate the SC&I Communication Major
Held on October 23 at The Yard on College Avenue, the event will feature interviews with Communication major alums including an agency CEO, television advertising executive, social media influencer marketers, beauty industry marketing executive, sports business executives, singer/songwriter, music agent assistant, TikTok Influencer; SC&I current students; and other special guests.
![“The comprehensive nature of my coursework [at SC&I] has not only expanded my interests but also enriched my skill set, positioning me as a strong candidate for a wide array of roles,” Serido said.](/sites/default/files/styles/news_teaser_386px/public/2023-07/Alison-Serido-Plump-Cosmetics%20%20copy.jpg?h=6fd8b5ff&itok=kwvKLo6V "“The comprehensive nature of my coursework [at SC&I] has not only expanded my interests but also enriched my skill set, positioning me as a strong candidate for a wide array of roles,” Serido said.")
A Conversation with Allison Serido JMS’24: Digital Marketing Intern at Plump Cosmetics
“The comprehensive nature of my coursework [at SC&I] has not only expanded my interests but also enriched my skill set, positioning me as a strong candidate for a wide array of roles,” Serido said.
A Conversation with Assistant Professor Megan Threats
Assistant Professor Megan Threats, a new member of the Library and Information Science faculty, leverages informatics to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities in sexual and gender minority communities of color.
A Conversation with Assistant Professor Yonaira Rivera
Assistant Professor of Communication Yonaira Rivera tells SC&I about her research exploring ways social media can be used to improve community health, her community-based participatory research, and her plans for teaching this fall.
A Conversation with Associate Professor Maria Venetis '10
Alumna Maria Venetis Ph.D. ’10 has returned to SC&I this fall as an Associate Professor of Communication. Her research explores resilience-promoting communication within romantic relationships, supportive communication patterns in managing cancer, and provider-patient interactions.
A Conversation with DaJung (DJ) Woo
Assistant Professor of Communication DaJung (DJ) Woo, who joined the SC&I faculty last month, researches how communication enables collaboration and membership negotiation within and/or between organizations.
A Conversation with Dean Jonathan Potter: On the Importance of Collective Leadership, Brilliant Research, and Creating a Collegial Environment at SC&I
As Jonathan Potter prepares to transition from dean of the School of Communication and Information to a faculty position on June 30, 2022, SC&I spoke with him about his thoughts on leadership, the qualities he believes are required to create a creative and thriving environment at SC&I, the lessons he learned steering the school through the COVID-19 pandemic, and what he likes the most about New Jersey.
A Day in the Life During COVID-19: Lauren Giselle Musni
A SC&I junior explains what a typical day is like for her as a remote student during COVID-19
A New Definition for Diverse Books
In two recent papers, SC&I faculty member E.E. Lawrence explores the reasons it is critical to develop a new definition for diverse books, offers a new definition, and explains why books defined as diverse must “advance informational justice for oppressed persons in particular.”
A New Study Explores Use of Virtual Reality in Climate Change Reporting and Storytelling
The findings in a new study by Ph.D. student Shravan Regret Iyer MCM’18 show that immersive media productions need to take a multidisciplinary approach to climate change communication to more effectively increase the audience’s interest in science and motivate them to take action to mitigate global climate change.
A New Thriller Portrays Real-Life Politics and Media in 1990s San Francisco
SC&I Part-Time Lecturer Joe Strupp’s new book explores the press and political battles of 1990s San Francisco.
A Prescription for U.S. Institutions of Higher Education Recovering from COVID-19
The newly published “Excellence in Higher Education-Renewal (EHE-R) Framework,” specifically designed to assist U.S. colleges and universities recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, was written by Distinguished Professor of Communication Brent Ruben with input from colleagues from Rutgers.
A Solution for Moderating Junk Senders on WhatsApp Public Groups
Assistant Professor Kiran Garimella and his co-authors have developed new techniques to enable administrators of WhatsApp public groups to monitor junk senders without violating the privacy policies WhatsApp has established for their users.
A Standardized Term is Needed to Describe and Advance Work on Invalidation of Patient Symptoms, a New Study Finds
In a recently published paper, SC&I Ph.D. candidate Allyson Bontempo shows why scholars need to develop and use a standardized term when referring to “the invalidation of patient concerns by healthcare providers,” to both advance the collective scholarly literature and find solutions.
A Strategic Nature Wins the 2023 Roderick P. Hart Outstanding Book Award from the NCA Political Communication Division
By SC&I Professor of Journalism and Media Studies, Melissa Aronczyk, and Maria I. Espinoza, the book critically examines public relations as a social and political force that shapes both our understanding of the environmental crises we now face and our responses to them.
AAAI ICWSM Names Kiran Garimella Winner of the 2024 Adamic-Glance Distinguished Young Researcher Award
This prestigious award, given to only one researcher in the ICWSM community, is presented annually “to a young researcher who has distinguished themself through innovative research in the area of computational social science in the early stage of their independent research career.”
AAUP Names Deepa Kumar Recipient of the 2020 Marilyn Sternberg Award
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has awarded Kumar for her “vision, courage, and role in developing and leading a contract campaign that that culminated in a strike vote and a groundbreaking contract for Rutgers faculty.”
Academic Library Reference Services Played Vital Information-Sharing Role During COVID-19
Research by Professor Marie Radford and SC&I Ph.D. students Laura Costello and Kaitlin Montague examines the ways academic libraries provided critical virtual reference services and support during the pandemic, adapting quickly to the fully online environment.
Advanced Creative Operations and Digital Asset Management (DAM) Certificate Program’s Graduates Celebrated in Los Angeles
More than 40 attendees—including certificate graduates, CPS instructors, and corporate partners—joined Julie Johnson, Ed.D., Director of Continuing and Professional Studies, in Los Angeles for a dynamic gathering of professionals from across the country within the Creative Operations and Digital Asset Management communities.
After 35 Years at SC&I and a World-Renowned Career, Nicholas Belkin Transitions to Distinguished Professor Emeritus
Nicholas Belkin, an internationally known scholar of human-centered information retrieval, is transitioning to distinguished professor emeritus at Rutgers, and will continue his cutting-edge work at Microsoft Research in Redmond, Washington.
Aiming to Pursue a Career in Production and Leadership, Daniela Vega MCM ’24, JMS ’23 Joins NBC
“Believe in yourself and never give up. It took me a long time to get to where I am, and I have no intention of settling. I have a plan and am looking forward to seeing where my ambition will take me,” said Daniela Vega MCM ‘24, JMS ’23.
ALISE Honors Dissertation Exploring Vernacular Museums in Romania
Cheryl Klimaszewski, Ph.D ’20 was awarded second place in the Jean Tague Sutcliffe Doctoral Student Research Poster Competition at ALISE for her dissertation research that combined aspects of autoethnography and visual data combined with textual and visual analysis to understand these homegrown, grassroots Romanian museums.
Alumna Jinkyung Katie Park Ph.D. ‘22 Named Runner Up of the 2024 iSchools Doctoral Dissertation Award
Park said the aim of her dissertation work was to find ways to reduce online incivility while maintaining the anonymity of online platforms to promote robust exercise in free speech.
Alumna Nicole Cooke Named Recipient of 2021 Social Justice Award
Cooke, a three-time SC&I alumna, is the Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and an
Associate Professor at UofSC. The award, UofSC wrote, was “created to recognize individuals who have exemplified the philosophies of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through random or ongoing acts of community service, social justice or racial reconciliation.”
Alumna Translates Children’s Book “The Meteorologist in Me” into Spanish
SC&I alumna Violeta Yas '07 translated the book “La Meteorologa En Mi” which focuses on a little girl’s dream of becoming a meteorologist.
Alumna’s New Book Aims to Inspire and Teach Women to Love Themselves
In her first book, “Strong, Calm, Confident You,” alumna Kelsey Buckholtz MCM ’14 shows women of all ages how to “learn to love themselves again and start living a more authentic, happy life.”
Alumnus Doug Baldwin Named New Jersey Library Association’s Librarian of the Year
Doug Baldwin ’99, MLIS ‘07 was nominated for this prestigious annual award by his colleagues at the Piscataway Public Library, LibraryLinkNJ, Maplewood Memorial Library, and the Gloucester County Library System.
Alumnus Fred Gitner Awarded ALA’s I Love My Librarian Award for Outstanding Public Service
Gitner M.L.S.’75 a 2024 recipient of the I Love My Librarian Award. Gitner is Assistant Director of New Initiatives and Partnership Liaison, New Americans Program at Queens Public Library in Jamaica, New York.
Amy Jordan Named New Chair of the Journalism and Media Studies Department
Jordan will begin her tenure as the new chair on July 1, 2020. Jordan studies the role of media in the lives of children and families.
Amy Jordan Promoted to Distinguished Professor of Journalism and Media Studies
Jordan’s studies have examined the impact of public policy mandates on the landscape of children’s television, the use of public television materials in low-income, preschool classrooms, the effect of exposure to sexual media content on adolescent sexual risk taking, and the impact of media campaigns on parent’s and children’s sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.
An Exceptional Quintet of Rutgers Alumni
Five outstanding Rutgers University graduates were inducted into the university’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni on Thursday night.
Annual Public Speaking Contest to Take Place in Late April
Rutgers University-New Brunswick students will participate in SC&I’s annual public speaking competition later this month. This year’s contest theme is “Find Your Voice.”
Annual Spring Scholarship Incubator Explores Engaged Scholarship at SC&I
The fourth annual spring Scholarship Incubator, held virtually this year, explored engaged scholarship at Rutgers, including its definition and purpose, and steps SC&I should take to further explore what engaged work means within and for the school.
Anti-Muslim Racism Began Centuries Before 9/11, According to Newly Revised Book
In a newly revised edition of her book, “Islamophobia: The Politics of Empire: Twenty Years after 9/11,” Professor Deepa Kumar explains how Islamophobia began in the 1500s in Europe and has never abated.
Applying JMS Lessons in the Real World: Coverage of Protest in Newark by Rising Sophomore Published
Daniel Han’s article and photographs of an event held in Newark, N.J. to protest the murder of George Floyd and other Black Americans at the hands of police officers was published by TAP Into Westfield.
Are Cinematic VR Filmmakers Utilizing Virtual Reality’s Full Potential?
A new study by Professor John Pavlik finds Cinematic VR storytellers are not fully utilizing virtual reality, and, Pavlik said, “unless they fully utilize its affordances, the impact of cinematic VR will fall short of its potential.”
Are You Ready for Some (Faster-Paced) Baseball?
Major League Baseball needed to transform and innovate its product to effectively engage today's consumers and potential fans, says marketing expert Mark Beal.
Aronson Publishes New Book: “Poisoned Water: How the Citizens of Flint, Michigan, Fought for Their Lives and Warned the Nation”
In this new book published by Bloomfield children’s books, Aronson and his co-author, an award-winning investigative journalist, tell the story of the suffering and struggle the residents of Flint, Michigan endured while fighting to save their water supply and their health.
As an Intern for the New York Knicks, David Williamson ‘22 Excels in Sports PR
Williamson, a communication major, credits his classes with Teaching Professor Mark Beal and other SC&I faculty for his success while interning with the New York Knicks public relations team.
ASIS&T Names Alumna Diane Sonnenwald the 2020 Recipient of its Highest Honor
The Association for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T) has named Diane Sonnenwald, Ph.D.'93 the 2020 recipient of the ASIS&T Award of Merit, the highest honor presented by the Association. The award’s purpose is to recognize an individual who has made particularly noteworthy and sustained contributions to the information science field.
Aspiring Broadcaster Finds His Voice on Rutgers Radio and SiriusXM
Eddie Kalegi, a senior majoring in journalism and media studies, has broadened his experiences in sports media by hosting podcasts, announcing college games and interning for a satellite radio company.
Assistant Dean for IT Jon Oliver to Step Down as Rutgers University Senate Chair
After three years of service to the Rutgers University Senate as chair, Oliver is stepping down. “I have loved and cherished every year I have been on the senate and my various roles within it. The senate consists of a dynamic, vibrant, passionate group of educators, students, administrators, and researchers who all care very deeply about the university,” he said.
Assistant Professor J. Sophia Fu Wins Prestigious Gerald R. Miller Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award from the National Communication Association
The NCA will present Fu with the award on November 16 at the NCA 105th Annual Convention in Baltimore.
Associate Dean for Research Mark Aakhus Appointed Senior Provost Leadership Research Fellow at Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Aakhus’ appointment recognizes his major contributions to Rutgers University-New Brunswick’s research task forces. Aakhus is in expert on communication, argumentation, and design in digital society.
Associate Professor of Communication Kristina M. Scharp Earns A Top Paper and Distinguished Article Award From the NCA
The NCA’s Family Communication Division awarded Scharp and her colleagues a top paper award and the Interpersonal Communication Division awarded her a distinguished article award in 2023. In addition, two of her doctoral advisees have also been named recipients of Top Student Paper awards.
At FIRST @ Goldman Sachs, Lara Lemkin COM’23 Excels in Creating Solutions
“I focus on kindness and communication to build positive relationships,” Lemkin said.
Award-Winning Paper Provides Interventions to Address Dis- and Misinformation in the Classroom
SC&I faculty members Britt Paris, Rebecca Reynolds, and Gina Marcello Ph.D.’08, MCM’95, COM’93 have developed a new cutting-edge curriculum for teaching about dis- and misinformation and developing cultural literacy among Rutgers undergraduates.
Becca Fishman COM’25 Takes on Leadership Role as ScarletPR President
Fishman explains why she chose to get involved in Scarlet PR, why she’s pursing an Master of Communication and Media degree at SC&I, and what she plans to do when she enters the public relations field.
Benjiman Argen COM’24 Elected SC&I Graduation’s Class Speaker
Meet Benjiman Argen, one of the 1,103 Rutgers students who will graduate with a SC&I degree in 2024. As an undergraduate, Argen served as president of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter based at SC&I, and he held internships at Violet PR, Coyne PR, and the Office of Governor Phil Murphy.
Blain Bradley Joins SC&I as Assistant Dean for Development
An experienced higher education fundraiser, Bradley most recently worked in development for Seton Hall and Fordham Universities.
Books as Bridges: How Books for Children and Teenagers Can Speak Across Borders of Language, Nation, and Culture
Silent books are picture books for children that do not include words, so no language barriers impede understanding. During the month of May 2019 The Alexander Library will host the most recent collection of silent books. SC&I’s professor Marc Aronson will speak at the launch of the month-long event on May 2, 2019.
Brent Ruben and Granddaughter Co-Author a New Communication Primer for Children and Adults
Designed to encourage reflection, critical thinking, and the development of communication competencies at an early age, Ruben said the book provides a “primer” for elementary and middle-school children.
Brent Ruben and Ralph Gigliotti ’17 coauthor new book, “Leadership, Communication and Social Influence: A Theory of Resonance, Activation, and Cultivation”
In an age of heightened and polarized ideologies and viewpoints from the workplace to national politics, Ruben and Gigliotti encourage readers to engage in critical self-reflection about the dynamics of social influence in our personal and professional lives, and the responsibility we each bear as agents of social influence.
Brent Ruben Delivers Keynote at the Rutgers University Faculty Service Awards Luncheon
Representing Rutgers University faculty celebrating career milestones, Distinguished Professor of Communication Brent Ruben spoke at an event held May 4 at President Jonathan Holloway’s house in Piscataway.
Brent Ruben Publishes Whitepaper to Guide Colleges and Universities as they Adapt to COVID-19
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, how can colleges and universities best determine how to adapt their purpose, priorities, and resources? Distinguished Professor Brent Ruben has published a whitepaper to provide guidance to institutions of higher education as they navigate these challenging decisions.
Building Trust Between Healthcare Providers and Patients During and Beyond COVID-19
Associate Professor Lisa Mikesell, an expert on patient-provider communication and relationships, presented her expertise in a training webinar created by The Rutgers Global Tuberculosis Institute that was used by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Business Leader James Tuchi Pledges $8 Million for Innovative Rutgers Programs
Grateful for care received from Rutgers doctors, the New Jersey executive provides generous support in four crucial research areas.
Camel Racing and Holographic Selfies: Exploring Qatar’s Use of New Media for the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Qatar is the first Arab nation to host the World Cup, and the country is taking the opportunity to promote not only the prestigious worldwide event, but also their national brand. A study of the ways they are using Experiential Media to tell these promotional stories provides a living laboratory for SC&I scholars exploring EM.
Can GenAI Serve as an Effective Teaching Tool for Art Education?
The aim of a new Rutgers study was to examine how visual representations created via generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can be utilized in teaching and learning. The study helps illuminate both the potential and the pitfalls of GenAI applications for education.
Career Networking Tips from Beth Middleton Rizzotti MLS'91, '89, SVP at Lee Hecht Harrison
“Agility, flexibility, and a commitment to lifelong learning will be critical skills for today’s grads,” Rizzotti said.
Case Study Goes Inside How Rutgers Managed the Pandemic
Two years after the early days of the COVID-19 crisis, a case study examines the successful response and leadership role of the university related to vaccination and the safety of faculty, staff and students.
Cassie Cuddihy COM‘23 Receives the Spirit of Rutgers Award at the Chancellor-Provost’s Student Leadership Gala
“Each day I am grateful for the fellow student leaders I am able to meet, collaborate with and learn from,” said Cuddihy.
Changing of the Guard
Rutgers names Jonathan S. Holloway the new president of the university.
Charles Senteio Named Martin Luther King, Jr. Visiting Professor at MIT
Senteio will collaborate with Dr. Retsef Levi at MIT’s Sloan School of Management to conduct research on health inequities and technology during the 2020-2021 academic year.
Charles Senteio Named to the RWJ Fitness and Wellness Center Medical Advisory Board
As a member of the Medical Advisory Board of the RWJ Fitness and Wellness Center, an affiliate of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Senteio will play a vital role in providing support to patients and New Jersey communities.
Chelsea Mucciariello COM’23, Sales Planner at The New York Times, Succeeds by Continuously Growing Her Skills
“The media industry is always changing as new products/processes are being developed. Working in the industry means you always have to be open to these changes and ready to work with and grow with them,” Mucciariello said.
Chenjerai Kumanyika Named Recipient of the UDC’s 2021 Dallas Smythe Award
The award, according to the Union for Democratic Communications, “honors a critical media scholar/activist whose work exhibits the spirit of engagement, democracy, teaching, and feistiness to which the UDC is committed.”
Chenjerai Kumanyika Nominated for Third Peabody Award
Kumanyika, an assistant professor of Journalism and Media Studies, has been nominated for a third Peabody Award for his role as a collaborator on the podcast "The Land That Never Has Been Yet."
Columbia Journalism School's Tow Center Names Christoph Mergerson and Qun Wang 2020 Fellows
The Tow Center for Digital Journalism, an institute within Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, has selected Christoph Mergerson, a Ph.D. candidate, and Qun Wang, a Ph.D. alumna, as 2020 Knight News Innovation Fellows.
Combining her Expertise in Communication, DCIM, and Politics, Kiran Sheth COM’23 Shines as Press and Digital Aide for NJ Governor Phil Murphy
Working around the clock, Sheth helps manage the social media accounts for the State of New Jersey.
Communication Alumna Gilah Rosenberg ‘09 Shines as an Academic Advisor to Rutgers Athletes
Working with over 90 student-athletes at Rutgers, Rosenberg provides academic advising to the Gymnastics, Women’s Lacrosse, Women’s Golf, and Women’s Swimming and Diving teams. Learn more about how she spends her hectic days and discover the great advice she gives her students.
Communication Faculty and Students Present Research at the 2024 Annual Retreat on Cancer Research in New Jersey
SC&I researchers presented posters focused on survivor-parent communication during survivorship care and another study examining the role of support people in prostate cancer patient-oncologist communication.
Coronavirus Test Results Are Faster but Still Too Slow For Contract Tracing, National Survey Says
Black Americans wait almost an entire day more than white Americans for test results.
Could Your Avatar Shake Hands? Attending an Academic Conference in the Metaverse
Professor John Pavlik and doctoral student Shravan Regret Iyer, experts in experiential media, said presenting research for the first time in the Metaverse at the Sixth World Summit for Tourism and Hospitality Conference “was unique and surprisingly effective.”
Covid-19 Pandemic Highlights the Need for Further Resourcing of U.S. Newborn Screening Programs
New research by Liesl Broadbridge, a board-certified genetic counselor and SC&I Ph.D. student, underscores the resiliency of Newborn Screening Programs (NBS) in the U.S., which continued their vital work during the COVID-19 pandemic despite many challenges including shortages of funding and staff.
Creating New Routines and Staying Positive Strengthened Romantic Relationships During the Covid-19 Pandemic
After examining resilience behaviors people might adopt to reduce uncertainty in their romantic relationships during Covid-19 lockdowns, new Rutgers research found that two, creating new routines and maintaining a positive outlook, had the greatest impact.
Cutting-Edge Renovations to Classroom CI-119 Will Elevate the Educational Experience at SC&I and Rutgers
CI-119 has been updated with state-of-the-art technology which will greatly enhance teaching and learning at SC&I, and the new design will serve as a future use case for building innovative classrooms across Rutgers and other U.S. iSchools.
Dafna Lemish Named Interim Dean of the School of Communication and Information
As Interim Dean, Dr. Lemish will replace Dean Jonathan Potter, who earlier this year announced his decision to step down from his administrative role and duties, effective June 30, 2022.
Dafna Lemish Promoted to Distinguished Professor
The Rutgers University Board of Governors has conferred the title of Distinguished Professor of Journalism and Media Studies, with tenure, to Lemish, effective July 1, 2019.
Dafna Lemish Receives the Rutgers Board of Trustees Award for Excellence in Research
Rutgers University honors SC&I’s Associate Dean for Programs and Distinguished Professor of Journalism and Media Studies Dafna Lemish for her distinguished research contributions to her discipline and society at large, highlighting her one of only 34 faculty members across the university chosen for one of the university’s eight annual faculty awards.
Dafna Lemish to Lead the School of Communication and Information as Interim Dean
Effective July 1, 2022, SC&I’s former Associate Dean for Programs Dafna Lemish will serve as Interim Dean of the School of Communication and Information.
Dajung (DJ) Woo Receives the Top Paper Award from the NCA’s Organizational Communication Division
The National Communication Association has awarded SC&I Assistant Professor of Communication Dajung (DJ) Woo for her paper that explores communication between emergency physicians and nurses.
David Greenberg Named a 2021-2022 Cullman Fellow
Greenberg has been chosen as one of only 15 academics, independent scholars, creative writers, and visual artists working on book projects to be named a recipient of a Cullman Fellowship from the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library.
David Greenberg Named Cullman Fellow, Awarded NEH Grant for Rep. John Lewis Research
The Rutgers-New Brunswick professor launched his book project John Lewis: A Life in Politics, which is to be published by Simon & Schuster, after he traveled to Atlanta in February 2019 for an awe-inspiring meeting to secure the late congressman’s approval.
David Greenberg, Sunyoung Kim, and Youngrim Kim Awarded Rutgers 2023–2024 Research Council Awards
The Rutgers University awards program offers “grant opportunities to support faculty research and especially to encourage scholarship in tackling challenging disciplinary problems in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and creative arts.”
David Lipsey Appointed to the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Advisory Board
As a board member, Lipsey will “assist the libraries and archives in its mission of providing authoritative information.”
Deepa Kumar Promoted to Full Professor
On June 16, 2020, the Rutgers University Board of Governors conferred the title of full professor with tenure to Deepa Kumar, effective July 1, 2020.
Department of Communication Celebrates Communication Major With #BeCOMM Campaign
The Department of Communication in the School of Communication and Information (SC&I), Rutgers University–New Brunswick, will launch its second annual #BeCOMM communications and social media campaign to celebrate and promote the communication major at Rutgers and inform undeclared majors, transfer students, and prospective Rutgers students about majoring in communication at SC&I.
Department of Communication Celebrates Communication Major with Third Annual #BeCOMM Campaign
One of the highlights of the #BeCOMM campaign will be the COMMchella Music Festival which will take place on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at The Yard on the Rutgers College Avenue campus from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event will showcase six popular music acts including several that feature current Rutgers communication majors. COMMchella is free for all attendees, including Rutgers University students, faculty, and staff.
Department of Communication Celebrates Communication Major with Fourth Annual #BeCOMM Campaign
The campaign will feature COMMchella Music Festival at The Yard on April 2.
Department of Communication Launches #BeCOMM Campaign to Celebrate the Communication Major
The campaign will feature COMMchella, a music festival at The Yard on April 27, showcasing music acts led by Rutgers communication majors, past and present.
Diana Floegel Named Recipient of the Emerging Researcher Award by the Social Informatics Special Interest Group at ASIS&T (SIG SI)
Floegel, a SC&I Ph.D. candidate whose research interests focus on people's information creation practices, sociotechnical assemblages, and social justice in information institutions such as libraries, has been recognized by ASIS&T SIG SI as an emerging researcher in social informatics.
Digital Asset Management Certificate Program Provides Insight into Digital Content and Technology
Monica Barudin, Content Strategist at CVS Health, explains how the Digital Asset Management (DAM) Program provided her with a greater understanding of the intersection between digital content and the technology behind it, and how the knowledge and networking opportunities she gained through the DAM Program have boosted her career.
Digital Storytelling Shows Promise as a Method to Increase HPV Vaccination Rates Among College-Aged Men
The intention to vaccinate against HPV increased among unvaccinated male college students who watched videos of other male students explain why they got the HPV vaccine, a Rutgers study found.
Driving Engagement Around Policymaking
A research team led by Professor Itzhak Yanovitzky and Associate Professor of Communication Professor Matthew Weber created a knowledge portal to evaluate how web-based resources can be used to encourage policymakers and advocates to download policy briefs.
During COVID-19, Try Using the “Cold Email” to Land Your Next Internship or Job
SC&I senior Joseph Rosenberg pitched an idea to Slice before he even had an internship there, and only nine months later, as Slice’s first intern, he landed a full-time position as Acquisition Marketing Associate. The start of his career path goes back to one cold email he sent.
Eighth Annual ITI Showcase Demonstrates Benefits of Experiential Learning
The eighth annual ITI showcase was held on May 1st, 2019 and explored new ideas in business, social welfare, education, and healthcare.
Eiman Ahmed and Brendan Murphy Join the Library and Information Science Faculty
Ahmed, a Ph.D. Candidate at SC&I and Murphy, who holds a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, will join the LIS faculty in fall, 2024.
Elizabeth Ciccone, SC&I Business Manager, Represents Elks Hall during 2020 Preservation New Jersey Press Conference
Aside from her professional duties as the Business Manager at SC&I, Elizabeth Ciccone spends some of her free time as a volunteer managing the Facebook page for the New Brunswick Historical Society. One of her posts captured the attention of Preservation New Jersey and might help save Elks Hall in New Brunswick from demolition.
Embracing Life as a Journalist, Olivia Prentzel JMS’13 Found Her Calling at The Colorado Sun
Prentzel applies the valuable lessons and skills she learned as a Journalism and Media Studies major at SC&I to a career where she excels in reporting on climate change and animal welfare.
Empathy from Cancer Care Clinicians Promotes Psychological Well-Being in Breast Cancer Patients, Rutgers Study Finds
The study’s findings, the authors said, are directly applicable as targets for communication training modules for health care providers, because by continuing to advance skills in empathic communication, clinicians can enhance the healthcare experiences of their patients.
Erin Christie Ph.D.‘14 Promoted to Assistant Teaching Professor
Christie teaches the classes Professional Writing in Communication, Internship in Communication (online), and Principles of Interviewing and is the advisor of the Rutgers Public Speaking Organization.
Ever Seen the Ocean Floor? Drones Enable Journalists to Create Exciting New Immersive Stories
Professor John Pavlik explains in a recently published paper how drones and other emerging technologies are enabling journalists to create increasingly exciting immersive journalism experiences for their audiences, and creating new challenges as well.
Examining the Impact of Venture Capital Financing on Digital Technology Start-Ups
The type of financing digital technology startups rely on has significant implications for how those companies govern our social and professional relationships, our politics, our public sphere, and our culture, a Rutgers study shows.
Examining the Role of Virtual Reality in Climate Change Communication
A recent study by SC&I Ph.D. Candidate Shravan Regret Iyer explores the role of VR in twelve United Nations Virtual Reality (UNVR) content productions.
Excelling as a Director at NBC Universal, Lindsay Laureano COM‘15 Credits SC&I for Establishing the Foundation of her Success
“Any experience is valuable if you keep learning and growing from it,” said Laureano, speaking about her extensive career with NBC.
Exploring Journalism Beyond the U.S.: Why Studying Abroad in Turkey and Italy Could Be Your Path to Working as a Foreign Correspondent
On October 23, 2024, Professors Mary D’Ambrosio and Regina Marchi hosted a study abroad mixer with a Turkish and Italian buffet to introduce their upcoming spring and summer 2025 programs in Istanbul, Turkey, and Bologna, Italy.
Exploring the Impact of Climate-Related Flooding Imagery and Political Party Cues in News Coverage
A new study by Professor of Journalism and Media Studies Lauren Feldman et al. indicates that vivid images of climate change-related flooding in news reporting can increase public engagement with climate change, whereas news stories that highlight political divides about the link between flooding and climate change can lower public engagement.
Expressing Negative Emotions May Benefit Gynecological Cancer Patients, According to New SC&I Research
SC&I Ph.D. student Allyson Bontempo and her co-authors conducted research showing it’s vital for gynecologic cancer patients to feel free to talk about their negative emotions if they want to. Bontempo said, “If they can’t, or even perceive that they can’t, they are going to be bottling up all of their feelings, which isn’t healthy.
Facebook News Consumers Less Likely to Be Vaccinated, Survey Finds
The researchers, including SC&I Associate Professor Katherine Ognyanova, say Facebook consumers are less likely to be vaccinated than those who get their COVID-19 information from Fox News.
Filmmaker’s Homecoming: Rutgers SC&I Alumni Showcased at the Chelsea Film Festival
Alan Barr JMS’06 and Zack Morrison JMS’14, driving by the support from their undergrad studies at SC&I, marching their success as professional filmmakers.
Financial Times Reporter Marina Benitez JMS’24 Shares How Rutgers “Ignited” Her Passion for Journalism
Benitez said she discovered her interest in journalism as a teenager, and then trained for it at Rutgers.
Five Rutgers Alumni Tapped for Induction into the University’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni
The Rutgers University Alumni Association announced its new class of inductees consisting of renowned leaders in medicine, government, media, and civil rights.
For Cancer Patient Caregivers: Providing Optimal Support During Medical Interactions
A new study provides insights into ways family members, friends, and other caregivers and companions can provide optimal support to loved ones who have been diagnosed with serious illnesses such as cancer during interactions with physicians and other health care providers.
For Rutgers Senior, This Internship in Berlin Rocks
After transferring to the university as a sophomore, Kate Beemer hatched a plan to spend time studying abroad – followed by a stint at MTV Germany.
Former Daily Targum Editor Steered Paper Through Journalism Industry Changes
Hayley Slusser (SC&I ’22) is the former editor-in-chief of The Daily Targum.
Former Rutgers Soccer Star Denise Reddy COM’93 Headed to the Olympics as Assistant Coach
Reddy will serve as assistant coach for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team at the Paris Olympics
Former Rutgers Star Arella Guirantes Living Her Dream as Member of Team Puerto Rico at Paris Olympics
Less than a month after her final season at RU, Arella Guirantes JMS'20 became the 22nd pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft, selected by the LA Sparks in the second round.
Four New Faculty Members to Join SC&I in Fall 2022
Two of the four new faculty members will join SC&I’s Communication Department, one will join the Journalism and Media Studies Department, and one will join the Library and Information Science Department.
Four New Faculty Members to Join the Communication Department
Four New Faculty Members will Join the Communication Department in Fall 2020.
Four New Faculty Members to Join the Journalism and Media Studies Department in Fall 2024
The new faculty will bring to SC&I expertise in digital and social media environments; media literacy; and media production.
Four SC&I Faculty Members Receive Rutgers Faculty Service Awards
At a Rutgers University celebration marking faculty milestones, SC&I faculty members Marc Aronson, John Pavlik, Brent Ruben, and Lea Stewart were recognized for their years of dedicated service to the university.
FOX Sports University Invites Two Recent SC&I Grads to National Sports Media Awards
Former “Critical Issues in Sports Media” students and recent SC&I graduates Stephen and Kimball Ravyn Roy have been invited by FOX Sports University to attend the 60th annual National Sports Media Association Awards in Winston-Salem, N.C., from June 22 – 24, 2019.
Frank Educational Gilmore ’14: “Education Equals Rehabilitation”
Frank Educational Gilmore, who graduated from SC&I in 2014 after serving a 10-year prison sentence, is the founder and CEO of the Educational Gilmore Community Learning Center, where children K-7 receive tutoring, nurturing, and inspiration. He is also a national motivational speaker in the area of youth development and youth programming.
Gilmore and the center were recently featured on The Ellen Show.
Frank ‘60 and Pat Kabela Pledge Major Gift to The Rutgers Future Scholar Program
In order to benefit local low-income, promising students, Frank Kabela, ’60, who majored in journalism at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information, and his wife Pat, who attended Douglass College at Rutgers, have pledged a seven-figure gift to the Rutgers Future Scholars Program.
From Broadcast Journalism to Screenwriting: Meet Allison Norlian JMS ’11
Professional journalist and co-founder of BirdMine, a film production company based in Los Angeles, Allison Norlian tells SC&I about her recent shift to a new way of telling stories as a screenwriter and her aim to create positive change through her work.
From Dallas to New Brunswick: How Noah Ohayon JMS’26 is Using SC&I to Build his Career on the East Coast
Ohayon said the JMS courses he’s taking are equipping him with the necessary skills he needs to land the internships he’s aiming for.
From DCIM Capstone Project to Real-Life Popularity on X, @DidTheSixersWin Led Creator Kevin Taddei COM’14 to Success as a Television Editor
Taddei originally created the account @DidTheSixersWin for the final project in his DCIM capstone course, and he recently closed it to focus on his family and career editing for television productions including Netflix and the History Channel.
From Environmental Chemistry to Potato Chips to NASA to IBM: Meet Dan Segal MLS’93, Corporate Taxonomist
“You never know where that degree will take you,” Segal said.
From Rutgers Student Radio to the Front Row of History
Fox News chief Washington correspondent and news anchor Mike Emanuel will be inducted into the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni.
From School Librarian to DAM Specialist: DAM Certificate Facilitates New Career
A former school librarian in Nebraska, Amy Brugmann is now a Digital Asset Management Specialist at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. She credits SC&I’s DAM Certificate Program for helping her gain the knowledge and credentials she needed in DAM to land her new career.
From Séances to Stereography: The Victorian Era Roots of Modern Virtual Reality
A new study by Professor John Pavlik and Ph.D. student Shravan Regret Iyer explores how cultural, social, religious, and scientific developments during the Victorian era helped shape modern Virtual Reality.
From the Classroom to Real Life: Rising Senior Stephanie Hague Benefits from the Gender and Media Minor
Rising senior Stephanie Hague, who chose to enroll in the Gender and Media minor at SC&I based on her interest in exploring gender and sexuality studies, is already benefitting professionally and academically from the knowledge and skills she’s gained from the minor.
Gain a Competitive Edge: Earn a Core Academic Credential in the Exciting Field of DAM
Take the DAM Professional Certificate Program and gain the knowledge and expertise professionals across all industries and businesses need to grow or succeed in Digital Asset Management. Launched, directed, and taught by DAM industry founders and leaders, the six-course program is offered fully online.
Gain the Confidence to Be a Leader in DAM
Jennifer Deauville, Senior Global Digital Asset Manager at NVIDIA in Santa Clara, California, credits the DAM Certificate Program for helping her gain the confidence she needs to lead digital asset management at the company.
Galina Bolden Elected President of the International Society for Conversation Analysis
Bolden has been elected for the 2023-26 term. The International Society for Conversation Analysis (ISCA) serves the needs of scholars of language and social interaction across a variety of disciplines and applications.
Get Published!
Students eager to get their work published in either Rutgers campus, New Jersey, national or international publications can now refer to a roster of some 65 publications SC&I professor Mary D’Ambrosio has compiled for ideas of where to pitch.
Gloria Vanderham COM, JMS’00 Named the 2024 SC&I Distinguished Alumni Award Winner
The SC&I Alumni Association named Vanderham, Founder and CEO of Bliss Bio Health, LLC, the recipient of this year’s prestigious annual award.
Half of Americans Are Unsure About Popular Vaccine Misinformation
Women, African-Americans, young people and those with lower socioeconomic status are most likely to report uncertainty about whether misinformation statements are true.
Hayley Slusser ‘22, Editor-In-Chief of The Daily Targum, Reflects on the Benefits of the JMS Major
Slusser tells SC&I about the many ways she is applying the skills and knowledge she is gaining as a JMS major to her life as a full-time student, the Editor-In-Chief of The Daily Targum, and an intern at The Lenfest Institute.
Heather O’Rourke ’94: “Don’t Tell me I’m Not Going to Make it, Because I Will”
As a ’94 Rutgers JMS alumna, Heather O’Rourke speaks about her life after graduating from SC&I, how her Rutgers education helped her get to where she is today, and advice for current students.
Hepburn, Potter, Wacholder to Retire
Three SC&I faculty members, Alexa Hepburn, Jonathan Potter, and Nina Wacholder will retire effective June 30, 2024.
Higher-Ed Journalism Instruction Meets Tech in New UNESCO Handbook
This week at the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) conference, being held in Lyon, France, SC&I Professor of Journalism and Media Studies Susan Keith will present her research and her new co-edited handbook will officially be launched. In addition to Keith, SC&I Professor of Journalism and Media Studies Deepa Kumar and Ph.D. student Melissa Gasparotto will also present their research.
How alumnus Dan Corey’s Journalism Journey at Rutgers Prepared him for NBC News
From working at The Daily Targum to 88.7 WRSU-FM Rutgers Radio, Corey reflects on leveraging his Rutgers SC&I experiences to succeed as a producer for NBC Nightly News and Network Specials.
How are Graduate Journalism Programs Responding to the Instability in the Journalism Profession?
New research by SC&I’s Assistant Professor Caitlin Petre reveals surprising ways graduate journalism programs have adjusted their marketing to attract students while the profession is experiencing instability.
How is Artificial Intelligence Impacting Higher Education?
Assistant Dean for Programs and Assessment Sharon Stoerger discusses educational uses of AI, how it is transforming student assessment, approaches educators are taking to prepare students for STEM careers, and ways institutions are embracing this new technology.
How Media – Namely News, Ads and Social Posts – Can Shape an Election
A Rutgers expert explains how media can influence voter perception and behavior.
How Might ChatGPT Impact Journalism and Media Education?
A new analysis by Professor of Journalism and Media Studies John V. Pavlik reveals both positive and negative attributes of the new generative AI Chatbot ChatGPT.
How Rising Music Star Jake Thistle COM, JMS’ 25 Balances Life as a Full-Time SC&I Student and Professional Musician
Currently one album into a three-album deal with Golden Retriever Records, Thistle discusses how SC&I professors motivate him, and how he enjoys learning skills he would need if he ever wanted to pivot to a different career as a publicist or public relations practitioner in the music industry.
How sharing what we don’t know can build trust in medical research, for the COVID-19 vaccines and well beyond
COVID-19 has taught us that the public has a thirst for scientific discovery, and this is a great opportunity for us scientists to not only disseminate our work to wider audiences, but also to share how we go about doing our work.
How the History of Booksellers, Supermarkets, and Public Libraries Can Help Shape a Path Forward for Social Media Platforms
A new study by Rutgers SC&I Associate Professor Caitlin Petre and Ph.D. Candidate Nicole Weber explores how understanding the evolution of book sellers, supermarkets, and public libraries as purveyors of public information can help inform current thinking about social media platforms.
ICA Awards J. Sophia Fu the W. Charles Redding Dissertation Award
The Organizational Communication Division of the International Communication Association has named Fu the recipient of this prestigious annual award for her dissertation that Fu said, “marks the introductory step in communication research to studying social innovation to leverage the potential of organizations to tackle grand challenges.”
IMLS Funds New Project to Address Provenance Gaps and Needs
SC&I Assistant Professor Jessica Yi-Yun Cheng will serve as the principal investigator of a new project to address the need to create integrated, flexible, and comprehensive approaches to provenance documentation across types of collections.
In a New Book, Pavlik Explores an Emerging Form of Mediated Communication: Experiential News
In his new book, Professor John Pavlik “argues that a new form of mediated communication has emerged: experiential news.” Read Pavlik’s Q&A with journalist Youran Wang of the Social Sciences in China Press.
In Memoriam: Journalism and Media Studies faculty member Roger Cohen RC'65, 1943-2022
Cohen, a much-beloved faculty member in the SC&I Department of Journalism and Media Studies, began working at Rutgers in 1969. In 1976 he joined the faculty of the Department of Journalism and Urban Communications (which was absorbed by SC&I in 1982).
In Memoriam: Tefko Saracevic, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Library and Information Science
A SC&I faculty member for 25 years, Saracevic’s impactful research focused on performance evaluation of information retrieval systems and information systems in general; the study of users and use of library and information services; effective mediation in information systems; the increasing effectiveness of searching the Web and large databases; and the evaluation of digital libraries.
Inclusion and Exclusion are Organized Through Communication Practices
In “Organizing Inclusion,” a new book edited by Professor Marya Doerfel and former SC&I faculty member Jennifer Gibbs, the authors “challenge all of us to rethink our own role in perpetuating racist systems and how we can change that with both individual-level and structural changes.”
Incoming Junior Wins Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship
The award culminates with an appointment in the U.S. Foreign Service as a diplomatic technology officer.
Increased Physical Contact Does Not Infer Stronger Social Support, Data Indicates
While Americans try to get back to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down much of the country for more than a year, a new study found that unemployed, less educated and lower socioeconomic individuals do not have the support of family and friends that they need to fully recover.
Increased Physical Contact Does Not Infer Stronger Social Support, Data Indicates
New survey captures trends in social isolation during the pandemic
Increasing Community Engagement is Key for Public Libraries Seeking to Provide Equitable Access to Health Information, New Study Finds
“Librarians must work with the community, rooting their work and decisions in what matters most to people so that their efforts are authentic and relevant,” said lead researcher and SC&I Part-Time Faculty Member Nancy Kranich.
Independence Public Media Foundation Announces Grants to the MIC Center and the Media Mobilizing Project
The grants will support the work of Associate Professor Todd Wolfson, who is co-founder and co-director of the Media, Inequality & Change Center (MIC) and a member of the MMP's Board of Directors.
Information Scholar Tawfiq Ammari to Join SC&I Faculty in Fall, 2020
Ammari’s research focus is on the interplay between technological and social role change, and he studies how large societal shifts are associated with online interactions and social movements.
Information Seeking Practices Among Vehicle Residents Show Mobility Creates and Resolves Access Instability
Ph.D. student Kaitlin Montague developed a new term, “mobile access instability,” to describe how mobility is a significant component in the creation and resolution of access instability for people who live in their vehicles.
Innovation in Digital Research was the focus of the 2024 Annual Scholarly Incubator
Hosted by and for the school’s scholarly community, the aim of the incubator was to focus on new approaches and emerging challenges in digital research.
ISIC Establishes New Award in Memory of the Late Ross Todd
The ISIC Conference honors the late SC&I Associate Professor of Library and Information Science Ross Todd by establishing an annual award in his name.
Itzhak Yanovitzky Promoted to Full Professor
The Rutgers University Board of Governors has conferred the title of full Professor, with tenure, effective July 1, 2019, to Associate Professor Itzhak Yanovitzky.
J. Sophia Fu Receives Top Dissertation Award for her Research on Social Entrepreneurship
The Academy of Management names Fu the recipient of its Best Social Entrepreneurship Paper Award.
Jack Bratich Promoted to Full Professor of Journalism and Media Studies
Bratich, an internationally recognized scholar in the field of cultural and critical media studies, has been promoted to full professor with tenure by the Rutgers Board of Governors, effective July 1, 2021.
Jack Bratich Receives the “Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Award” by Rutgers GSE
The award recognizes graduate faculty who have made significant contributions to graduate education at Rutgers University.
Jeffrey Lane Honored at Rutgers Faculty Excellence Ceremony
Assistant Professor of Communication Jeffrey Lane was named a “Select Honoree” during the 2019-2020 Chancellor’s and Provost’s Awards for Faculty Excellence ceremony hosted by Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Jennifer A. Theiss Wins NCA’s Prestigious Bernard J. Brommel Award
SC&I Professor of Communication Jennifer A. Theiss has been awarded the 2023 Bernard J. Brommel Award for Outstanding Scholarship or Distinguished Service in Family Communication from the National Communication Association (NCA).
Jennifer Theiss Receives the Bernard J. Brommel Award from the NCA
Professor of Communication Jennifer Theiss has received the award from the National Communication Association for her research that “has made a significant contribution to the field of family communication.”
Jenny Mandelbaum, an Expert on Conversation Analysis, Transitions to Professor of Communication Emerita
Mandelbaum, who has served on the SC&I faculty for 35 years, uses the methods of Conversation Analysis to examine everyday talk-in-interaction, and is also a co-director of the Rutgers University Conversation Analysis Lab (RUCAL).
Jessica Febo MCM’25, COM’24, Skillfully Combines her Expertise in Psychology and Communication in her work as a Psychometrist
Febo has also worked as a Group Therapy Intern at Medallion Care Behavioral Health; a Behavioral Therapist at Circle Care Services; a Research Assistant at Cognition and Learning Center Lab; and a Marketing Strategist at KXSH MEDIA LLC.
Jianing Li to Join the Communication Department Faculty in Fall 2024
The SC&I Communication Department is pleased to welcome Jianing Li to the faculty as an assistant professor of Communication in fall 2024. Li is currently an assistant professor at the University of South Florida.
Jiawei Sophia Fu Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure
The aim in Fu’s streams of research is to help address grand challenges, such as public health challenges, environmental degradation, educational inequality, and social exclusion.
JMS Major Samantha Marshak to Speak at SC&I’s 2023 Convocation
Journalism and Media Studies major Samantha Marshak, who is in the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) Honors Program, has been on the Dean’s List every semester during her Rutgers career, she is a Certified Peer Leader, a member of Kappa Tau Alpha “a college honor society that recognizes academic excellence and promotes scholarship in journalism and mass communication,” and she has been inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
JMS Student Elana Ortiz ’23 to Interview Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren
Ortiz has pursued her goal to become a sports journalist since high school, and as an outstanding Journalism and Media Studies student, past intern for the MLB Network, and Head Sports Editor at The Daily Targum, her chance to interview Warren is another opportunity she has both earned and seized at Rutgers.
JMS Study Abroad Program “Writing the Mediterranean” Empowers Students to Become Professional Travel Journalists
Immersing themselves in the diverse and vibrant Spainish culture and city vibe, all of the students applied their unique takeaways from the trip to their class projects.
JMS’20 Graduate Lauren Boone Succeeds at NBC as a Booking Producer
“A lot of college graduates always talk about how they hardly use the skills they learned from their college courses, where I feel like I apply the skills I learned from Rutgers every day,” Boone said.
Job Searching During COVID-19? SC&I’s Top Tips for Gen Z Job Hunters
Job searching is never easy, but to land a job during the pandemic requires specific strategies. Read our advice from SC&I faculty member Mark Beal, an expert on the subject, and two SC&I seniors.
John Pavlik Named a Fellow of the International Communication Association (ICA)
This prestigious honor recognizes Professor of Journalism and Media Studies John V. Pavlik’s record of scholarly achievement. Pavlik is an expert on the impact of new technology on journalism, media, and society.
Joking about COVID-19 Won’t Create Marital Bliss
Surprisingly, people who experienced fear during interactions with their partners believed they were coping well with the pandemic as a couple.
Jon Oliver Carries the Gonfalon at the Inauguration of Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway
During the inauguration ceremony for Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway, Jon Oliver, who is assistant dean of information technology at SC&I and chair of the Rutgers University Senate, lead the procession to the stage while carrying the Rutgers Gonfalon, an honor bestowed upon him as chair of the senate.
Jonathan Potter Named ICA Fellow
The International Communication Association honors SC&I’s Dean Jonathan Potter for his distinguished contributions to the field of communication and his service to education.
Jonathan Potter Reappointed as Dean of the School of Communication and Information
In its report, the Dean Evaluation Committee wrote, “Dean Potter is a hard-working, ethical dean who has made significant, positive contributions to the culture, intellectual vision, and effective operation of SC&I during his first five years.”
Journal of Children and Media Celebrates 18 Years of Impactful Scholarship
JOCAM publishes a special section on its coming of age and honors its founder Dafna Lemish.
Journalist Morgan Parrish ’16: “Whatever the News of the Day Is, I Will Run After It”
Parrish covered the coronavirus pandemic for WBRE-TV/WYOU-TV in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Since then, she’s accepted a new job in Cincinnati at Fox 19 as a general assignment reporter. For Parrish, who has never been busier, this is both a challenging and a thrilling time to be a reporter.
Journalists’ Role as Knowledge Brokers Enhances Understanding of Science
In new research published by Routledge, SC&I researchers explore the ways journalists view their role in helping the public and policymakers understand scientific information and its relevance to their lives.
Joyce Valenza Appointed to the ALA Business Advisory Group
The Executive Director of the American Library Association has appointed Associate Teaching Professor Joyce Valenza to the ALA Business Advisory Group. The group, ALA said, will explore and advise ALA on strategies related to new business development.
Kathryn Greene Named Chair of the Rutgers Institutional Review Board
As a chair of the Rutgers IRB, Greene will work with the IRB leadership team to continue the process improvements that facilitate streamlined and ethical research for the Rutgers community.
Kathryn Greene Named Fellow of the International Communication Association
Greene received the award in recognition of distinguished scholarly contributions to the broad field of communication. Greene's research program explores health decision-making related to various health risks or the central role of communication in preventing risk and maintaining health and wellness in individuals and populations.
Kathryn Greene to Receive Five Awards from the National Communication Association
The NCA is recognizing SC&I Professor of Communication Kathryn Greene for her mentoring, service, and scholarship. Greene will receive the awards in November 2023 at the annual meeting of NCA.
Keeping Romantic Relationships Healthy During COVID-19
New research by Associate Professor Maria Venetis provides specific coping strategies romantic couples can use to keep their relationships, and themselves, healthy and strong during the pandemic.
Khadijah Costley White Serves as Consultant to Ken Burns For “Muhammad Ali”
Associate Professor Khadijah Costley White’s background as a scholar of history, journalism, and media, who has also worked in television, has made her an valuable member of Burns’ advisory team in the creation of his upcoming documentary “Muhammad Ali.”
Kiara Dunston, MCM ’20 Uses Her Communication Skills to Serve Others and Make an Impact
Dunston explains how her Master of Communication and Media degree helps her achieve her goals every day in her role as Communication(s) Specialist at Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc.
Kim and Pavlovsky Receive Promotions
On June 6, SC&I faculty members GoUn Kim and Lilia Pavlovsky received promotions, effective July 1, 2023.
Launching September 3, 2019! New Certificate Program: Digital Asset Management (DAM)
SC&I’s new non-credit certificate program, Digital Asset Management (DAM), is perfect whether you are a seasoned professional already working in the information field, or you are interested in a career change.
Laura Wootton JMS ’07 Publishes Children’s Book “The Sun is Shining”
SC&I alumna and yoga teacher, musician, and author, Laura Wootton JMS ’07, publishes “The Sun is Shining,” a children’s book with inspiring messages and illustrations that is meant for all ages.
Lauren Feldman Named Chair of the SC&I Journalism and Media Studies Department
Feldman’s current work focuses on media and climate change, partisan media and misinformation, and comedy and social change.
Law Librarian of Congress, Aslihan Bulut ‘00, Credits SC&I for Contributing to Her Professional Success
“My time at Rutgers, the education I received, and the teachers and peers I met, led me to where I am today. Simple as that,” said Bulut.
Layers of Discrimination Facing Marginalized Teens Impact Their Online Social Activism
Marginalized American teenagers may face additional discrimination and harassment if they become involved in social activism movements online. This is a vital insight for experts working to better support marginalized youth during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Lea P. Stewart Appointed to the Richard D. Heffner Professorship in Communications and Public Policy
“I had the privilege of working with Richard Heffner for many years,” said Stewart. “He was an engaged teacher, with a keen mind, who always challenged his students to do their best work. I am honored to be appointed to a professorship that carries his name.”
Lea Stewart Named Chair of SC&I’s Communication Department
Stewart, who served as interim chair of the department in fall, 2019, and whose research focuses on prevention campaigns using both mediated and interpersonal strategies to reduce dangerous drinking among undergraduate students, will become chair effective July 1, 2020.
Lea Stewart to Serve as Acting Chair of the Communication Department
From July 1 through Dec. 31, 2019, Professor of Communication Lea Stewart will serve as acting chair of SC&I’s Department of Communication while Craig Scott, the current chair, is on sabbatical. Read about Stewart’s goals for the next six months here.
Leaders in the Digital Asset Management (DAM) Industry Join the DAM Certificate Program Faculty
As the volume of digital assets created by organizations of all kinds continually increases, so does the need for courses designed to prepare professionals to work with Digital Asset Management systems.
Leading Cancer Researcher, Alumna Smita Banerjee Ph.D. ’05, Discovered Career Focus at SC&I
The SC&I Alumni Association featured Banerjee in a virtual conversation about her career as a leading cancer researcher at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Banerjee’s research emphasizes the role of communication between healthcare providers and patients. She also specializes in message framing for cancer risk prevention.
Learn to Shape a More Just World with the Gender and Media Minor
Through the Gender and Media Minor, Rutgers students learn to examine gendered power dynamics and representations in media and modern culture; critique current conditions of media production and consumption; express their own viewpoint through the high-quality media they will produce; and help bring about social justice and equality in gender relations.
Let’s Shop! The First SC&I Online Store Is Open
The new online SC&I Store has just opened! It’s the only place to find SC&I-branded merchandise to show your SC&I pride and shop for the perfect gift for SC&I students, alumni, and supporters (including the dogs) in your life.
Library Journal Names Maggie Murphy ’12 a 2020 “Mover and Shaker”
The Library Journal honors Murphy for her “creativity, collaborative work around visual literacy, and her series titled “Uplifting Memes.”
Liesl Broadbridge Awarded Prestigious National Cancer Institute Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award (F99/K00)
The highly competitive award will support the final two years of Broadbridge’s doctoral research examining the impact of cancer genetic counseling communication on patient outcomes. The transition grant will also support four additional years of her post-doctoral research.
Life as a Journalist in 2020: “It is Probably the Best and Worst of all Worlds”
At a time when misinformation is on the rise, journalists themselves are under attack, and newsrooms are shrinking, American journalists are covering the COVID-19 pandemic, the worst economic crisis since The Great Depression, police violence, systemic racial injustice, riots, protests, and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Lilia Pavlovsky Appointed to the ALISE Board of Directors
Pavlovsky will help ALISE fulfill its vision as the global voice of library and information science education.
Linda Roman JMS’78: “Develop a Healthy Skepticism to Keep You Looking for the Truth”
Roman, a journalist and an editor who has worked throughout her career for local and national publications including the Journal News in Westchester County, NY, Reader’s Digest magazine, the New York Times Syndicate, and Consumer Reports, said she advises current Journalism and Media Studies students to always remember “Content is King.”
LIS-Sponsored Events Examine Two Socio-Technical Systems Governance Models for Addressing Privacy and other Community-Driven Concerns, Norms and Values
The two events, hosted by the SC&I Library and Information Science Department, gathered scholars interested in exploring governance perspectives pertaining to “Contextual Integrity” and “Governing Knowledge Commons” frameworks.
Located in a “Hot Bed,” Rutgers Proved Instrumental in Launching Alexa Ramos JMS’15 to Success at Major League Baseball
While at Rutgers, Alexa Ramos JMS’15, who today is Manager of Youth Content at Major League Baseball, pursued her dream while empowering children through sports.
Long Branch Free Public Library Recognized as a 2023 Recipient of Nation’s Highest Museum and Library Honor
National Medal for Museum and Library Service Recognizes Long Branch, NJ Long Branch Free Public Library’s Community Contributions.
Looking back at 2019: The 10 Top News Stories of the Year
As a new decade approaches, SC&I looks back at its most-read news articles during 2019. Profiles of faculty, alumni, and students were the best-read stories, comprising nine of the top 10 news articles.
Madison McGay ’22 Credits the JMS Program for Unparalleled Opportunities
Senior and Journalism and Media Studies major Madison McGay credits the JMS program for helping prepare her for her role as the Managing Editor of The Daily Targum, her current internship at WNBC, and an exciting career after graduation.
Majority of Americans Not Confident in Safe Return to School, National Survey Says
Support for returning to in-person classes varies by gender, ethnicity, political affiliation., and income.
Majority of Public Prefers Direct Cash Support In a New COVID-19 Relief Package, National Survey Says
Report findings include the highest level of support is for direct cash payments (78%), followed by aid to hospitals (63%), aid to K-12 schools and small businesses loans (57% each), and extended unemployment insurance (53%).
Maria Migliorino ’20 Excels as a Summer Analyst at Accenture
For 10 weeks this past summer, ITI major Migliorino worked as an intern in the New York metro offices of Accenture, creating consistently high-quality deliverables across a diverse portfolio of client asks.
Maria Pereira Colish ‘19 and Erica Saito ‘19 Named 2020 ALA Emerging Leaders
ALA announced its class of 2020 Emerging leaders, and two SC&I alumnae who earned Master of Information degrees in 2019 have been selected for this honor.
Marie L. Radford Publishes 7th Edition of Research Methods in Library and Information Science
Professor and Chair Marie L. Radford’s new book, “Research Methods in Library and Information Science – 7th Edition,” co-authored by Lynn Silipigni Connaway of OCLC, is designed for LIS master’s and doctoral students, new faculty, and professional librarians. This edition is extensively revised, with new and updated sections covering topical areas such as data management and reuse, data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and social justice research.
Marie L. Radford, International Expert on Qualitative Methods and Interpersonal Communication in Libraries, to Retire from Rutgers
Professor of Library and Information Science Marie L. Radford, who has mentored countless faculty, undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students during her distinguished 21 year-career at SC&I, will retire on July 1, 2025.
Mark Aakhus Wins the Distinguished Book Award from the NCA's Philosophy of Communication Division
The book “Argumentation in Complex Communication,” co-authored by SC&I Associate Dean for Research Mark Aakhus, explores the ways argumentation has changed due to the “the massive spread of new media in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.”
Mark Beal Authors Third Book Focused On Generation Z: "Gen Z Graduates To Adulthood"
Beal, assistant professor of professional practice in Communication, said his new book features insights and advice from more than 60 Gen Zers, ages 22-26, for marketers and employers.
Mark Beal Delivers a TEDx Talk Exploring How Generation Z is Redefining the Workplace
Beal said, “Today’s CEOs need to transform the way they run their businesses because Gen Z ‘works to live,’ they don’t ‘live to work’ as prior generations have.”
Mark Beal Named Interim Executive Director of the Rutgers Global Sports Business Master’s Degree Program
The Department of Kinesiology and Health at the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences has named SC&I Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, Communication, Mark Beal, Interim Director of The Rutgers University Global Sports Business Master’s Degree Program.
Mary Chayko Promoted to Distinguished Teaching Professor
Chayko’s promotion, likely the first of its kind at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, recognizes her outstanding teaching, innovations in course delivery and new media use, and national and international impact.
Mary Chayko Reappointed Faculty Fellow in Residence at Rutgers-New Brunswick Honors College for 2021-2022
Distinguished Teaching Professor of Communication and Information and Director of Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies Mary Chayko has been reappointed Faculty Fellow in Residence at the Honors College-New Brunswick.
Mary Chayko Reappointed Faculty Fellow in Residence at Rutgers-New Brunswick Honors College for 2022-23
Chayko will teach, mentor, and reside among Honors College students, and focus this year on helping first-year first-generation honors students explore the rich array of academic and research opportunities at Rutgers.
Mary Chayko’s Book Superconnected Featured at Eastern Sociological Society Conference
Distinguished Teaching Professor Mary Chayko shared the third edition of her book in special session at Eastern Sociological Society Conference.
Mastering Internal Communications at the Guggenheim
Now post-grad, Lake shares her recipe for career success: “If you follow your passions and take advantage of all the opportunities SC&I offers, you will find happiness and success in your work life.”
Matthew Weber Named New WSTNet Chair and Deputy Chair of WSTNet
The Web Science Trust (WST) is a charity that promotes the understanding of the Web through education and research in web science.
Matthew Weber Promoted to Professor of Communication
Weber’s research examines organizational change in relation to the use of new information communication technologies – focusing largely on news media. He has studied organizations in a variety of contexts, including an examination of the transformation of the news media industry in the United States, an analysis of local newspaper ecosystems, research on technology use in large multinational organizations, and work on social movements.
MCM Director Richard Dool Publishes new book, “12 Months of Leadership Insights: A Compendium of Leadership Lessons from 40 Leaders”
By researching and analyzing the leadership insights and practices of proven global leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Indra Nooyi, Abraham Lincoln, Jack Ma, Golda Meir, Bill Gates, and Sara Blakely to name a few; Dool aims to provide readers with insights to enhance their leadership skills.
MCM During COVID-19: Preparing Future Communication Professionals in a “Vivid Leadership Laboratory”
In our Q&A with Master of Communication and Media Program Director Richard Dool, he describes the many ways the MCM program has adapted to best serve, teach, mentor and inspire its students during COVID-19, and discusses the program’s new specialization and degree.
MCM Offers New Specialization Focusing on CSR: “Corporate Purpose and Social Impact”
The new specialization, launching in spring 2020, will help prepare SC&I’s Master of Communication and Media students for careers in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), sustainability, organizational purpose, and more.
MCM Program’s a Touchdown for NFL Films Production Ass’t. Maria Neiswender MCM’23
“The MCM program taught me more than I can imagine in just 15 months.”
MCM Specialization Aims to Build the Next Generation of Service-Oriented Communicators
Part-time faculty member Zack Langway, who teaches the Service, Advocacy, and Impact course for SC&I’s Master of Communication and Media program, teaches and inspires his students to “do good in our world” as communication professionals.
Media and Politics Scholar Khadijah Costley White Promoted to Associate Professor
White, who researches media and politics from a cultural studies approach, is the author of “Raising the Volume: How the News Media Created the Tea Party,” and was named a Whiting Fellow this year.
Meet Brielle Fedorko JMS’25: Contributor to The Daily Targum and Aspiring Lawyer
Sophomore JMS student Brielle Fedorko, a contributor to The Daily Targum, tells SC&I why she chose to attend Rutgers University, the shortcomings of the modern political journalism landscape, and how she plans to make a difference.
Meet Broadcast Reporter Kristina DeRobertis JMS’22
A broadcast reporter for WBOC-TV, Kristina DeRobertis, talks about her JMS experience and how she followed her dreams.
Meet Cassie Cuddihy COM’23: Co-Author of a Published Academic Paper Exploring Communication Patterns in Telehealth
As a senior majoring in Communication, Cuddihy highlights her research experiences at SC&I and the constant support she receives from advisors, faculty, and staff, and said, “I realized that the work we were doing had the power to call attention to ongoing disparities and improve people's lives.”
Meet Chloe Tai JMS‘21, Co-Writer of the Award-Winning story “The COVID-19 Money Trail” and Political Producer at Spectrum News NY1
“[Rewards] came in the form of the gratitude we received from the people we featured in our piece,” said Tai.
Meet Chris Tsakonas JMS‘22, WRSU Sports Director and Daily Targum Sports Writer
In our Q&A, Tsakonas describes the ways the JMS major has prepared him for his internships and jobs in the sports media field, and how he will use these experiences to continue his career in sports journalism post-graduation in May.
Meet Jackson Thompson ’20: Staff Writer for Sports Illustrated Giants Maven
Combining both his love for writing and sports, Jackson Thompson ’20, was able to land a job at the Sports Illustrated Maven network through his own initiative, hard work, and help from a few Rutgers alumni.
Meet Kristen Dunleavy JMS’07: Overseeing Content Marketing Strategy at Muck Rack
Since 2021, Dunleavy has been using the transferable skills she developed at SC&I to a career in content marketing at Muck Rack.
Meet Lauren Boone ’21: JMS Major, NBC Intern, Scholar All American, and Captain of the Rutgers Women’s Swimming and Diving Team
What a summer for JMS major Lauren Boone. She is interning at NBC, in June she was named Captain of the Rutgers Women’s Swimming and Diving Team, and in July she was named a Scholar All American. Read how she manages her time, what she enjoys the most about her JMS classes, and her future aspirations.
Meet Lauren Bromberg JMS’24: Development Intern for Walden Media
Bromberg discovered this internship through Rutgers Handshake. She said she was excited to apply after searching for an opportunity to contribute to the future of “meaningful” TV shows and movies for the next generation of young people.
Meet MaryLynn Suchan JMS’10: Executive Assistant to Krista Vernoff of "Grey’s Anatomy," and Station 19 Actor, Writer, and Producer
Suchan, who landed a role as a guest star on "Grey’s Anatomy", discusses the most motivating aspects of her career as an actress and as the Executive Assistant to the showrunner of ABC’s "Grey’s Anatomy" & "Station 19," and how the education she received at SC&I has helped her succeed.
Meet Stephanie Dresher MCM'21, COM'21: PR Professional and CEO
As a COM and MCM alum, Dresher discusses how she started her own company and what she took away from SC&I to be a successful business owner and PR practitioner.
Meet Student Charles Wasilewski MCM’26, who “Can’t Get Enough of Rutgers”
When he graduates with a Master of Communication and Media, Wasilewski will have earned his third Rutgers degree. He said the MCM courses he has enjoyed the most are PR History with Assistant Professor Mark Beal, Digital Media Research with Associate Professor Caitlin Petre, Media Law with Associate Dean for Programs and Professor Susan Keith, and Digital Media Production with Assistant Professor of Professional Practice Neal Bennett.
Meet the 2022 Class Speaker: Arielle Yu ITI'22
Yu, an Information Technology and Informatics major who was nominated by a faculty member to serve as the SC&I Student Representative at SC&I’s graduation ceremony this year, tells SC&I why she chose to major in ITI, how it helped her land the job she hoped for, and her advice for those considering the major.
Meet Tinah Ogalo ’20: MTV’s Social Producer and Coordinator and Host of "In Your Twentys” Podcast
“We're all on different paths so don't look at what others are doing - just try to focus on you,” Ogalo said.
Meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu Solidifies Gabriela Rubin’s Plans to Pursue a Career in Journalism
In June 2024, rising junior and Journalism and Media Studies major Gabriela Rubin traveled to Israel, and she said her experiences meeting with and speaking to Israeli leaders, soldiers, and citizens confirmed her passions for journalism, media, and politics, and left her even more committed to pursuing her dream of working in media post-graduation.
Melissa Aronczyk Testifies to U.S. Congress on “The Role of PR Firms in Preventing Action on Climate Change”
One of three witnesses to present evidence, Aronczyk said she drew on research from her recent book, “A Strategic Nature: Public Relations and the Politics of American Environmentalism.”
MI Student Anusha Muralidharan: Building the Next Generation of Products at ADP
Assigned to ADP’s Service Logistics team in End-User Computing (EUC) group, during the 10-week internship, Muralidharan’s team created and stored ADP’s global data.
MI Student Ariel Hammond Organized the First Camera Trap Symposium and Web Conference
With the aid and sponsorship of Rutgers, the San Diego Zoo, Microsoft, and Google, the event brought together hundreds of interested researchers to discuss the niche field of camera trap technology.
MI Student Gavin Goldbolt Awarded $4,000 in Scholarships
The New Jersey Library Association and the Bergen County Cooperative Library System have both awarded scholarships to Master of Information student Gavin Godbolt.
MI Student Proposes “Capturing Feathers”: A Novel Online Exhibition of Princeton University's Rare Bird Images
A Digital Imaging Technician at Princeton University Library, Master of Information student Jennifer Cabral-Pierce contributed to “The Charles Rogers Bird Journals Digitization Project,” and then proposed and helped complete the follow-up “Capturing Feathers” exhibition, which presents rare images of birds from collections across the entire university.
Mia Boccher ’22 Joins Writing Wrongs Program as Part of Its 2019 Staff
Sophomore Mia Boccher, as well as several other Rutgers students, recently traveled to Reading, Pennsylvania to interview and report on the lives of LGBTQ individuals to tell the story of an otherwise marginalized community.
Michael Lesk, Who Helped Build the Computer Operating System Unix, Transitions to Professor Emeritus
Professor of Library and Information Science Michael Lesk served on the Library and Information Science faculty at SC&I for twenty years, following a successful career at Bell Labs, Bellcore, and the National Science Foundation.
Misinformation May Lead to Fewer COVID-19 Vaccinations Among Minority Populations
While Black and Brown Americans are at a higher risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and dying from it, minority populations are less likely to choose to be vaccinated due to hesitancy, lack of confidence, and medical mistrust, according to SC&I Assistant Professor Charles Senteio.
Mobile Phone Use Mostly Discourages Interaction Between Parents and Young Children, Research Suggests
Findings based on a cross-cultural study lead researchers to conclude that intervention programs aimed at raising parents’ awareness of the potential negative outcomes of significant phone use during parent-child quality time are needed, said Associate Dean for Programs and study coauthor Dafna Lemish.
More Young Adults Are Thinking About Suicide and Death, National Survey Finds
Nearly half of Americans ages 18-24 describe at least moderate symptoms of depression.
Most New Jersey Parents Support Depression Screening in Schools, But They Have Some Concerns
Hispanic and Black parents say they are very or moderately concerned about the risk of suicide for their children.
Naomi Klein Addresses Technology and Self-Branding Through her Undergraduate Class, The Corporate Self
Through her undergraduate course “The Corporate Self,” Klein, the inaugural Gloria Steinem Chair in Media, Culture, and Feminist Studies, shows how technology is leading us to advertise and monetize ourselves, and the new ways we can think about and overcome these powerful forces.
Naomi Klein Publishes “On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal”
In her latest book, Klein, the Rutgers inaugural Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair in Media, Culture, and Feminist Studies, “explains how the bold ideas and action within the Green New Deal could avert climate catastrophe and be a blueprint for a just and thriving society.”
NASCAR Broadcaster Credits his Success to Rutgers
Catalfamo discussed how his education and experience as a JMS student at SC&I and a broadcaster at WRSU helped launch his career in sports broadcasting.
NCA Honor Society Lambda Pi Eta Welcomes Its Newest SC&I Inductees
Earlier this month, the Lambda Pi Eta chapter of Rutgers University, the National Communication Association’s official honor society, welcomed 57 new members during an induction ceremony at the SC&I building.
NCA’s Basic Course Division Recognizes the SC&I Public Speaking Course
SC&I faculty member Nikolaos Linardopoulos, who manages the course, will accept the 2023 Program of Excellence Award on behalf of SC&I/Department of Communication during the NCA’s annual convention in November. Linardopoulos said the primary goal of the course is “to equip students with the necessary skills to be effective public communicators in a variety of settings and contexts with a particular emphasis on mediated/virtual presentations.”
Nearly 3,000 Attend the Fourth Annual #COMMChella Music Festival, Setting a New Record
The annual #COMMChella Music Festival, a highlight of the SC&I Communication Department’s annual #BECOMM campaign, was held at the Yard on College Avenue on April 2, 2025 under a fair sky.
Nearly Half of Americans Still Unsure About Popular Vaccine Misinformation
The more knowledgeable someone claimed to be about vaccines, the more likely they believed multiple false claims.
Need Direction Identifying a Career Path? The SC&I Links Mentorship Program Can Help.
The new SC&I Links Mentorship Program is designed to help SC&I students develop their career journeys by connecting them with over 50 successful mentors who can provide expert advice and networking opportunities.
Need to Deliver a Presentation? The New Rutgers-SC&I Presentation Skills Tutoring Program Can Help
Launched by Rutgers Learning Centers and the SC&I Department of Communication, this new resource is available to all students enrolled at Rutgers University.
Network Science Researcher Katherine Ognyanova Promoted to Associate Professor of Communication
Ognyanova’s research examines the impact of technology and social connections on human behavior. Her publicly engaged work helps policymakers make better decisions about the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Book for Leaders in Academic Healthcare Provides Guidance and Inspiration
Written by SC&I part-time faculty and alumni Ralph Gigliotti and Christine Goldthwaite, this new book is a resource for leaders and aspiring leaders at all levels working in an academic health context who desire to create change, navigate crisis, and pursue organizational excellence.
New Book Provides Blueprint for Effective Public Library Management
In her third book, Professor Emerita Kay Ann Cassell explores and provides solutions to the challenges faced by directors, staff members, and board of trustee members as they work to successfully manage modern public libraries.
New Book “Leaderocity™️" Proposes 10 Competencies to Guide Today’s Leaders
SC&I faculty member Richard Dool and the students in one of his Master of Communication and Media classes collaborated on the book, and the result is a guide that offers a compendium of 10 competencies for leading successfully in the 21st Century.
New Brunswick High School Names SC&I’s Christopher Nesi Educator of the Year for 2023-2024
Nesi, who teaches for the SC&I DCIM minor, said as an educator he values the importance of digital media and technology, and he strives to empower students to thrive in the digital world.
New Initiative Aims to Position Rutgers as a Leader in Science Communication
The Initiative is designed to support anyone involved or interested in science communication research, teaching, outreach, professional practice, and training, and aims to create a network across the university to promote science communication pedagogy and develop Rutgers into a global leader in science communication.
New Jersey Residents Strongly Back Creation of a Suicide and Crisis Hotline, Rutgers-Eagleton Poll Finds
Large majority also believe someone having a behavioral health crisis should be treated first by a health-care provider or crisis counselor, not law enforcement.
New Monograph Celebrating the Life and Career of Alumnus Roger Greer Published
Greer’s scholarship profoundly impacted the field of library and information science. In a Q&A with SC&I Professor Emeritus Dan O’Connor, one of Greer’s students and a lifelong colleague, SC&I explores Greer’s years at Rutgers and how Rutgers was instrumental in pioneering his work and teaching.
New National and State Data: Economic Hardships Confronting Americans
SC&I Assistant Professor Katherine Ognyanova has published new survey data from The COVID States Project, which explores the economic hardships confronting Americans.
New National Poll: Voters Care Most About COVID-19, Racism, Economy
The researchers, including Assistant Professor Katherine Ognyanova, polled participants on which issues are, or will be, on their minds as they enter the voting booth on or before Nov. 3.
New project to increase collaboration between fact-checkers, academics, and community leaders to counter misinformation online
Assistant Professor Kiran Garimella is a Co-Principal Investigator of FACT CHAMP, a project designed to advance scientific understanding of how trust, misinformation, abuse, and hateful content affect underrepresented groups.
New Report: Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance Among Parents
Parents without a four-year college degree are far more likely to be vaccine hesitant and resistant than their counterparts with a four-year college degree or higher.
New Research Examining Links Between Communication and Health Outcomes in Prostate Cancer Patients is Awarded Funding
The research team’s goal is to better understand health outcomes among prostate cancer patients based upon their communication with their healthcare team and support people during cancer treatment appointments.
New Routledge Handbook Includes Chapters by Mary Chayko and Britt Paris
Renowned Handbook includes a chapter by Chayko on the practice of identity, and one by Paris on information, technology, and work.
New Rutgers Study Introduces Five Practices for Leaders in a Post-Crisis Context
SC&I Lecturer Ralph Gigliotti’s new paper provides a framework to enable leaders to enact change that will “contribute to individual and collective vitality during a time of widespread disruption and polarization across contexts.”
New SC&I Research Aims to Contribute Towards a More Truthful and Fair ICT Eco-System
SC&I faculty members Lauren Feldman and Vivek Singh have received a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for their project, “Fair and Accurate Information Quality Assessment Algorithms.” They will study algorithms that are used to assess the quality of information online and share their findings widely.
New SC&I Research Shows Brands How to Earn Loyalty from Gen Z
In a survey of 500 Gen Zers ages 13 to 24, Beal found that 86% of Gen Zers “conduct research on a brand before purchasing a product to learn if the brand is purposeful and contributes to a better society.”
New Special Issue of Information and Learning Sciences: "Learning with Social Media in an Algorithmic Age: Opportunities and Challenges for Education"
The journal special issue puts a spotlight on commercial social media's increasing presence in both formal and informal education and its role in "incidental and purposeful learning." The co-editors and authors explore how social media algorithms — the systems driving what content and ads appear when visitors use the app — can expand, disrupt, and constrain how people learn.
Nicholas Belkin Named the First Recipient of the ASIS&T Fellow Award
The Association for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T) has named Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Library and Information Science Nicholas Belkin its inaugural ASIS&T Fellow. The Award “recognizes individuals who have made substantial and sustained contributions to ASIS&T and the broader field of Information Science,” ASIS&T said.
Now That Biden Is Out of the Race, What Happens Next?
SC&I Professor of Journalism and Media Studies and of History answers some pressing questions that have come out of this landmark moment..
NYSCA Names Marie L. Radford the Recipient of the 2022 Neil Postman Mentor's Award
NYSCA honored Radford at its annual conference “for her continuous encouragement of students and junior faculty and her great support of our annual conference."
Occupational Gender Bias Prevalent in Online Images, Rutgers Study Finds
Gender stereotypes are produced and reinforced on digital and social media platforms.
Ognyanova and Yanovitzky Contribute to National Academies Workshop Exploring the Current Health Information Environment
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine workshop explored the current health information environment as it pertains to public trust and behavior change. SC&I Communication faculty members Katherine Ognyanova and Itzhak Yanovitzky contributed to the workshop and the published report.
Older Americans More Likely to Consult Health Care Professionals for Flu-Like Symptoms
Associate Professor Katherine Ognyanova and collaborators have released a new report showing which Americans have contracted the flu and COVID-19 so far during the winter of 2023-24.
Olympic Gold Medalist and SC&I Alumna Casey Murphy COM’17 Leverages her SC&I Education On and Off the Soccer Field
As a professional soccer player and founder and CEO of the Casey Murphy Goalkeeping Academy (CMGK), Murphy said she continuously applies the knowledge and skills she gained at Rutgers SC&I as a Communication major and DCIM minor.
On the 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 list: SC&I Alumnus Al-Khatahtbeh ‘20
As the founder and head of Muslim.co, the first international news and lifestyle publication for Millennial and Gen Z Muslims, Al-Khatahtbeh, at 22, is the youngest to make the list in the media category.
One-Third of Americans Distrust Election Result, National Survey Finds
A significant minority of Americans lack confidence in the outcome of the 2020 presidential election with more than one-third – primarily Republicans and Trump voters – not believing that the election results were fair, according to a nationwide survey by researchers from Rutgers University–New Brunswick, Northeastern, Harvard and Northwestern universities.
Online Autocompletes Are More Likely to Yield COVID-19 Misinformation in Spanish than in English
Rutgers researchers find Spanish autocompletes are more likely to yield harmful, negative results.
Over 30 from SC&I to Attend the 2019 Annual NCA Convention
SC&I Students and faculty will converge in Baltimore from Nov. 14-17 to present and discuss their research and findings in the field of communication.
Over 85 Participated in the New Jersey Communication Association (NJCA) Conference Held at SC&I
Held at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information on March 15, 2025, the aim of the conference, the organizers, wrote, was to “drive more attunement as a means to return to an environment of civil, respectful, and dignified discourse to create much more productive connections” during the present time when “we are experiencing a world of division, extremism, acrimony, and an overall lack of civility and respect.”
Over Six in Ten ‘Likely Voters’ Support Vote by Mail, Survey Says
66% of likely voters support giving every American the right to vote by mail in November, a new survey finds.
Pandemic Shapes Rutgers Move to Online Learning for State's Contact Tracers and More
Nikolaos Linardopoulos, associate teaching professor at SC&I, explains how he worked with Rutgers to transform the public speaking course so it could be offered remotely.
Part-Time Lecturer Franklin Bridges Earns his Fourth Degree from SC&I
On Thursday, May 12, 2022, long-time Part-Time Lecturer Frank Bridges will be graduate with his Ph.D., the fourth degree he has earned from SC&I since his Rutgers academic career began in 1989.
Participants from Across the U.S. Attended the SC&I LIS Symposium “Examining Critical Sociotechnical Challenges in Information Science”
The symposium created a platform for scholars, practitioners, and students to exchange insights on real-world challenges, ranging from AI and ethics to knowledge infrastructure, to community and inclusion.
People Suffering From Depression Susceptible to Vaccine-Related Misinformation
A new study examines factors that may make people more vulnerable to false information.
People, Not Google Search, Choose Unreliable News
Engagement with partisan or unreliable news is driven by personal content choices, rather than the content presented by online search algorithms, suggests a study published in Nature.
Permanent Twitter Ban of Extremist Influencers Can Detoxify Social Media
Removing extremist public figures from social media reduces the spread of offensive ideas and toxicity.
Peter Ruiz ‘20 Named Forbes Under 30 Scholar
Ruiz, an Information Technology and Informatics major at SC&I, is one of only 1,000 students in the country chosen for this honor. As an Under 30 Scholar, Ruiz will attend the Forbes Under 30 Summit where he plans to network and gain insight into what it takes to run a company.
Ph.D. Alumna Jessa Lingel '13 Publishes "An Internet for the People: The Politics and Promise of Craiglist”
Lingel explores “how craigslist champions openness, democracy, and other vanishing principles of the early web.”
Ph.D. Alumnus John Bullinger ’17 Publishes "Reagan’s ‘Boys’ and the Children of the Greatest Generation"
The book explores a new type of collective memory, that of aging baby boomers who first labeled their parents “The Greatest Generation” to share and celebrate their accomplishments during World War II.
Ph.D. Alumnus Kevin M. Lerner '14 Publishes “Provoking the Press: (MORE) Magazine and the Crisis of Confidence in American Journalism”
In this new book, Lerner tells the story of (MORE) and its legacy, and explores the power of criticism to reform and guide the institutions of the press and, in turn, influence public discourse.
Ph.D. Student Kaitlin Montague To Help Promote Collaboration Between Librarians and Social Work
Montague hopes to promote further collaboration between public librarians and social workers as she observes Rutgers’ first Masters of Social Work (MSW) intern, Sandra Burstyn, at the East Brunswick Public Library. Burstyn was placed there as a result of an existing collaboration between the School of Communication and Information, The School of Social Work, and the East Brunswick Public Library.
Ph.D. Student Luxuan Wang Awarded NCA’s Donald P. Cushman Memorial Award
Selecting Wang as the recipient of this prestigious award, The National Communication Association wrote, “Given the current political and racial tensions in our country, the selection committee found this paper timely and useful as it has heuristic value for the role that social media platforms play in the political arena among racial backgrounds.”
Ph.D. Student Maria Ortiz-Myers ‘16 Named Recipient of Prestigious ALISE Award
The Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) named Maria Ortiz-Myers ‘16 a recipient of the “Doctoral Student to ALISE Grant.” This enabled Ortiz-Myers to attend the 2021 ALISE Conference.
Ph.D. Student Publishes “Emile Menhem: Invigorating Arab Journalism Through Design”
The book “focuses on Menhem the designer; it offers an overview of his career along three main axes: political engagement, cultural production, and journalistic design.”
Platforms Can’t Settle on “Appropriate” Engagement-Boosting Practices
Researchers analyze how Google, Facebook and Instagram repeatedly change boundaries between smart visibility strategies and ‘cheating the system.'
Playing in and Reporting on Big Ten Sports: Meet Ellie Riegner JMS’24
Riegner, who is majoring in Journalism and Media Studies, is also playing on the Rutgers women’s lacrosse team and interning at NBC Sports where she is working with NBC Sports reporter and SC&I alumna Kathryn Tappen JMS’03. “The best and most unique part about my job is that it shows me firsthand what I hope to be doing moving forward, and it allows me to see the industry front and center. While I always thought this was what I wanted to do for my career, now I know for sure,” Riegner said.
Power and Inequality in Media Technology Group to Create New Collaborations Within SC&I
Launched by SC&I faculty members Khadijah White and Britt Paris, this new research group seeks to increase cross-departmental knowledge and inspire new collaborations.
Practice at Rutgers Like ‘Working from Home’ for Olympic Goalie
Alumna Casey Murphy starred on the pitch at Rutgers before a professional career that landed her selection to the U.S. women’s Olympic soccer team.
Prominent Urban Ethnographer Jeffrey Lane Promoted to Associate Professor of Communication
Lane, a scholar who focuses on communication and technology as it relates to urban life and social justice, and the author of the award-winning book “The Digital Street,” has been promoted to associate professor with tenure effective July 1, 2021.
Pursuing A Career in Technology, Media, and Creative Storytelling, Alumna Esha Verma said SC&I Taught Her “Networking, Communication, and Adaptability”
“My biggest advice for current students is to take full advantage of every resource available and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Some of the best opportunities come from simply putting yourself out there,” said Verma.
Qun Wang ‘20 Awarded for her Doctoral Dissertation by the AEJMC and ICA
The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication has named Wang the recipient of the Nafziger-White-Salwen Dissertation Award, and the International Communication Association Journalism Studies Division has awarded her an honorable mention for her dissertation in the 2020 Outstanding Dissertation in Journalism Studies Award.
Qun Wang ’20 Receives Outstanding Doctoral Student Award from the Rutgers GSE
One of only four Ph.D. students selected for this honor from across all of Rutgers University, the award honors Wang for her overall record as an academic, including her dissertation, publications, teaching, and other academic achievements.
Racial Bias Among Healthcare Providers May Exacerbate Disparities in HIV Prevention, A New Study Finds
PrEP medication can help prevent HIV infection among women, but new research by Assistant Professor Shawnika Hull shows racial bias among primary health providers prevents them from prescribing PrEP to Black and white women equitably.
Ralph Gigliotti Ph.D.’17 Named the Recipient of the ACUI’s 2023 Chester A. Berry Scholar Award
ACUI is honoring Gigliotti, a part-time faculty member at SC&I, in recognition of his “exemplary writing related to the spirit of community and solidarity cultivated by college unions.”
Rebecca Reynolds Named Chair of the Library and Information Science Department
Reynolds’ research focuses on human learning in formal and informal educational settings and socio-technical systems research involving educational technology.
Recalling the Keynote he Delivered to Major League Baseball During the World Series, Mark Beal COM’89 Shares Tips for Successfully Delivering Presentations
Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Communication Mark Beal has spent over 30 years honing his craft, including his long career as a partner at the New York City-based public relations firm Taylor, his work as a SC&I faculty member, and as a recognized expert on Gen Z. Read how he prepares to make presentations, tips that are applicable “whether you are in a one-on-one job interview or delivering a speech to 500 attendees.”
Regina Marchi Named Recipient of The Warren I. Susman Award for Excellence in Teaching
Rutgers University awarded Associate Professor of Journalism and Media Studies Regina Marchi “in recognition of outstanding service in stimulating and guiding the intellectual development of students.”
Reimagining the Author Visit: A Statewide Approach
SC&I faculty member Joyce Valenza describes how a visit from an author to a single location became a state-wide event.
Remote Teaching During the Pandemic Disadvantages Students in New Jersey’s Lower-Income School Districts
The shift to online learning was poorly planned, contributing to teacher and student stress, a Rutgers study finds.
Repair and Prepare: New Project Aims to Help Children Return to School
As parents prepare for their children to return to school in the fall, Associate Professor Vikki Katz and her colleagues work to find answers for educators and policymakers seeking to smooth children’s transitions back into classrooms.
Reporting on the Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine: “I saw Great Sadness in Their Eyes, and Great Fear”
Alumnus T. Sean Herbert, an award-winning producer at CBS News in New York, spent the month of March 2022 reporting from the border of Ukraine and Poland.
Reporting on Violent Crime: Lessons from “A Long Walk Home”
Carol Ann Farino was murdered in Maplewood, N.J. in 1966 and her killer has still not been caught. In his new book about the case, Joe Strupp, a reporter for the Asbury Park Press and SC&I part time lecturer, explores the murder and its aftermath, and describes the challenges involved in reporting on true crime.
Research on Misinformation and the Transformation of the News Media Industry Shared at the Fall Colloquium
At the annual fall event, SC&I welcomed three faculty members to the community, and the faculty presented their research.
Researchers to help LGBTQIA+ populations navigate barriers to health information
SC&I alumna Vanessa Kitzie MLIS '11, Ph.D. '16, has researched the information practices of LGBTQIA+ populations, particularly the kinds of health questions community members have and the ways they navigate around information barriers to find answers. Read more in an article by the University of South Carolina where KItzie is an assistant professor.
Richard Dool Elected Incoming President of the New Jersey Communication Association for 2024-2025
As president of the NJCA, one of Dool’s priorities this year will be to organize the NJCA Annual Conference, which will be hosted by Rutgers and held at SC&I on March 15, 2025. This year’s conference theme is “Powered by Connection.”
Richard Dool’s Cutting Edge Workshops Develop Critical Leadership and Communication Competencies
During the last six months, SC&I faculty member Richard Dool has participated in a series of leadership and communication workshops hosted by the U.S. State Department and Rutgers-New Brunswick.
RU SURE Wins Rutgers 12th Annual Homecoming Charity Bed Races
RU SURE, a campaign to eliminate dangerous drinking on campus, run by students in Professor Lea Stewart’s Advanced Health Communication class, won first place at the Rutgers Homecoming Bed Races.
RU SURE Wins Three Trophies at the 2023 Homecoming Charity Bed Races
xRU SURE Reminds Students: “Don’t Get Too Ducked Up!”
Rutgers Alumna Receives Award for Her Commitment to Her Public Library
SC&I alumna Radwa Ali ’11, director of Roxbury Public Library, has been named the recipient of the American Library Association’s 2020 Gale, A Cengage Company Financial Development Award.
Rutgers Board of Governors Approves Promotions of Costello, Katz, and Senteio
Faculty members Kaitlin Costello, Vikki Katz, and Charles Senteio have received tenure-track promotions, the Rutgers Board of Governors announced today.
Rutgers Joins the International Academic Partnerships Program – Greece
Faculty from SC&I and the School of Health Professions, with support from Rutgers Global will represent Rutgers in IAPP-Greece, an initiative that aims to promote international collaboration between U.S. and Greek institutions of higher education. Rutgers will kick off the partnership by hosting two e-symposia in May and June 2021.
Rutgers Launches Search for Next Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair
Naomi Klein, an acclaimed writer, public intellectual and social activist, recently concluded her time at Rutgers University-New Brunswick in the first academic chair designed to celebrate the vision of Gloria Steinem, the journalist, social activist and feminist movement leader.
Rutgers Libraries and SC&I Present the New International Youth Literature Collection and LibGuide
SC&I and Rutgers Libraries celebrated April 2, the official day of International Youth Literature, by hosting an exciting event and ribbon cutting for a new international children's and young adult book collection at Rutgers, as well as the online LibGuide linked to the collection.
Rutgers Men’s Basketball Center Clifford Omoruyi ITI’24 Named 2024 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Semifinalist
2024 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars Special Report to be Published April 25; 20 semifinalists announced.
Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway Interviews SC&I Alumnus Mike Emanuel COM’90 for a Byrne Seminar Conversation on Democracy
Holloway spoke with Emanuel, Chief Washington correspondent for Fox News Channel and co-anchor of FOX News Live, during a class for his Byrne Seminar “Cultivating Citizenship to Support Democracy.”
Rutgers Receives $5M for Project to Improve Bridge Safety Through AI-Powered Database
Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation will develop a clearinghouse of the latest innovations in bridge safety that incorporates artificial intelligence technology.
Rutgers SC&I to Host the OCMC Conference October 6-8, 2023
For the third time in the conference’s long-standing history, the Rutgers School of Communication and Information will host the Organizational Communication Mini-Conference. It will be held from Friday, October 6 to Sunday, October 8, 2023 on the College Avenue campus in New Brunswick.
Rutgers Study Identifies Ten Major Implications of the War in Ukraine for the News Media
“The news media play a key role in serving as an independent entity that can vet mis- and disinformation, regardless of its source, Russian, Chinese, or American,” wrote study author Professor of Journalism and Media Studies John Pavlik.
Rutgers Team to Receive $1 Million in Federal Funding for Smart Kids and Cool Seniors Project
The National Science Foundation’s CIVIC program helps community-university partnerships combat climate change and improve access to essential resources and services.
Rutgers to Require COVID-19 Vaccine for Students
Rutgers University will require the COVID-19 vaccine for students who are enrolled for the 2021 fall semester.
Rutgers University Board of Governors Approves Promotions of Hull, Kim, and Petre
SC&I faculty members Shawnika Hull, Sunyoung Kim, and Caitlin Petre have received tenure-track promotions, the Rutgers Board of Governors announced on April 20, 2023.
Rutgers University Engages with Greece
At Rutgers, the core objective of the IAPP-Greece Initiative is to help advance health communications, research, education, and practice across health professions in both the U.S. and Greece. SC&I faculty member Associate Professor of Communication Matthew Matsaganis is one of the the Rutgers faculty members involved the initiative.
Rutgers University Equity and Inclusion Names Charles Senteio the Recipient of the 2023 Public Good Pinnacle Award
The award “recognizes outstanding collaborations that have demonstrated extraordinary achievement and sustained commitment to promoting and practicing diversity, inclusion, equity, and access within the university and in partnership with the community.”
Rutgers University’s ORED Awards Funding to Six SC&I Faculty Members
The Rutgers Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED), University Research Council Grant (URCG), has awarded funding to six SC&I faculty members for their timely and innovative research proposals.
Rutgers was a “terrific fit” for Senior National Correspondent for Fox News Channel Rich Edson JMS’03
Edson has covered major political establishments such as The White House, Congress, The Supreme Court, and others during his career at Fox News.
Rutgers-New Brunswick Leadership Reveals Plan to Foster Research and Scholarship in AI and Data Science
A new university initiative focused on artificial intelligence and data science will create a virtual hub where university researchers and students will converge and lead efforts to make discoveries and devise practical applications. Efforts will include a call to faculty for proposals, new student research programs and formation of a “collaboratory” hub.
Ryan Rose ’17 Returns to Rutgers Men’s Golf as Assistant Coach
Rose is applying the leadership and communication skills he gained at SC&I in his role as assistant coach.
Samantha Marshak JMS’23: Pursuing a Career in Investigative Data Journalism
“You have to be the creator of your own journey,” Marshak said.
Sanctioned Online Communities May Become More Radicalized, New Study Finds
New research by Assistant Professor Shagun Jhaver suggests users of toxic online communities on social media platforms that are sanctioned for their dangerous content don’t stop posting, they just move to standalone, non-moderated websites where they can become more toxic and ideologically radical, and thus potentially cause even more harm to society.
Savannah Maher JMS’22 Lands Dream Job at NBC Universal
Maher is now working as a Human Resources coordinator at NBC, a company she’d long dreamed to work for.
SC&I Alum and Part-Time Lecturer, Ralph Gigliotti, Publishes New Book: “Crisis Leadership in Higher Education: Theory and Practice”
Through his new book, Gigliotti hopes the book will be useful for departments, organizations, and leaders seeking to improve their knowledge and skills in the area of crisis leadership.
SC&I Alumna Lisa Varga MLS’98 named Associate Executive Director of ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office
“We are fortunate to have Lisa join us at a pivotal time for libraries in our nation,” Interim Executive Director Leslie Burger said. “Her background, experience and leadership will be vital as we advocate for libraries.”
SC&I Alumna Tamara Gitt on the Power of a “Can-Do Yes” Attitude in Her Role at Fox News
Gitt reflects on her formative experience at Rutgers and how her willingness to embrace the opportunities she’s been given at Fox News has shaped her career.
SC&I Alumnus Ed Harran ‘86: “My Rutgers Education Provided Training For Life”
Deputy Director of the Nevada Film Office, Harran, who majored in Journalism and Media Studies at SC&I, said, “The instructors/professors and the environment they created at Rutgers cleared the way for me to grow up in an environment that challenged me to learn while giving me the support and tools I would need to ultimately be successful.”
SC&I Annual Networking Event, the Mingle, Supports Student’s Career Ambitions
The Mingle strengthens the alumni-student relationship at SC&I by enabling alumni to provide students with career support and guidance After the event, the students walked away with more direction, information, and inspiration.
SC&I Celebrates Honors Day 2021 on May 5
The annual celebration recognizes faculty and staff for their outstanding contributions during the 2020-2021 academic year and was held virtually this year for the second time due to the coronavirus pandemic.
SC&I Celebrates Honors Day 2023 on May 5
The annual event recognizes select faculty members, students, and staff.
SC&I Celebrates Honors Day 2024 on May 3
The annual event recognizes faculty members, students, and staff.
SC&I Celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2022
For forty years, SC&I has sought to understand communication, information, and media processes, organizations, and technologies as they affect individuals, societies, and the relationships among them.
SC&I Celebrates the Class of 2022 at its First In-Person Graduation Since 2019
After two years of hosting virtual graduations during COVID-19, SC&I was thrilled to host an in-person convocation ceremony at Jersey Mike’s Arena to celebrate the Class of 2022 with their families and friends.
SC&I Class Utilizes Communication Theory and Practice to Develop a New Integrated PR and Marketing Plan for Warner Brothers Discovery
In a SC&I Communication class, the undergrads conducted an analysis of the streaming industry and proposed go-to-market communication strategies for WBD’s streaming platform, Max.
SC&I Classes in Greece, Ireland, and Italy Expand Students’ Education, Knowledge, Professional Development, and Worldview
Both undergraduate and graduate students expanded their academic knowledge, field experience, and understanding of European cultures this past spring and summer by taking study abroad classes taught by SC&I faculty through Rutgers Global.
SC&I Dual-Degree Student, Allison Serido, Finds her Niche and Passion for Public Relations
Allison Serido, JMS ‘24 MCM ‘25, has figured out the niche she wants to pursue as a professional. For students, finding a niche can be challenging, but with the assistance of SC&I JMS and MCM faculty, she found her ideal career path.
SC&I Faculty and Alumni Honor Professor Emeritus Nicholas Belkin
At a retirement celebration held for Belkin at the Rutgers Club on November 16, faculty members and his former students spoke of the tremendous impact he has had on the lives of countless students and the Information Retrieval field.
SC&I Faculty and Students To Participate in the ASIS&T Conference in Australia
The Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) annual meeting will be held in Melbourne, Australia, this year, and will focus on the ways information and its delivery “to the right group, at the right place, in the right time, and in the right way” impacts personal behaviors.
SC&I Faculty on the Rutgers List “Expert Commentary: 2020 Presidential Election”
The SC&I faculty on the list have offered to speak to reporters about the election on a diverse range of issues including American politics, the opioid crisis, the youth vote, leadership, and politics and media.
SC&I Grads Sophie Nieto-Muñoz and Dan Israel Awarded by the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists
Two Journalism and Media Studies alums win NJSPJ 2024 Excellence in Journalism awards.
SC&I Graphic Design Intern Sebastian Lijo ‘22: Be Optimistic, Empathetic, and Practice Proper Social-Distancing
Lijo, a Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts sophomore design major and SC&I’s graphic design intern, explains how studies and life have been impacted by COVID-19, and why it’s important to be optimistic and empathetic during this challenging time.
SC&I Honors 2021 Graduates with a Special Virtual Graduation Ceremony
At a virtual ceremony held on May 13, 2021, SC&I honored and celebrated the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students who earned degrees from SC&I this year.
SC&I Leads the Societal Impact Track for the New Rutgers Data Science Program
The Societal Impact Track offered through the new Rutgers-New Brunswick Data Science Program focuses on the wide-ranging applications of data science in society. It takes a human-centered perspective, drawing not only on statistical and computational approaches but also on social-scientific and humanistic frameworks.
SC&I Mourns the Loss of Part-Time Lecturer Jack Grasso
Grasso, a part-time lecturer at SC&I who taught public relations courses for 21 years, died on Saturday, June 15. He will be dearly missed as a beloved colleague, friend, professor, and mentor to thousands of Rutgers students.
SC&I Ph.D. Candidate Allyson Bontempo Awarded a Rutgers Excellence in Outreach and Service Award
Bontempo’s interests and research focus on improving patient experience. Her work targets three areas crucial to patient experience: diagnostic error, the patient-clinician relationship, and patient support networks including online communities.
SC&I Research Team Collaborates with CINJ to Develop a New Patient Portal
A SC&I research team led by Assistant Professor Sunyoung Kim is working with the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey to develop a patient portal for leukemia patients. The system will enable clinicians to communicate treatment scenarios and outcomes to their patients in a less stressful way, and it will enable patients to investigate information about their illness autonomously.
SC&I Resumes Its Annual School Library Bus Tour Post-COVID Lockdown on October 18-20
SC&I’s Joyce Valenza and Lisa Manganello MLIS’07 collaborate with 12 school libraries across New Jersey to host the fifth annual School Library Bus Tour.
SC&I Schoen Research Fellows Present their work at NJASL
Projects created by seven MI students and graduates, who are recipients of the Beverly E. Schoen Research Fellowship, were presented at the New Jersey Association of School Librarians Conference in Atlantic City in December.
SC&I Senior Steven Dezuniga Receives the Graduation Gift of a Lifetime: A Job at Google
Following his success as an intern at Google last summer, ITI major Steven Dezuniga was offered a full-time position with the company as an account strategist. He will travel to Michigan after his graduation in May to begin his career.
SC&I to Host the Virtual NJCA Annual Conference March 20
The 24/25th Annual New Jersey Communication Association Conference, focusing on “Communicating in Challenging and Difficult Times and the Need for Clarity and Transparency” will feature a keynote by Juan D. González, the Richard D. Heffner Professor of Communications and Public Policy and Professor of Professional Practice, Journalism and Media Studies at SC&I.
SC&I's Lane Publishes First Book To Explore Impact of Digitization on a Neighborhood
Lane's book is the first to capture the lives of the same people and events as they move between the streets and social media, as well as the first book to show how the digital life of a neighborhood impacts black teenagers.
SC&I’s 2020 First Virtual Public Speaking Contest a Success
Because of COVID-19, SC&I’s annual public speaking contest was held virtually for the first time in the contest’s history. This year’s theme was “Stand Up, Speak Out! Be Bold. Be Heard.”
SC&I’s 2020 Honors Day Celebration Recognized Faculty, Students, and Staff
SC&I faculty members, students, and staff received recognition for their outstanding work this year during the first Honors Day celebration held virtually since its inception in 2009.
SC&I’s Jiqun Liu and Chirag Shah Develop a Faceted Framework for User Study Design
In their new book, “Interactive IR User Study Design, Evaluation, and Reporting,” Liu and Shah conducted a systematic review of state-of-the-art interactive information retrieval (IIR) research papers and developed a new faceted framework for supporting user study design, reporting, and evaluation.
SC&I’s Jon Oliver Leads the Rutgers University Senate Through COVID-19
For the first time in its history, the Rutgers University Senate will deliberate online, vote electronically, and adapt in other strategic ways to be able to continue working though COVID-19 and support the Rutgers community.
SC&I’s Jon Oliver ’85 First Staff Member in Rutgers History Elected As Senate Chair
Making history while working toward a better future at Rutgers: SC&I’s John Oliver ‘85 takes on historic role as the first staff member to serve as Chair of the University Senate.
Scholar of Human-Computer Interaction to Join SC&I as a Visiting Professor
Louise Barkhuus, professor of Computer Science at the IT University of Copenhagen in Denmark, studies how sociotechnical systems are able to support our everyday practices in privacy-sensitive ways. She will teach and conduct research at SC&I this year.
SEBS Associate Dean for Academic Programs Julie Traxler JMS‘91 Traces her Career Success to her SC&I Major
“I will always credit the JMS major for my excellent writing skills. I’m confident in my writing, I can tell a story in a way that’s effective, and I do a lot of that in my work,” Dean Traxler said.
Senior Blythe Taylor: Although my Time at Rutgers Was Cut Short, It Was the Best Adventure of my Life
Senior Blythe Taylor, SC&I events intern, dance major at the School of Arts and Sciences, and a native of Dallas, Texas, describes a typical day now that she’s completing her Rutgers coursework and internship from home because of COVID-19.
Senior Emily Teubner Discovered Her Passion for Music Journalism at SC&I
By studying JMS and DCIM at SC&I and taking advantage of other opportunities at Rutgers, Teubner JMS'23 has developed a skillset that will enable her to pursue a career in music journalism.
Seven Books by SC&I Faculty Members to Read This Fall
Faculty members from the Communication, Journalism and Media
Studies, and Library and Information Science Departments have published books
this year.
Shawnika Hull and Steve Miller Awarded 2022-23 Chancellor-Provost’s Awards for Faculty Excellence
Hull and Miller will receive the awards at the Chancellor-Provost’s Celebration of Faculty Excellence, which will take place on Wednesday, April 26, from 5-7 pm at The Rutgers Club on the Rutgers University-New Brunswick Livingston campus.
Shawnika Hull Delivers the 2024 Commencement Address at the Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania
“Communication is a web that stitches us together. It's in everything - everything happens through it, so you are trained to wield an immensely powerful tool, and it is a tool you can choose to do with it what you will, but today I want to urge you to focus this power you wield. Use it towards something important and good,” Hull told the Annenberg School Communication graduates.
Should the Media Stop Covering Donald Trump?
Donald Trump continues to dominate the news cycle whether he is in office or not. But if he continues to make headlines with the same outlandish statements, when does it stop being news?
Should We Brace for Another October Surprise?
From the assassination attempt on former President Trump to Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the race, elevating Kamala Harris to the top of the Democratic ticket, this election season has already been filled with many shocking moments. As the clock ticks toward Election Day, should we brace for another bombshell news story – an October Surprise as it has become known in the election lexicon – that could change the trajectory of the presidential campaign?
Shravan Regret Iyer’s Research Proposal “Experiential Media and Climate Change” Awarded an Honorable Mention by IAMCR and IECA
The International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) in collaboration with the International Environmental Communication Association (IECA), has awarded the research proposal, “Experiential Media and Climate Change,” submitted by Ph.D. student Shravan Regret Iyer, with an Honorable Mention.
Six SC&I Faculty Members Receive Promotions
The Rutgers Board of Governors has approved the promotions of six SC&I faculty members.
Six SC&I Students Awarded 2025 New Jersey Press Association (NJPA) Awards
Awarded for their work as journalists and photographers, the winners credit SC&I for preparing them for success.
Social Distancing Down, Mask Wearing Up Since April, National Survey Finds
A new study finds Americans are following social distancing guidelines less than they did in April.
Souvick Ghosh, Ph.D.’20 Named the 2021 iSchools Doctoral Dissertation Award Runner Up
The iSchools Doctoral Dissertation Award Chairs wrote, in praise of Ghosh’s dissertation, “the thesis combines the use of developing methods, an emerging technology, and is also true to ‘the best traditions of our field.’”
Stacy Brody MI ’18 Named a Library Journal 2021 Librarian of the Year
SC&I alumna Stacy Brody MI ‘18 named a Library Journal Librarian of the Year for her volunteer work with the Librarian Reserve Corps, a World Health Organization/Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network partner, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stacy Brody, MI'18, Shares her Experiences as a Fellow at the National Library of Medicine
Brody, who earned her Master of Information at SC&I, said her experiences as an NLM fellow expanded her knowledge of medical informatics, scholarly communications, and more.
Staying While Leaving: New Rutgers Study Examines How Young Professionals Manage Their Early Careers
New Rutgers research uncovers one important factor in the ‘quiet quitting,’ phenomenon – early career professionals are trying to plan and prepare for their next career move to ensure that they don’t get “stuck” in their current jobs.
Strategic Thinker Fidel A. Garcia says PR Certificate Empowers Students to Remain Competitive in the Workplace
“I decided to take the Public Relations certificate program as a way to update my skills and resume during unemployment, network with other students, gain the advice of professors, and maintain a semblance of structure and sanity during the pandemic,” Garcia said.
Students Express Gratitude to SC&I Instructors During the Rutgers TIPP “Thank an Instructor” Initiative
Nearly two dozen SC&I instructors were thanked and celebrated by Rutgers University-New Brunswick students during the January event hosted by TIIP.
Students in the Fall 2019 IT & Informatics Showcase Pitched 40 New Prototypes Designed to Solve Real-World Problems
IT & Informatics students pitched over 40 projects at the fall IT & Informatics Showcase. Two projects were named Showcase winners after being chosen as ‘Best Project’ by both the judges and the students. Four additional teams won Best Project awards for their topic areas.
Study Identifies Behaviors That Helped Couples Weather the Pandemic
Researchers examined five types of resilience behaviors that people might enact in relationships to buffer experiences of uncertainty, disruption and turmoil.
Study Identifies Messages Most Likely to Inspire Americans to Act on Climate Change and Health
Many Americans have heard that the impacts of climate change can negatively impact their health, but what type of messaging could encourage them to take action to mitigate climate change? New Research by Associate Professor Lauren Feldman identifies an approach most likely to work.
Suiting Up in Hollywood: Meet Film and Television Editor Dan Rovetto COM’03
Rutgers–New Brunswick alumnus Dan Rovetto has made a name for himself in Hollywood editing leading TV shows, including the new Suits LA.
Support for Government Mandates High and Increasing Over Time, Survey Finds
As the coronavirus Delta variant surges throughout the country and mask and vaccine mandates are being considered, a new national survey finds that almost 20 percent of Americans say it is unlikely that they will get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Support from the NIH Loan Repayment Programs to Enable Rivera and Threats to Further Research on Health Disparities
The National Institutes of Health has named SC&I Assistant Professors Yonaira Rivera and Megan Threats recipients of the Loan Repayment Program Award.
Supporting Library Patrons During COVID-19
SC&I alumna Stacey Shapiro, ’17, Young Adult Programming Librarian at the Cranford Public Library in Cranford, New Jersey, describes the ways she and the library are still able to connect with and help patrons during COVID-19.
Supporting the implementation of the New 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in New Jersey
In Professor Itzhak Yanovitzky’s spring 2023 Health Messages and Campaign Design class, eleven undergraduates developed plans for public education and advocacy campaigns for NAMI NJ’s use, as the nonprofit works to increase awareness and usage of the new 988 emergency number in New Jersey.
Supporting the Psychological Health of Breast Cancer Patients
A new Rutgers study shows that breast cancer patients who experience anxiety prior to oncology appointments communicate differently and may require additional support from their clinical teams to optimize their treatment and post-treatment outcomes.
Survey Highlights an Emerging Divide Over Artificial Intelligence in the U.S.
A Rutgers-led project examines trust in the technology.
Survey Reveals Concerns and Adoption Trends Around AI’s Rising Influence
A new Rutgers-led project tracks how Americans view artificial intelligence’s impact on politics, media and daily life.
Susan Keith Named Associate Dean for Programs at SC&I
Keith, an expert in journalism practice and media law and ethics, assumed her new role at the start of the fall semester.
Tawfiq Ammari Named Recipient of the “2022 AI 2000 Most Influential Scholar Honorable Mention in Human-Computer Interaction”
Ammari, an assistant professor of Library and Information Science, received the award for “his outstanding and vibrant contributions to this field.” The awarding organization, AMiner Scholar, wrote, “The 2022 winners are among the most-impactful scholars from the top venues of their respective subject fields between 2012 and 2021.”
Teaching Strategies for Emergency Remote Education Under COVID-19 Provided in Special Journal Issue
Associate Professor Rebecca Reynolds has guest edited a freely available, open access special issue of the journal Information and Learning Sciences on emergency remote teaching transitions due to #COVID19. The articles contain detailed, research-supported strategies for educators in a range of contexts and domains (Higher Education, K-12, Librarianship, and across a range of subjects / learning scenarios).
Teens Are Fighting Social Media Overuse, Rutgers-New Brunswick Research Finds
Youth ages 13-16 are leveraging social media features to find moments of intentional pause during prolonged use.
Teresa Politano: Making Connections One Bite at a Time
SC&I's Teresa Politano teaches the Digital News Writing and Reporting course, while also balancing her responsibilities as the Editor of Edible Jersey magazine.
The #BEComm’23 Talk Show Informs and Inspires Current and Prospective SC&I Communication Students
This exciting event hosted by the Communication Department at SC&I included appearances by successful Communication graduates who spoke about the ways their SC&I education prepared them for professional success and networked with current and prospective Communication students.
The 2020 Hugh N. Boyd Journalism Diversity Workshop Succeeds in a Virtual Format
The annual workshop was held virtually in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The online format ensured the safety of the staff and students, and the high school students still made the most of it.
The 2020 SC&I Mingle Provided An Engaging Career Event for Students
It attracted over 374 registrants and 212 participants, and SC&I’s career networking event enabled students to engage with alumni, faculty, and staff to find career information, inspiration, and direction.
The ABCDs of Remote Learning
“It’s all about the ABCDs of remote learning: Assistance, Broadband Connectivity, and Devices,” said Katz, who conducts research with children growing up in low-income, working class and immigrant families and how they learn about and with new technology. “Students need all of those bases covered for distance learning to work.”
The Annual Journalism and Media Studies Showcase Honors Top Student Work
Journalism and Media Studies students presented their best work in digital media during the annual JMS Showcase.
The Annual New Jersey Open Libraries Tour, Co-Organized by SC&I, will be Held in November 2024 and April 2025
NJOLT enables Rutgers Library and Information Science students, library colleagues, and school administrators to discover the many innovative practices led by the librarians at New Jersey public and school libraries.
The ASPEN Project Welcomes Calandra Lindstadt, Ph.D.
Lindstadt has joined ASPEN as a postdoctoral associate, and she will assist the project in its aim to ensure New Jersey policymakers’ decisions are informed by relevant research, in order to ultimately implement universal adolescent mental health screening in New Jersey public schools.
The Computational Social Science Lab at SC&I Explores the Complexities of Human Behavior Through the Lens of Computational Methods
Lab members are conducting cutting-edge research, contributing to the understanding of social and technological systems, as well as developing new methodological tools. Their work has both scientific and policy implications.
The DCIM Minor Prepares Nava Plaut COM’25 for Success as a Public Relations Practitioner
“Taking classes in the Digital Communication, Information, and Media Minor fits perfectly in a fast-paced post-COVID world. Learning to navigate various online platforms and technology has prepared me for the transition from hands-on experience in the classroom to post-graduate career opportunities,” Plaut said.
The DCIM Minor: Become a Confident Leader in the Digital World
In the Digital Communication, Information, and Media Minor, students develop digital skills, create a portfolio of digital projects that relate to their interests and professional goals; and prepare to lead in digital environments in every industry.
The Enduring and Vital Influence of Campus Media
Professor of Professional Practice Steven Miller speaks with SC&I about the critical role campus media plays by both disseminating information and training aspiring journalists and other professionals.
The Future of the Fourth Estate
During the COVID-19 outbreak, the news media has been in high demand, but the very crisis that news outlets were covering dealt a body blow to the economy and threw tens of thousands of journalists out of work.
The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Names Michael Pavlichko ‘00 Recipient of the Jeff Tellis Outstanding Advisor Award
Pavlichko was nominated for this award by a student he works with at Rutgers University’s radio station, WRSU, who said he nominated Pavlichko due to his leadership skills and willingness to help students achieve their goals.
The Mission of Journalism: The Pursuit of Truth
The mission of journalism, Professor John Pavlik says, is the pursuit of truth and thereby hold the powerful accountable for their actions in every civil society. In a newly published paper Pavlik outlines ten core principles journalism educators and practitioners can follow to ensure success in the rapidly changing media industry.
The National Endowment for the Humanities Awards Grant Funding to Caitlin Petre
SC&I Associate Professor Caitlin Petre has received a NEH grant for the project “Imagining AI in organized labor: Struggles over the value of cultural work.”
The New Community Design for Health and Wellness Interdisciplinary Research Group Funds 14 Innovative Projects at Rutgers
SC&I’s Mark Aakhus and Sarah Allred of the Walter Rand Institute at Rutgers Camden, CDHW-IRG’s co-PIs, have awarded 14 seed grants to Rutgers researchers who are designing innovative solutions to help communities achieve improved health and wellness outcomes for their residents.
The New Faculty Colloquium Showcases Research in Library and Information Science and Public Relations
At the colloquium, five new faculty members presented overviews of their research and fielded questions from the audience, comprised of SC&I faculty and staff attending the annual fall event.
The NJ Press Association Awards Three JMS Alumni
Brian Deakyne ’14, Brian Fonseca ’18, and Patrick Lanni ’13, are sports reporters for NJ Advance Media, and they all credit the Journalism and Media Studies Program at SC&I for preparing them for career success.
The NJ State House News Service, Founded by SC&I JMS Lecturer Deb Howlett, Receives a Major Grant from The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium
The grant will support the news service in its mission to collaborate with New Jersey’s colleges and universities to mentor and train promising student journalists, including Rutgers SC&I JMS students, through reporting on state government, the Legislature, and politics for local media partners across the state.
The NJCFB Names Narda Acevedo the Recipient of The Literary Lion Award
The New Jersey Center for the Book honors Acevedo for her many years of service to the center.
The NSF-Funded 2019 CSST Summer Research Institute Boosts Emerging Scholar Development in Sociotechnical Systems and Critical Informatics Research
The NSF-funded 2019 Consortium for the Science of Sociotechnical Systems (CSST) Summer Research Institute, to be held at Rutgers on June 18-22 2019, will connect late-phase doctoral students and emerging scholars with senior scholars in sociotechnical systems and critical informatics research fields, providing substantive learning and research coordination networking opportunities to advance their work.
The Rutgers Board of Governors Announces the Promotion of Four SC&I Faculty Members
The promotion of SC&I faculty members Jack Bratich, Jeffrey Lane, Katherine Ognyanova, and Khadijah White has been announced by the Rutgers Board of Governors.
The Rutgers Center for Organizational Leadership Announces 2019-2020 Cohorts
SC&I’s Assistant Dean For Instructional Support and Assessment, Sharon Stoerger, will participate in the one-year Rutgers Leadership Academy during 2019-2020. The Academy seeks to develop mid-career faculty and staff for expanded leadership roles.
The Rutgers Global Health Institute Names Brent Ruben the Champion in Global Health 2024
The award is given to “extraordinary leaders in our global fight for health equity.”
The Rutgers University Chapter of Kappa Tau Alpha Inducts Thirteen SC&I Journalism and Media Studies Majors
Induction into KTA, a college honor society, is earned through excellence in academic work and is open to juniors and seniors in the top 10% of JMS majors.
The Third Annual #COMMChella Music Festival Draws 2,500
More than 30 Rutgers communication major alums returned to campus and participated in the event.
The U.S. Department of Energy Awards Matthew Weber & Collaborators Nearly $2 Million in Grant Funding
The DOE funding is funding three projects led by SC&I Professor of Communication Matthew Weber that aim to help the DOE to understand how to communicate complex scientific information more effectively.
The Vicious Cycle: Fueling Conversations About Collegiate Recovery at Rutgers, One Free Cup of Coffee at a Time
The Vicious Cycle, a Rutgers campaign launched and staffed by SC&I faculty, staff, and student peer educators at the SC&I Center for Communication and Health Issues (CHI), was created to help reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorders at the university and help connect Rutgers students to vital recovery resources and harm reduction strategies on campus.
Through NJ Spark, Students Tell Stories of Underserved Communities
NJ Spark, a social justice journalism lab that enables students to report on local underserved communities, has received additional funding from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.
Through the Johnson & Johnson Fellowship Program, MCM Students Engage in a Learning Lab and Benefit J&J
Through the Johnson & Johnson Fellowship Program, select Master of Communication and Media students are given the extraordinary opportunity to apply their coursework to projects at Johnson & Johnson, while helping the health care giant achieve its communication and corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.
Time to ‘Speak Up’: SC&I Hosts the 2024 Annual Public Speaking Competition
This year, 74 students registered, 56 submitted speeches to enter the first round, and five finalists received scholarship prizes.
To End Nicotine Addiction, ITI Students Create DOS
Through the ITI Capstone course and then the Rutgers I-Corps program, a group of SC&I Information Technology and Informatics students developed an innovative vaping replacement tool and then conducted product research to help launch it.
Todd Wolfson Elected President of the American Association of University Professors
An anthropologist by training, Wolfson researches the intersection of new media and contemporary social movements, and he is author of the book “Digital Rebellion: The Birth of the Cyber Left.”
Too Much Screen Time for the Kids? Grandparents May Also Be Complicit
In the age of high-tech electronics many kids spend about half their visit with grandparents watching videos or playing with apps
Tracing the Rise of Digital Journalism
The transformation of the twentieth century communications system to a digital format and its impact on the public, media organizations, and democracy is the subject of a new book by Professor John Pavlik.
Tracking COVID-19 with a new app that assures user privacy
A team of Rutgers professors develop COVIDNearby app to help monitor the spread of coronavirus. The app will also provide researchers with insights about the privacy preferences of individuals during health emergencies.
Two former Scarlet Knights find careers in sports through Global Sports Business Graduate Program
Two former Scarlet Knights find careers in sports through Global Sports Business Graduate Program
Two SC&I Faculty Members Named in List of Prolific Scholars in Communication Education
SC&I faculty members Kristina Scharp and Dajung (DJ) Woo have been recognized by the journal Communication Education.
Two Years Since COVID-19: What Have We Learned?
Rutgers Today spoke with some of the university’s experts in health care, environmental science and engineering, education, labor and business to discuss what we have learned since the onset of COVID-19 and what we might expect in the future.
Two-Thirds of Adults Support Vaccination, National Survey Says
Likelihood to embrace vaccination varies with age, political affiliation, education.
U.S. News & World Report Releases its 2025 Graduate School Rankings for “Best Library and Information Studies Programs”
The Rutgers Master of Information Program in the School of Communication and Information is listed at number six on the “Library and Information Studies” top schools list.
U.S. News and World Report Ranks SC&I’s Master of Information Program Sixth in Nation
The 2022 U.S. News and World Report’s U.S. Graduate School rankings increase the MI program’s ranking to sixth in nation up from number seven in 2018.
Uncoding Secrets: The Importance of Identifying and Managing Hidden Information
In a paper addressing the challenges of teaching about secrecy, Associate Professor Jack Bratich explores the importance of secrecy literacy and how teachers can provide students with the foundational skills they need to better manage secrecy in their professional and everyday lives.
Understanding Gen Z: The Key to Developing Successful Rutgers Student Leaders
In a keynote address delivered during the Rutgers Residence Hall Association’s Leadership Development Day, SC&I faculty member Mark Beal provided students with insights into their own generation, in order to help them succeed as leaders and advisors.
Understanding How to Lead Gen Z in the Workplace
A new book, written by SC&I’s Richard Dool and a team of Gen Z authors, “How Generation Z Wants to Be Led,” released today by Amazon, provides a blueprint for leaders of the Gen Z workforce.
Understanding the Impact of Social Media and Media on Children
In a newly published opinion piece, SC&I Interim Dean Dafna Lemish said she explores larger questions the Children and Media scholarly community could ask to better address public concerns surrounding the impact of media on children.
Unwelcome America: a SC&I Project Helps Librarians Educate Teens about Immigration
A SC&I Master of Information course developed a curated selection of resources about immigration for librarians to share with teenagers interested in learning more.
Valenza Honored by AASL and ALA
Joyce Valenza, Assistant Teaching Professor of Library and Information Science at SC&I, has been a librarian for over 40 years, and has recently been recognized by two distinguished library associations.
VetCoin, Founded by SC&I Students, Aims to help U.S. Military Veterans
From what started as a Capstone project at SC&I, three recent Rutgers grads aim to bring VetCoin to market with the hopes of giving back to the Veteran community.
Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and 360° Video Enhance COVID-19 News Reporting, Rutgers Study Finds
New research by SC&I Ph.D. Candidate Shravan Regret Iyer examines the use of Experiential Media technologies in COVID-19 pandemic news reporting.
Virtual Rutgers Day Brings the SC&I Community Together
SC&I’s Events Intern and senior Erin McDonald coordinated four events to bring the SC&I community together virtually on Rutgers Day, even though we physically could not be together.
Vivek Singh Advises Anti-Bullying Task Force Initiated by U.S. Congressman Gottheimer
Based upon his expertise in cyberbullying prevention, Associate Professor Vivek Singh was invited to join the North Jersey Anti-Bullying Task Force, spearheaded by U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and led by Jane Clementi. The Task Force released its findings yesterday.
Vivek Singh Awarded Two NSF Grants For COVID-19 Related Research
Singh will work with colleagues at the Rutgers School of Public Health and the Rutgers Business School to examine issues pertaining to privacy and the accurate dissemination of information about the coronavirus in both English and Spanish.
Vivek Singh Wins Best Full Paper award at the ACM Web Science Conference
Their award-winning research tackles the problem of keeping online conversation analysis tools—like those that detect harmful language—fair and effective as online discussions evolve. The team’s approach is proactive; they predict upcoming trends and adjust the tools in advance. This ensures the tools continue to make accurate and fair decisions for everyone.
Vivek Singh Wins the Best Paper Award from IEEE Intelligent Systems
The award-winning, NSF-funded paper focused on the creation of a privacy- preserving dashboard to track COVID cases across the U.S.
Welcome Message from Dean Jonathan Potter
At the first school-wide meeting of the 2020-2021 academic year, Dean Jonathan Potter said SC&I is in control of its destiny with outstanding research and a strong mix of programs, and he welcomed everyone to the exciting year ahead.
What Does Trump’s Indictment Mean for Politics?
News of Donald Trump’s indictment by a New York grand jury for his role in covering up hush money paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels sent shock waves across the country Thursday.
What it Takes to Be a Successful Sports Journalist: Kathryn Tappen JMS’03 Speaks to the SC&I Critical Issues in Sports Media Class
Tappen has covered six Olympic games and three Super Bowl games throughout her career.
What You Should Know About Holiday Shopping
Rutgers experts provide insight on ways to save money while focusing on holiday cheer.
WhatsApp is Among the Leading Platforms for Information About Politics, Rutgers Study Finds
These new findings “will exclusively benefit a diverse range of audiences, who are typically underserved by the mainstream media,” wrote study co-author SC&I Assistant Professor Kiran Garimella and his colleagues at the University of Texas at Austin.
When Under Stress, University Students Post More Private Information to Facebook
The more stress college students experience, the more likely they are to share private, intimate details about their lives on Facebook. In new research by Assistant Professor J. Sophia Fu and her co-author Renwen Zhang of Northwestern University, they explore this behavior, and contend that technology companies need to play a greater role in preventing it.
White Named a Whiting Foundation Public Engagement Fellow for 2020-2021
Through this fellowship, SC&I's Assistant Professor Khadijah Costley White will explore media coverage of school shootings and the human consequences of lockdown culture.
Why Leadership Outweighs an Interdisciplinary Mix in the Effectiveness of a Research Team
“Leadership matters,” said Ralph Gigliotti, one of the study's lead authors and an affiliate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. “Leaders play a critical role in the enthusiasm level of working group members and influence their interest in wanting to continue with a project of this kind.”
Why the Unvaccinated Are Unvaccinated
A new report looks at the decision not to get vaccinated from the perspective of the unvaccinated.
Women in ITI Receive the Revolutionary Award
The student organization, aimed at empowering women in SC&I’s Information Technology and Informatics major, is being honored by Rutgers University-New Brunswick for their excellence in “creativity, originality, ingenuity, and/or resourcefulness in addressing local and global issues.”
Working On Deadline in the Hot Seat: SC&I Students Take Over Black Swallowtail Studios
A class enrichment activity planned by Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Journalism and Media Studies Neal Bennett developed the students’ professional and networking skills in practical and lasting ways.
WRSU Inducts the Late Roger Cohen RC’65 to its First Hall of Fame
At the WRSU 75th anniversary dinner, the late Roger Cohen, a long-time Journalism and Media Studies faculty member at SC&I, was inducted into the WRSU’s inaugural Hall of Fame.
WRSU Radio Sports Director Found Calling in Broadcasting
Chris Tsakonas wandered into WRSU during the annual student involvement fair and will graduate as a trusted radio voice for many of the Scarlet Knights' athletics teams.
Yanovitzky Receives Faculty Scholar-Teacher Award
Rutgers University names Professor of Communication Itzhak Yanovitzky a recipient of a Faculty Scholar-Teacher Award for the academic year 2021-2022. This award honors tenured faculty members who have made outstanding synergistic contributions in research and teaching.
Yiraldo Campos COM’25 Qualifies to Compete in the American Forensics National Competition Starting April 4, 2025
A member of the Rutgers Public Speaking Organization, Campos placed first in Poetry Interpretation at the AFA-NST District 7 Spring Qualifier, enabling her to compete in the national finals.
Yonaira Rivera Testifies to U.S. Senate on Impact of Misinformation on Coronavirus Vaccine Hesitancy
Assistant Professor Yonaira Rivera testified to the U.S. Senate last week about how to reach communities of color with evidence-based messages to encourage vaccine uptake while researchers embark on efforts to minimize COVID-19 vaccine misinformation impacting vaccine hesitancy among U.S. Latino and other communities of color.
Zack Morrison ’14 Wins Best Comedy Series at the 39th College Television Awards for “Everything’s Fine: A Panic Attack in D Major”
Morrison, who submitted Everything’s Fine as his master’s thesis at Columbia, was already an award-winning filmmaker while he was an undergraduate at Rutgers majoring in Journalism and Media Studies at SC&I. Read about the latest award he has received, for his comedy portraying a young woman’s anxiety through song and dance.
‘The architects of our digital spaces’: How researchers in UW’s Allen School’s Social Futures Lab are making social media better by design
SC&I Assistant Professor of Library and Information Science Shagun Jhaver co-authored a paper with the University of Washington researchers that aims to "design social media tools that empower users while minimizing the burden of managing their online experiences."
“22 Helping Hands over 2.7 Hours”: The SC&I Office of Student Services Volunteers at Elijah’s Promise
During the 2024 holiday season, SC&I’s OSS team brought their collective time, energy, and enthusiasm to the Elijah’s Promise kitchen where they “cleaned and cut nearly 400 pounds of vegetables and cooked over 120 pounds of pasta, giving our chefs the ingredients they needed to prepare meals for about 600 people the next day,” said Elijah’s Promise Chef Chrissy Banks.
“Bathtub Madonnas” Reveal the Dynamics of Urbanization, Modernity, and Italian Migrant Experiences in the U.S.
In newly published research, Associate Professor Regina Marchi shows that homemade yard shrines of the Virgin Mary, which can be seen in many Italian American neighborhoods, represent much more than religious faith to their builders and owners. During the first half of the 20th century, they were “markers of homeownership (The American Dream) and cultural identity,” Marchi said.
“Don’t Underestimate the Potential of Making Your Passion Your Paycheck”
Kyrah Arthur, who graduated in May, 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in communication from SC&I, was recently awarded a $28,000 scholarship to pursue a master’s degree at the Annenberg School of Communication at the University of Southern California.
“Find Your Passion:” Meet Chief Washington Correspondent and Anchor for Fox News Channel Mike Emanuel COM’90
Emanuel has spent more than 25 years with Fox News Channel and has covered major political and world events.
“Information Snowballing” Technique Enhances Knowledge Acquisition in Everyday Information Practices
Rutgers researchers identify “information snowballing” as a method that individuals interested in any topic, from sustainability to career growth, can use to effectively and quickly increase their knowledge.
“Networked Street Life”: An Emerging Area of Research
In a chapter titled “Networked Street Life,” published in the new “Oxford Handbook of Sociology and Digital Media,” Assistant Professor Jeffrey Lane addresses a new area of ethnographic field research that “links the inequality concerns of urban sociologists and digital scholars who are studying inequality, and particularly digital inequality, in urban neighborhoods.”
“Pro-Freedom” Protests Against COVID-19 Lockdowns Require New Terminology: “Necropopulism”
In a new study, Associate Professor Jack Bratich coins the word “necropopulism” to explain that the “Pro-Freedom” demonstrators protesting COVID-19 lockdowns and masking are “indifferent to whether the people live or die (as long as abstract ideals like freedom are preserved).”
“Russia 2018” vs. “Qatar 2022”: New SC&I Study Examines FIFA World Cup Host Countries’ Use of Virtual Reality to Promote the Games
A new study reveals neither host country fully utilized virtual reality to promote the games and promote national branding and adds to the theoretical discussions on the role VR plays in sports journalism and sports public relations and provides practical recommendations on the use of virtual reality during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“SC&I Helped Me Find My Passion”: Meet Melaina Squicciarini MI'22, SEBS’06 Youth Services Librarian
“Every day I have the opportunity to introduce a child or teen to the book their heart needs,” Squicciarini said.
“Take a Chance” says Rachel Goemaat JMS’01, Deputy Communications Director for the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office
After 23 years working in state government, Goemaat shares her expertise for a career in the public sector.
“The Fates Were Favorably Inclined” Tells the Story of Westfield, N.J.
Alumna Barbara Burton’s new book explores Westfield’s 300-year history, including events during the American Revolutionary War, the day in 1838 when the train arrived, and the 1918 influenza pandemic.
“The Journey of Finding a Solution is What Makes Me Tick”
MI Alumnus Marvin Edmond ‘19 speaks with SC&I about his career as a Data Engineer at Cognizant, his previous role as a Data Engineer at New York Magazine, and why he credits SC&I’s faculty and professional network for his success.
“This is Not a Drill”: Costley White Presents an Exhibition Exploring the Impact of Active Shooter Drills
“This is Not a Drill,” a listening installation that “meditates on the impact and experience of code red drills in an active shooter society” was created by Associate Professor of Journalism and Media Studies Khadijah Costley White. The exhibition will be held in Maplewood, N.J. from April 16 - May 28, 2023.