Sydney Chinchanachokchai, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Marketing in the Department of Marketing at the University of Akron.

Research

I am passionate about consumer behavior research, especially in the areas of distraction, multitasking, mind wandering, advertising avoidance, cross-cultural gift-giving, cultural differences in consumer behavior, diversity in advertising, superstitious beliefs, and advertising effectiveness. Recently, I have been interested in research on healthy consumption among vulnerable populations (e.g., children and low-income individuals). My work has been published in top-tier journals in the field of marketing, advertising, psychology, and management including International Journal of Research in Marketing, Journal of Business Research, International Journal of Advertising, Computers in Human Behavior, Journal of Marketing Management, Journal of Current Issues & Research in Advertising among others [see list of publications].

I recently received the 2023-2024 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award in Communication & Media Studies. I will be conducting cross-cultural research on influencer marketing and teaching Thematic seminars on Advertising and Marketing at the Polytechnic of Lisbon in Portugal in Spring 2024.

Teaching/Study Abroad Thailand

My teaching philosophy focuses on experience-based learning, analytical thinking, and high-impact practice. Students in my Digital marketing and Integrated Marketing Communications classes have worked with multiple local businesses and nonprofit organizations in the community to help them create complete marketing strategy plans. To enhance student learning, my teaching method involves student engagement and interactive classroom environment. As a business professor, I focus on managerial implications and skills such as teamwork, communication, and analytical thinking. Throughout my career, I have received multiple teaching awards and recognitions including the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award, LIFE Faculty Engagement Award, and Passion Award [see teaching awards and recognitions].

To connect the University of Akron students to the global community and broaden their international experience, I am leading a study abroad trip to Thailand in May 2023. The students will learn about sustainable tourism and business in Thailand and participate in a community engagement project. [read about the Study Abroad Thailand trip].

Community Engagement

I am a firm believer in community engagement and support various types of community engagement projects. My classes work with local small businesses and non-profit organizations to help them with their marketing/advertising needs. I am also on the committee of a local non-profit organization that raises money through organizing running races to support local charities [see list of local clients and their testimonials].

In 2023, I received the Excellence in Community-Engaged Teaching award and was chosen by the EX[L] Center for Community Engaged Learning to be among the inaugural cohort of Akron Community Engaged Scholars who demonstrate a commitment to public impact by connecting campus and community through teaching, scholarship, and/or significant service.

#QuarantineCooking class with Sydney & Chef Pat

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband and I have been teaching the #QuarantineCooking class – free virtual Thai cooking classes to cooking enthusiasts around the world to raise money for the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank. The class was featured in the Akron Beacon Journal Sunday story (Read the story HERE), WZIP FM (radio interview), and Medina Weekly News (Read the story HERE).

Personal Interests & Activities

I am passionate about endurance sports. I am an ultramarathon runner and a long-distance triathlete. I am also the faculty advisor to the University of Akron Triathlon Club. In my free time, I enjoy doing yoga, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, scuba diving, knitting & crochet, sewing, and exploring new restaurants and breweries.

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3967-5155

I created a 3-minute video explaining the importance of cultures on company’s international marketing strategies to local high school students.