I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time as a visiting researcher through the University of Angers International Research Mobility (MIR) Fellowship, which supported a one-month research stay focused on international scientific collaboration.

During my visit, I had the chance to present my program of research on attention, culture, and consumer well-being, and to engage in many research conversations with colleagues. The experience was intellectually stimulating and sparked several new ideas for future research collaborations.

I was also invited to attend a research seminar on digital detox, presented in French. It was a fascinating, timely, and important topic, especially as we continue to think about technology, well-being, and consumer life in an increasingly connected world.

Beyond the academic experience, life in France was wonderful. Angers is a beautiful, green, and highly livable city, with excellent food, good wine, an active lifestyle, and a strong sense of quality of life.

Thank you to Gaëlle and the research team at the University of Angers for this wonderful visiting researcher opportunity. I am grateful to have spent time with such a welcoming group of researchers doing interesting and impactful work.

#VisitingResearcher #UniversityOfAngers #Research #AcademicLife #France #ConsumerWellBeing #AdvertisingResearch

I wrapped up the 2025–2026 academic year with the Distinguished Award for Excellence in Community Engagement from the EX[L] Center for Community Engaged Learning at The University of Akron.

Community engagement has always been a meaningful part of my work as an educator and scholar. Whether through connecting students with real businesses, building partnerships with local and global communities, or creating projects that extend learning beyond the classroom, I have always believed that education is most powerful when it creates connections and impact.

I am grateful to the EX[L] Center, the Faculty Steering Committee, and everyone I have had the opportunity to collaborate with along the way. I feel very fortunate to work with so many people at the University of Akron who care deeply about community, connection, and meaningful engagement.

On Saturday, April 25, I organized the Fulbright Connect: Scholarship, History, and Community event at the University of Akron. The event brought together 40+ Fulbright scholars, alumni, students, and community partners for an afternoon focused on international exchange, global engagement, and community connection.

The program included presentations on The University of Akron’s global engagement and mission, the Cummings Center for the History of Psychology’s engagement with international scholars, Global Ties Akron’s mission, and experiences shared by international Fulbrighters.

The event was made possible through collaboration across campus, including support from The University of Akron International Center, the Cummings Center for the History of Psychology, the College of Business, and the Alumni Office, along with the Fulbright Association Northeast Ohio Chapter and Global Ties Akron.

This event truly reflected the mission of the Fulbright Association by creating space for connection, cultural exchange, and meaningful dialogue. It was a group effort, and I am grateful to everyone who helped make this regional Fulbright gathering a success at The University of Akron 😊

Honored and truly grateful to receive the Billy I. Ross Advertising Education Award at the American Academy of Advertising conference in Austin this year 🥰

This award recognizes innovative work that advances advertising education. It’s about impactful teaching and innovative contributions to how we prepare the next generation of advertisers and marketers. This award is a significant, career-level recognition within the field, and I’m honored to be among its recipients.

I’m especially thankful for my colleagues and collaborators who continue to support and inspire me to be the best educator and researcher I can be and for my students for being part of this journey (you know who you are 🙂)

The University of Akron wrote an article about my award HERE.

I’m excited to share that I have been invited and initiated as an Honorary Member of Delta Sigma Pi (DSP) – Theta Kappa Chapter!

This recognition is deeply meaningful, especially because the invitation comes directly from the students of the Theta Kappa Chapter. Students have the most authentic perspective on our teaching, values, and overall impact in the classroom and on campus. Receiving this kind of affirmation is one of the highest compliments a professor can receive. It serves as a direct measure of my efforts to support and guide them.

My role as a professor extends beyond just lecturing. It’s about supporting students as they transition from academia to professional life. Its mission to develop the professional and personal skills of future business leaders aligns with my core teaching philosophy. I’m passionate about helping students build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their careers.

I’m truly grateful for this recognition and look forward to cheering on this amazing group of students as they continue to grow and achieve great things.