Unit 4 | College of Media

Ella Yoder

Get to know some of our College of Media students! Ella Yoder is a Class of 2027 media and cinema studies major.

What made you choose the media and cinema studies (MACS) major?

During my search for universities, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stuck out quickly, specifically, the media and cinema studies (MACS) major. MACS allows its students to engage with film production as soon as freshman year, while other universities I was looking at set a limit for production courses to juniors and seniors. Personally, I knew I had a desire to learn about films and wanted a university that would give me hands-on learning opportunities that I could take advantage of the minute I got to campus. I am so happy that I found the College of Media because of the standards they set for their students with the required engagement that offers a holistic view of the film and cinema industry.

How did you first get interested in your major?

As a kid I always enjoyed making little movie projects. I was the type of person who spent their free time making up funny stories and filming them as a movie rather than going outside. This interest in producing movies only grew as I got older. Starting off as a child with a vision, to now, being a junior in college, I have begun working as a production assistant at a local production studio to continue my passion for filmmaking. While I am on set for these larger productions, I am reflecting on my younger self who had no idea the College of Media was waiting for me to pick up that camera.

What College of Media resources have you found helpful in navigating college?

A resource I will forever promote is the Media Technology Center. There are so many similar offices on campus. The College of Media has their own dedicated unit that is open to students in Media courses in the college to rent out different required items. The range of available equipment may vary per location, but typically there will always be microphones, tripods, lighting, and even green screens ready to be used! The rentable equipment has been particularly useful for me when trying to work on my class projects. With the easy-to-use check-in and check-out system, I truly recommend more students to utilize this resource.

Are there any professors who have been critical to your academics?

Even before the start of my first year, I knew that the professors of media and cinema studies in the College of Media were going to be beyond helpful to my future. This is because I reached out to a few instructors during the summer ahead of my first classes—and there were quite a few who responded with a desire to meet with me and explain the major and all that encompasses studying as a MACS major. This brief introduction into the friendly environment of the faculty stuck with me as I proceeded throughout my time at the University of Illinois.

—Interview by Evita Zimmerman, New Voices Intern

Journalism and advertising students amplify female head porters’ stories through global course experience in Ghana

April 29, 2026 | Giuliana Means, Communications Intern

Through the course “Globally Focused Advanced Documentary Filmmaking,” five journalism students and three advertising students explored the lives of female head porters, called kayayei, in a faculty-led trip to Accra, Ghana, over spring break.

Group of journalism students and faculty in Ghana

“I know from my experience that traveling and working abroad, especially in Africa, can be an inflection point in one’s life and globally contextualize values,” said Charles “Stretch” Ledford, associate professor of journalism, who has visited more than 55 countries throughout his career. “It was incredibly gratifying to be in a position to provide students this kind of opportunity.”

The course focuses on the labor of the kayayei, young women and girls—some barely in their teens—who migrate from Ghana’s rural north to the country’s urban centers, primarily Accra and Kumasi, in search of work. That work consists of carrying loads that can exceed their own body weight through the city’s sprawling markets, earning the equivalent of less than a dollar per load while exposing themselves to exploitation, musculoskeletal injury, chronic anxiety and depression, and other health and wellness risks.

Focusing on Accra’s Kantamanto used clothing market, the class is producing a documentary focusing on three narratives about kayayei who work there: a day in the life of Sahada Shehabu, a 22-year-old kayayoo; the risks of the work, described by Muhammad Salifu, founder and director of the Kayayei Youth Association; and the role the kayayei play within the market’s economy, explained by Edward Atobrah, deputy general secretary of the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association.

You’re dealing with something that has a real impact, and you’re seeing change happen and immersing yourself in a community that you may not have had an opportunity to [otherwise visit].

Tomi Dugbo

Senior in Advertising

The journalism students will also create a 360º-immersive video, photo essays, an audio segment, and social-media friendly short vertical videos. They are sharing their initial work at the campus Undergraduate Research Symposium on Thursday, April 30, in a poster presentation titled “They Want to Go Home: Ghana’s Kayayei.”

Kaitlyn Devitt, a senior in journalism who worked primarily on the documentary film and 360º-immersive video, says the team worked an average of six hours a day over seven shooting days in three locations.

Devitt wants to pursue international journalism after she graduates, especially after this project, because of how rewarding it was.

“This project was perfect to get my feet wet,” Devitt said. “The topic itself was interesting because these women are my age, and who’s to say this couldn’t be me if I hadn’t had the privilege of growing up in America?”

During the trip, the advertising students worked with the Kayayei Youth Association to amplify their mission. They also communicated the journalism students’ reporting processes on social media and documented their experience through a blog site.

“This experience taught me the importance of collaboration where you’re not only working with advertising students, but journalism students,” said Tomi Dugbo, a senior in advertising. “You’re dealing with something that has a real impact, and you’re seeing change happen and immersing yourself in a community that you may not have had an opportunity to [otherwise visit].”

Advertising students with Marisa Peacock outside Innova DDB Ghana

Advertising students also spent time visiting global ad agencies, such as Innova DDB and Ogilvy Africa Ghana, to analyze cross-cultural campaign approaches. They also plan to develop strategic communications campaigns for partner NGOs.

For all the students, it was their first time producing journalism and strategic communications in a foreign country.

“Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good,” advised Marisa Peacock, senior lecturer of advertising. “There’s always time to refine, edit, and evolve it, but you can’t let the perfect shot stand in the way of getting the work done.”

With only a week to conduct interviews, collect footage, and produce the strategic communications deliverables, the team persevered in an environment that demanded that they adapt quickly.

Adelyn Mui, a senior in journalism, dove headfirst into the project to capture an authentic representation of the women’s stories and overcome the challenges of not having the connections she does when reporting on campus.

“Doing global journalism taught me a lot about journalism in general because those same skills I learned in Ghana, I can apply here locally on campus; they were just amplified since I was in a different country,” Mui said.

Students from Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone and the University of Media, Arts and Communication in Ghana were partners in the project under the umbrella of the Illinois Partnership for African Women’s Health Narratives, spearheaded by Ledford. It is a continuation of his 2023 collaboration with Dr. Francis Sowa, Dean of Faculty of Communication, Media and Information Studies at Fourah Bay College, and new collaborator, Dr. Stephen Tindi, a lecturer at University of Media, Arts and Communication in Accra.

Alison Davis, senior lecturer of journalism, said the Illinois students naturally fell into the role of technological mentors for their West African peers.

“Students from the other countries were able to pick up our equipment and run with it; that’s the collaboration I like to see,” Davis said. “People are not that much different. You get a group of college students together, and they’re all similar. I love that.”

This course continues a broad focus on global women’s health narratives. Ledford and Davis have previously led students to report on local solutions to period poverty in Sierra Leone.

Next year, Ledford hopes to continue the story with reporting in Ghana’s Northern Region, examining how climate change may be accelerating the “push” of young women from Ghana’s rural and relatively poor north to work as kayayei in the country’s more developed south.

See more photos

Major funding was provided by the University of Illinois through the BRIDGE Program, Vision 2030 Global Strategy Implementation Grant, Campus Research Board, Illinois Global Institute, Department of Journalism, the College of Media, and the Karin and Folke Dovring Endowment Fund, with additional support from Lisle International and Sony Electronics.

Photos by and courtesy of Charles “Stretch” Ledford and Marisa Peacock.

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Ryan Hanson

Get to know some of our College of Media students! Ryan Hanson is a Class of 2026 advertising major.

Why did you decide to major in advertising?

I was already interested in advertising due to a research paper I did during my senior year of high school, where I had the opportunity to interview OKRP (now BarkleyOKRP), the agency behind the 2022 Burger King Whopper campaign. I spoke to the account director and the two creatives behind the ad, and after meeting with OKRP, I was able to see and learn about the creative process. I saw how free they were to be creative and realized I wanted that experience in my future career.

Tell me about your time at The Daily Illini as a creative developer.

I started working at The Daily Illini in February 2024 and worked on video production during my first year. The Daily Illini gave me another outlet to hone my skills in video editing and content planning. I then moved on to socials management, which involved sending out newsletters and posting on different platforms. During my time at The Daily Illini, I was able to interview Michael DeCoste, known on campus for his karaoke performances. For assignments, we’re usually in groups of two to three, but in this case, I was working by myself—filming on a tripod using my phone, coming up with questions, editing, and putting it all together with graphics and B-roll. This experience taught me that you have to be flexible when you are working on a story.

What advice would you give to an undergraduate student within the College of Media majoring in advertising?

Students should think about what they’re interested in within media and try everything. There are so many classes in the College of Media and with advertising. Advertising is a larger field than you realize, and there are a lot of opportunities. I had no idea there was a social media certificate. I recommend trying to get certificates. They offer so many in the College of Media. See College of Media certificates.

What are your future career goals, and how is your experience at the College of Media helping you with your goals?

I am interested in working on a creative team at an agency. I want to focus more on the digital side, whether that be social media or digital advertising, as I feel that is where advertising is shifting towards. The College of Media has prepared me for how technology is evolving and how advertising is evolving with it. In ADV 360: Innovations in Advertising, we talked a lot about AI along with search engine optimization. I’d say a lot of professors are making a point of AI right now and how best to use it for the creative process, such as storyboarding, drafting, and generating some ideas.

—Interview by Larimar Rivera, New Voices Intern

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Nina Issel 

Get to know some of our College of Media Students! Nina Issel is a Class of 2027 journalism major.

What made you choose journalism at the College of Media?

I realized I enjoyed opportunities to dive deeply into specific topics whether it was researching global conflicts or exploring complex issues in detail and presenting the information. That curiosity and desire to investigate stories led me to journalism. I saw it as a way to engage with meaningful topics and share them in a more impactful way. Journalism allows me to explore ideas more actively and share them with others.

What has been your favorite journalism class so far, and why?

My favorite class so far has been Journalism 215: Multimedia Reporting. While it’s a required course, I think it’s incredibly valuable because it introduces students to the wide range of skills needed in modern journalism. Before taking the class, I primarily saw myself as a writer. However, JOUR 215 reintroduced me to photography and exposed me to video storytelling, which has since become one of my favorite formats. It helped me realize how essential visual storytelling is in journalism, not just for informing audiences, but for engaging them in the work too.

The class also gave me the confidence to continue developing those skills, which led me to take more advanced courses like video reporting and storytelling. Additionally, the feedback I received was very practical and reflective of real-world journalism, which made the experience even more meaningful. The course helped me discover what I enjoy most about journalism and the direction I want to pursue.

What resources within the College of Media have been most helpful to you as a journalism student?

Through the Media Technology Center and Richmond Studio, students can check out professional-grade cameras, microphones, and other equipment. Access to that equipment and hands-on resources have been incredibly helpful. As someone who initially found the technical side of journalism intimidating, being able to use the tools and connect with knowledgeable staff made a big difference in my work on campus. Being given opportunities to experiment, make mistakes, and learn in a supportive environment has been invaluable. It allows you to build practical skills that are essential in the field, especially when working with multimedia.

What has your experience been like writing for The Daily Illini?

My experience with The Daily Illini has been extremely valuable. I write for the Arts & Entertainment section, where I often focus on topics related to sustainability, technology, and innovation on campus. One of the most impactful aspects has been learning how to manage multiple assignments at once. There are days when I’m attending events, conducting interviews, and working on different stories all within a short timeframe. That fast-paced environment has helped me develop stronger organizational skills and adapt to the rhythm of journalism. It has also given me opportunities to expand my multimedia skills, including photography, especially when covering my own stories. It’s been a great way to gain real-world experience and understand the demands of the profession.

Tell me about your internship experience with Sunugal 24. 

I recently began my internship with Sunugal 24, and it has already been a very insightful experience. Initially, I expected to work at a traditional radio station, but I quickly learned that the organization primarily operates as a digital media platform, focusing on YouTube and social media. This has been especially exciting because I’m very interested in multimedia and social media journalism. I’ve had the opportunity to observe how content is created, analyzed, and distributed, including reviewing audience engagement through analytics and participating in discussions about partnerships and content strategy.

Additionally, working in a multilingual environment where French and Wolof are primarily spoken has given me a new perspective on journalism in a global context. It has challenged me to adapt and think more critically about how information is communicated across different cultures. The experience has strengthened my understanding of digital media and reinforced my interest in pursuing journalism through social and multimedia platforms.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m particularly interested in pursuing a career in explanatory journalism, especially within multimedia and social media platforms. While I’m still exploring specific opportunities, I’m drawn to organizations that focus on breaking down complex issues and providing meaningful context for audiences. I believe that much of the current mistrust in media stems from a lack of context and depth in reporting. In today’s fast-paced, attention-driven environment, stories are often delivered quickly without fully explaining the broader background. I’m interested in helping address that gap by creating content that not only informs but also provides historical and social context. By doing so, I hope to help audiences better understand complex issues and form more informed perspectives.

What advice would you give to College of Media students interested in journalism?

My biggest piece of advice is to make sure journalism aligns not only with your interests, but also with your personality and working style. It’s one thing to value sharing information, but journalism involves a fast-paced, constantly changing workflow. You need to be comfortable diving deeply into a topic and then moving on quickly to the next story. It also often pushes you outside of your comfort zone. If you enjoy that kind of dynamic environment and are curious about a wide range of topics, journalism can be incredibly rewarding. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between your passion for storytelling and the type of work environment that motivates you.

—Interview by Andrea De La Torre, New Voices Intern

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Advertising and ICR faculty, students, alumni present research at 2026 American Academy of Advertising Conference

April 22, 2026

Advertising faculty with appointments in the Institute of Communications Research, doctoral students in ICR, graduate students in advertising, and ICR alumni participated in the 2026 annual conference of the American Academy of Advertising, held March 26-29 in Austin, Texas.

Through presentations and panels, they discussed research and ideas related to teaching AI and advertising, ethics, and more. Advertising Professor Chang-Dae Ham serves as the 2026-27 president-elect of AAA and will become AAA’s president next year.

Below is a list of the Illinois participants and their research.

Special Topic Sessions

“Navigating Advertising Academic Leadership During a Time of Change: An Inside Look at Administration Roles in the Age of A.I., Program Changes, and Industry Upheaval”

Speakers: Huan Chen (University of Florida), Joe Phua (Southern Methodist University), Shu-Chuan (Kelly) Chu (DePaul University), Matthew S Eastin (University of Texas at Austin Professor and Head Michelle Nelson, Soojung Kim (University of North Dakota), Fuyuan Shen (Pennsylvania State University), Tom Reichert (University of South Carolina), Heidi Hennick-Kaminski (Michigan State University), Harsha Gangadharbatia (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

“Teaching Privacy in the Age of AI: Preparing Ethical Advertising Professionals”

Speakers: Kristen Sussman (Texas State University), Faren Karimkhan (Syracuse University), Daniela Molta (Syracuse University), Associate Professor Ewa Maslowska, Carina Alderete (Accenture)

Panels

“Foundational Framework in Virtual Influencer Marketing: Bridging Operational Control and Narrative Archetypes in Virtual Influencer Design”

Speakers: ICR doctoral student Seo-Jeong (Rachel) Heo, Professor and Associate Head of Graduate Studies Chang-Dae Ham

“When Robots Cross the Line: Consumer Moral Judgments of Robots’ Harm and Authority Violations”

Speakers: ICR doctoral student Seo-Jeong (Rachel) Heo, Yuhosua Ryoo (University of Minnesota Duluth), ICR alum WooJin Kim (University of Colorado Boulder)

“Scandals, Morality, and Cancel Culture: How Consumers Judge Brands and Influencers”

Speakers: Saima Kazmi (University of Oregon), Assistant Professor Louvins Pierre, Josh Anderson (University of Arizona)

“When Identity Disclosure Matters: The Interplay of Identity Disclosure, Message Type, and Product Type in AI Influencer Advertising on Social Media”

Speakers: ICR doctoral student Se Il Park, Professor and Associate Head of Graduate Studies Chang-Dae Ham

“Beyond the Algorithm: The Double-Edged Impact of Explainable AI”

Speakers: ICR alum WooJin Kim (University of Colorado Boulder), ICR doctoral student Se Il Park, Professor and Associate Head of Graduate Studies Chang-Dae Ham, ICR alum Un Chae Chung (University of Wisconsin Whitewater)

“Peripheral Cues in a Democracy? Using the Elaboration Likelihood Model to Examine Information Cues and Negativity in Millions of Political TV Advertisements”

Speakers: ICR doctoral student Alice Ji and Professor and Head Michelle Nelson

“Zero-Click Persuasion in LLM Advertising: The Role of Response Structures and Regulatory Mode Fit”

Speakers: ICR doctoral student Seo-Jeong (Rachel) Heo, Yuhosua Ryoo (University of Minnesota Duluth)

“Measuring AI-Advertising Aversion: An Initial Scale Development and Empirical Assessment of Its Relationship with AI Anxiety”

Speakers: Assistant Professor Louvins Pierre, Viviana Carolina Zambrano Rodriguez (University of South Carolina), MS advertising student Jiayi (Joy) Wang

“From Black Box to Glass Box: The Moderating Role of AI Literacy on the Political Matching Effect”

Speakers: ICR alum WooJin Kim (University of Colorado Boulder), ICR doctoral student Se Il Park, ICR alum Un Chae Chung (University of Wisconsin Whitewater), ICR alum Seo Yoon Lee (Texas Christian University), ICR doctoral student Jiyeon Chang

“Adaptive or Defensive? How Perceived Regulatory Efficacy Shapes Consumer Coping with Targeted Advertising”

Speakers: Professor and Associate Head of Graduate Studies Chang-Dae Ham, Ilwoo Ju (Purdue University)

“Signaling Transparency or Triggering Skepticism? Exploring How AI Disclosure in Product Advertising Influences Purchase Intention”

Speakers: Assistant Professor Louvins Pierre, Viviana Carolina Zambrano Rodriguez (University of South Carolina), MS advertising student Jiayi (Joy) Wang, ICR doctoral student Nisa Rahman

Moderators

Professor Sela Sar served as moderator for a panel on the theme of “Rethinking Advertising Research”

ICR doctoral student Yujin (Floria) Lee served as moderator for a panel on the theme of “Social Representation in Advertising”

View photos

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Illinois Public Media recognized with four statewide broadcasting awards, including Best Small Market Radio Station

April 21, 2026 | IPM News

Illinois Public Media won four Crystal Mic Awards from the Illinois News Broadcasters Association.

Radio and television stations from across Illinois entered the contest. Winners were tiered by whether the station is in a small or large market. The judges considered material produced between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025.

Illinois Public Media is a not-for-profit public media service of the College of Media; IPM is the NPR and PBS member stations licensed to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

The station was honored with the following:

INBA Crystal Mic Award: Best Small Market Radio Station

INBA Crystal Mic Award: Best Small Market Radio – Podcasting

INBA Crystal Mic Award: Best Small Market Radio – Breaking News

INBA Crystal Mic Award: Best Small Market Radio – Political Report

Best Small Market Radio – Podcasting

What We Brought is a limited series exploring the Asian American experience in Central Illinois. Through voices from seven Asian American communities, it shares powerful stories of identity, resilience, and the things carried between countries—be it food, memories, language, or the weight of the past. It was reported and produced by Nidhi Shastri with assistance and editing by Kulsoom Khan, Arielle Raveney, and Arjun Thakkar.

Best Small Market Radio – Breaking News

On October 30, 2024, Illinois Public Media journalist Jim Meadows and meteorologist Andrew Pritchard broke into programming on WILL-AM 580 and WILL-FM 90.9 to report on a fast-moving fire on dried-out farmland in eastern Champaign County. The intense flames and massive smoke decreased visibility, closing Interstate 74 for hours.

Best Small Market Radio – Political Report

In the spring of 2025, 11 people competed in the election to fill five open seats on the Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education. Education reporter Emily Hays created an innovative way to explain the candidates’ positions to the public. She asked the members to answer a questionnaire. In addition to on-air reporting, she created an interactive digital story. Users hovered above the board members’ faces as their quotes about particular issues popped up on the screen.

Best Small Market Radio Station

This entry represents a compilation of spot news, features from an in-depth series before the start of the second Trump administration, and excerpts from our new podcast focused on weather and climate as well as our statewide talk show that aired on six NPR member stations at the time. We also included a feature produced with the Illinois Student Newsroom, which is a unique partnership with the Department of Journalism in the College of Media at the University of Illinois. At least 10 students each semester help us with local reporting, including spots and features. Veteran public radio editor Christine Herman edits them.

Read original story: Illinois Public Media recognized with four statewide broadcasting awards, including Best Small Market Radio Station – IPM Newsroom

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Media students to present at 2026 Undergraduate Research Symposium

April 20, 2026

Students from all majors in the College of Media will participate in the annual University of Illinois Undergraduate Research Week, held April 26-May 2.

Update June 2, 2026: The team of journalism students who presented “They Want to Go Home: Ghana’s Kayayei” received an Outstanding Poster Presentation Award.

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At the Undergraduate Research Symposium, the signature event held on Thursday, April 30, at the Illini Union, students across campus will present their research.

Below is a list of Media student presentations as well as acknowledgements of Media graduate students and faculty who have mentored students presenting at Undergraduate Research Week.

See the full program.

Oral Presentations

Student Activism, Advocacy & Belonging

Queering the Dorm: Tracing Allen Hall’s LGBTQ History Through Oral History
Jenny Lin, Senior, Journalism
(Research Mentor: Siobhan Somerville, Gender & Women’s Studies)

Analyzing Intersectional Discrimination

Film Study on How 1990s Western-centric Narratives Impact the Representation of Chinese Characters
Yidan Hu, Sophomore, Media & Cinema Studies
(Research Mentor: Carrie Wilson-Brown, Media & Cinema Studies and Advertising)

Poster Presentations

Social Science & Human Behavior

An Analysis of Marketing Strategies and Best Practices in Agritourism Businesses
Hailey Kotowski, Senior, Advertising
(Research Mentor: Renata Endres, Recreation, Sport & Tourism)

Learning & Human Development

From Screen to Shopping Cart: Consumer Responses to “As-Seen-In” Shoppable Ads in Streaming Television
Abby Wilson, Junior, Advertising
(Research Mentor: Michelle Nelson, Advertising)

BTW 250 Ideas Expo

Identifying a Refined Mission for the Union Courtyard Café
                Katie Fedorski, Sophomore, Undeclared, EXP
                George Lefebvre, Sophomore, Environmental Social Sciences, ACES
                Case Rosenfeld, Freshman, Business Undeclared, BUS
                Ally Szarek, Sophomore, Advertising

Society, Culture & Social Issues

Creating With Compliance: A Student-Led Usability & Engagement Study
                Pihu Chawra, Sophomore, Industrial Design, FAA
                Thea Abang, Sophomore, Computer Science + Advertising
                Glyce Mitchell, Sophomore, Computer Science + Advertising
                R. Talagadadeevi, Sophomore, Computer Science + Advertising
                (Research Mentor: Marisa Peacock, Advertising)

Cells & Molecules

Effect of Lithium Salt Concentration on Ion Motion in PEO-Based Polymer Electrolytes

Yueming Gong, Sophomore, Media & Cinema Studies
(Research Mentors: Varun Nelavoy, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering & Christy Landes, Chemistry)

Data & Information

An EEG-Based Computational Pipeline for Affective Measurement of Consumer Sentiment
                Alexia Rendon, Senior, Computer Science + Advertising
                Ocean Ng, Sophomore, Computer Science, ENG
                Aditi Cherukuri, Sophomore, Brain & Cognitive Science, LAS
                Zaynab Ahmad, Junior, Neuroscience, LAS
                Bilal Arif, Freshman, Computer Science, ENG
                (Research Mentor: Marisa Peacock, Advertising)

Nature, Life & Environment

Genetic Disorders in Domestic Cats: Inheritance Patterns and Ethical Breeding Implications
                Ziyi Wang, Sophomore, Advertising
                Taoran LI, Freshman, Comparative & World Literature, LAS
                (Research Mentor: Alicia Schneider, Animal Sciences)

Social Issues & Policy

They Want to Go Home: Ghana’s Kayayei—Outstanding Poster Presentation Award
                Adelyn Mui, Senior, Journalism
                Prayse Odomes, Senior, Journalism
                Samuel Rink, Junior, Journalism
                Samuel Yohnka, Junior, Journalism
                Kaitlyn Devitt, Senior, Journalism
                (Research Mentors: Alison Davis, Journalism & Charles “Stretch” Ledford, Journalism)

Social Science & Human Behavior

Algorithmic Temporality and Parasocial Connection in Influencers
Cody Drake, Junior, Advertising
(Research Mentor: Veranika Paltaratskaya, Institute of Communications Research)

Food Systems

Bridging Research and Public Understanding: Inclusive Digital Engagement for Agrifood and Climate Data
                Ektarit Nophaket, Sophomore, Computer Science + Advertising
                Christina Chen, Senior, Advertising
                Zhuoyi Wu, Senior, Advertising
                (Research Mentor: Marisa Peacock, Advertising)

Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program 2026 Cohort

The Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program offers undergrads with little or no research experience the opportunity to work with graduate students and post-doctoral scholars on their research projects, explore the culture and process of research, and build on their existing abilities within a community of scholars. Running each Spring semester, the program consists of a one-on-one research experience with their research mentor, and the Introduction to Research course, designed to complement the research mentoring experience, orienting undergraduate mentees to broader topics in the research process.

Thea Abang, Freshman, CS + Advertising
(Research Mentor: Marisa Peacock, Design for Responsible Innovation)
Cody Drake, Junior, Advertising, and Sustainable Design, FAA
(Research Mentor: Veranika Paltaratskaya, Institute of Communications Research)

Media Research Mentors

Science & Technology | 12:15 – 1:30 PM, Illini Rooms ABC & South Lounge

Creating an Inclusive IT Learning Space: Understanding Media Literacy and Technology Access for Retired Older Adults
Maaike Niekerk, Senior, English, LAS
(Research Mentor: Stephanie Craft, Journalism)

Student Activism, Advocacy & Belonging | 3:45 – 5:00 PM, Room 213

The Impermanence Problem: Building Durable Student Advocacy at the University of Illinois
Hunter Farnham, Senior, CS + Economics, LAS
(Research Mentor: Matthew Ehrlich, Journalism)

Social Science & Human Behavior | 3:45 – 5:00 PM, Ballroom (2nd Floor)

Mindless Scrolling, Cognitive Control, and Psychological Well-Being: Correlational Evidence from a Stroop-Based Study
Pushti Vora, Senior, Brain & Cognitive Science, LAS
(Research Mentor: Kevin Wise, Advertising)

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Maria Emilia Mancero

Get to know some of our College of Media students! Maria Emilia Mancero is a Class of 2026 advertising major.

What led you to your decision to major in advertising at Illinois?

I’ve always been artistically inclined, so I knew I wanted to major in something where I could still be creative. Advertising checked all those boxes for me. Once I realized that was the path I wanted to pursue, I started searching for schools that offered strong advertising programs.

Illinois immediately stood out to me because it has the oldest advertising program in the country, and as someone from Chicago, I liked that it was still relatively close to home. I also liked that the curriculum felt more specialized. It includes a lot of creativity but still gives students the flexibility to shape the major around their own interests. That was reassuring for me because I didn’t want to pursue something that was overly technical or heavily mathematical. I wanted room to explore different creative directions, and the Illinois advertising program gave me that opportunity. Along with the university’s large network and resources, Illinois felt like the best place for me to study advertising.

What advertising course has been the most valuable to you?

A course that stood out for me was ADV 360: Innovations in Advertising, which introduced me to a lot of the technology and strategy behind modern advertising. I also took ADV 480: Social Media Analytics, where we learned about things like Google search, organic search results, and key metrics such as impressions, clicks, and click-through rates. Even though I originally preferred the creative side of advertising, I found myself deeply interested in ad technology and the analytical side of the field.

I also took ADV 392: Advertising Immersion and Experiential Learning, which allowed me to apply what I was learning. We worked on running Amazon advertising campaigns, developed bidding strategies, and analyzed performance data to see whether our campaigns were successful. I found it fascinating because while creativity plays a role in strategy, it ultimately comes down to understanding the numbers and how to use them effectively. These classes opened my eyes to a new side of advertising I knew I wanted to pursue.

What has your experience been like in the American Advertising Foundation?

I joined AAF during my freshman year and was involved for about two years. I was a part of On The House, which is an agency within AAF that allows students to work on real client projects. Our team worked with a local Mexican restaurant in the Urbana-Champaign area, where we helped with rebranding and designed new menus. It was a really valuable experience because it was likely the first time many of us had ever worked directly with a client—already building experience as freshman. Since the owner primarily spoke Spanish, I was able to communicate with them in Spanish and help bridge that connection with our team, which made the experience even more meaningful for me. I was also involved in AAF’s DEI committee; now known as the Pangaea agency, where we planned cultural events and initiatives within the organization. While it was more community-focused, it was still a great way to connect with others in the advertising program and get more involved in AAF.

What are your career goals after graduating from Illinois, and how has the College of Media helped prepare you for them?

My long-term goal is to work in product marketing or product management. I’ve become really interested in roles where you can help take a product from the initial idea all the way through launch and marketing. I like the idea of combining the creative and strategic skills I learned in advertising while also growing into more of a leadership role focused on a single product.

The College of Media has been really supportive in helping me prepare for these goals. The advisors and faculty are very approachable and always willing to talk with students, which makes a big difference. My advisor has been a great support system, and I’ve always felt comfortable reaching out to professors for guidance. The small size of the college allows for more intimate connections compared to larger colleges, where that isn’t as easy. The college also emphasizes hands-on projects and collaboration in many classes, which has helped me build skills that are vital in advertising. Additionally, Media Career Services frequently provides great networking and career opportunities for students. Overall, the college provides many resources for students to grow in their respective fields.

What advice do you have for students trying to secure internships?

My biggest advice is to leverage the experiences you already have. When applying for internships, I talked about the courses I took at Illinois that introduced me to the skills and topics relevant to the role. It’s important to show employers that you’re intentionally pursuing opportunities that align with your interests. I would also encourage students not to limit themselves geographically or professionally. My current part-time role as a search engine specialist came through a family connection with a marketing agency based in Ecuador, which is where I’m originally from. Working remotely with an international team has allowed me to gain more experience while also using my Spanish. Stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to really rewarding opportunities!

What advice do you have for incoming advertising and media students?

I would advise students not to limit yourself based on what you initially think you want to do. When I first started, I thought I wanted to focus purely on the creative side of advertising, like designing billboards and ads. But once I explored more of the curriculum, I realized my interests were actually in other areas of the field. The advertising program offers a wide range of courses across different areas like strategy, technology, and creative work, so I encourage students to take advantage of that. Try classes in different parts of the curriculum and stay curious rather than feeling like you need to decide on a specific path right away. Being open to exploring different areas can help you discover interests you might not have expected and ultimately find the direction that fits you best!

—Interview by Alexa Camacho Villicana, New Voices Intern

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Liliana Rodriguez

Get to know some of our College of Media students! Liliana Rodriguez is a Class of 2026 journalism major.

What led you to your decision to major in journalism at Illinois?

Since high school, I knew I wanted to be in front of the camera and behind the mic. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and connecting with people. Although my high school didn’t offer journalism or broadcasting classes, I took initiative by contributing to the school newspaper and reporting on football games. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what journalism was, but that experience confirmed my interest to pursue journalism as a career path. Choosing journalism at Illinois felt like a natural next step.

During freshman orientation, I toured Richmond Studio and saw firsthand the professional resources available to journalism students. The newsroom and industry-standard equipment reassured me that I would have the opportunity to gain real, hands-on experience early on. Ultimately, Illinois stood out because of the opportunities it offered and the experiences I knew I could gain here.

What journalism course has been the most valuable to you?

The most valuable course I’ve taken is JOUR 340: Video Reporting and Storytelling with senior lecturer Alison Davis. In this class, I developed practical skills in writing, producing, and presenting video content in a way that is both informative and engaging. Overall, the class helped me grow as both a communicator and storyteller. More importantly, the course reinforced my confidence in pursuing journalism as a career.

What has your experience been like in Fighting Illini Productions?

I currently hold a video production internship at Fighting Illini Productions. Through this internship, I’ve gained hands-on experience in television production and had the opportunity to work with the Big Ten Network’s StudentU, where I was able to serve as an analyst for Illinois softball and provide live commentary during games. Through Fighting Illini Productions, I’ve strengthened my skills both on and off camera within my area of interest in sports media production. I also had the opportunity to intern with the Chicago Sky this past summer, which further expanded my professional experience and network.

What are your career goals after graduating from Illinois, and how has the College of Media helped prepare you for them?

After graduating, I plan to continue pursuing a career in sports and entertainment media, ideally in a role that allows me to be on camera and engage directly with audiences. While sports media has always been my primary interest, my experiences in the College of Media have encouraged me to explore other areas of journalism, including science journalism, media law, and business reporting. Opportunities to interview music and entertainment groups helped me realize that my interests extend beyond sports and into the broader entertainment industry. My long-term goal is to work in a role where I can interview celebrities and influential figures, particularly at major events such as award shows.

The College of Media has prepared me for this path by providing hands-on experience in video production, editing, and storytelling. I’ve developed technical skills using Adobe platforms, as well as experience in photography and audio editing. Just as importantly, I’ve grown more confident in my ability to communicate with others and navigate professional environments. Overall, Illinois has played a key role in shaping both my development as a journalist and my growth as an individual. I’m truly so grateful.

What advice do you have for incoming journalism students?

My biggest piece of advice is to enjoy the moment and to not get too caught up in the pressure. It’s easy to become overwhelmed trying to find the perfect story, secure sources, or worry about whether your work will be accepted. It’s important to remember that professors are there to support you, whether helping you find a new angle or reaching out to a source. The College of Media really tries to understand and engage with their students. Because the College of Media is relatively small, students have many opportunities to build relationships with professors and receive one-on-one support. Sometimes all you need to do is take a step back and breathe. Time goes by faster than you think—I can’t believe I’m already a senior preparing to graduate. Make the most out of your undergraduate experience and have fun!

—Interview by Alexa Camacho Villicana, New Voices Intern

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P&G learned how to sell soap then created iconic brands

April 15, 2026 | USA Today

Ivory was one of the first packaged goods that led the branding revolution.

Jason P. Chambers

Professor of Advertising

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this year, the USA Today network is taking a look at iconic companies that were founded and flourished in the nation.

Jason P. Chambers, professor of advertising and associate dean for access and engagement, shared his insights on the branding impact of Proctor & Gamble (P&G), the makers of Ivory soap, in the “Iconic Brands” series, which celebrates American ingenuity with a deeply reported examination of how brands intersect with history, community, and everyday life.

Chambers said brands like P&G emerged in the last decades of the 19th century as the manufacturing industry surged after the Civil War. Not only did the economy get bigger due to growing steel, railroad, and oil industries, but American consumers changed as well.

As more laborers worked in factories, not farms, they had more money, but less time. Consumers were more inclined to buy items that a previous generation would have made themselves—from clothing to crackers to soap, he added.

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