Backpack students visit the Hubbard School's Research Day to hear from faculty and grad students about their latest work.
For students at the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, understanding the future of journalism, media and communication means looking beyond the classroom. On November 7, 2025, the school’s Research Day offered that opportunity — bringing the work of scholars directly to students and sharing how research shapes the conversations driving today’s industries.
Hubbard faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students presented studies including anti-stigma campaigns, targeted advertising, women’s sports media coverage, and more. Professors, including María Len-Ríos, Marco Yzer, Emily Vraga, Ruth DeFoster, Dunja Antunovic, Rita Tang, Claire Segijn, Sarah Gollust and Trevor Zaucha led presentations, Q&A, and book discussions that invited students to think critically about the challenges they will face as future media professionals.
The result was a day filled with curiosity, thoughtful dialogue and glimpses into the real-world complexities behind the research students encounter in class.
Research Highlight
One highlight of the day came from Assistant Professor Ruth DeFoster, who shared insights from her book, "The Fear Knot," and from her ongoing research on how terrorism, mass shooting and tragedy are framed in media coverage.
Her talk examined how narratives of fear are built around complex and emotionally charged issues — and how those narratives are shaping public understanding of risk, safety and “the other.”
“Most of our fears are culturally constructed, whether it’s fear of immigrants or fear of terrorism,” she shared. “And the fact that they’re learned means they can be unlearned, too.”
For students, her talk offered a critical reminder of how profoundly language, framing and media routines affect the way audiences make sense of tragedy and risk. It also offered an important reminder: the media professionals of tomorrow will have the responsibility to communicate not only with accuracy, but with empathy as well.
Engagement at the Center of Research Day
Beyond the presentations, students shared the strong sense of community and collaboration that defines research at Hubbard.
“I would say it’s supportive — you always have to make connections and work with people,” says graduate student Zhiya Gao when asked about research in communication. “You may have different knowledge bases, but as long as you’re welcoming to different ideas, you can make it work together.”
Why Research Matters
Research Day showed students not only what scholars study, but why it matters. It provides a firsthand look at how professionals continue learning throughout their careers and how research informs real-world practice.
At the Hubbard School, events like this help students connect theory to practice and see how research directly impacts the work they will do in the field. Students are constantly encouraged to bring their own curiosity into the conversations and innovations that will influence the media landscape they are preparing to enter.
Learn more about the Hubbard School’s research opportunities.
By Ashaar Ali, Backpack student
