This past July, Sofia Zavala, an incoming Senior at Florida State University (FSU), attended the first-ever Girls Inc. Girls Leading Change Summit in St. Louis, Missouri. “I have been attending Girls Inc. since I was a little girl, and I have a very deep love for it,” said Zavala. “I think it’s a great organization …
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News from the CCI School Communication
SCOM Student Sofia Zavala Attends the first-ever Girls Inc. Girls Leading Change Summit in St. Louis
SCOM 2026 Ph.D. Cohort Graduates Take Career Next Steps Around the Country
The School of Communication’s (SCOM) graduating Ph.D. cohort is taking the next step in their academic careers, accepting faculty and research positions at universities across the country. Among the graduates, Akansha Kharkwal accepted a Postdoctoral Research Associate position at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Sun Young “Sunny” Park accepted a postdoctoral fellowship …
CONTINUE READINGSCOM Alumna Shelly Joines Recognized as Finalist for The Tallahassee Woman Magazine Women on Fire Awards
In June 2026, Shelly Joines (B.S. ‘07) was named a Top 3 finalist for the Innovator Award at the Women on Fire Awards. This event is presented by Tallahassee Woman Magazine and honors local female innovators, business owners, and trailblazers within different professions and industries. “Receiving this recognition fills me with gratitude of what …
CONTINUE READINGNew Research on the Effects of AI Disclosure on Perception of News Credibility
A new study, Are all uses of AI created equal? An experimental review of AI disclosure types on credibility, that examines how different AI disclosure labels influence audience perceptions and whether the wording of those disclosures affects credibility, was published in Journalism. That work was conducted by School Director and Professor, Dr. Patrick Merle, alongside …
CONTINUE READINGSCOM Alumnus Christopher Waldeck Receives Golden Ticket at Netflix’s Kill Tony
Comedian and entertainer Christopher Waldeck (B.S. ’13) appeared on Kill Tony this past April and received the Golden Ticket, a recognition that gives comedians a guaranteed spot to return to the show and showcase their work. Kill Tony is a live stand-up comedy show and podcast that features aspiring or amateur comedians who must perform …
CONTINUE READINGNew Ideas, New Initiatives: Dr. Patrick Merle Reflects on the Leadership Academy
What began as an opportunity to learn alongside higher education leaders from across the country has become a source of new ideas for the future of Florida State University’s School of Communication. After completing the 2026 Scripps Howard Leadership Academy, Dr. Patrick Merle reflected on the experience and the lessons he hopes to bring back …
CONTINUE READINGCCI Alumni Working Abroad in London
This past May, Dean Michelle Kazmer of the College of Communication and Information (CCI) traveled to London, where she caught up with CCI alumni Dr. Arif Dagli, Dr. Ummuhan Yesil, and Gianna Mitchell. The visit highlighted the many ways alumni are building careers and making a global impact. Gianna Mitchell, a CCI graduate who received …
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