PRos in Training

I’m honored to have been ask to serve on a whole slew of thesis committees this year. With the term coming to a rapid close (just 5 more weeks), defense season is in high gear.

Over the next five weeks (plus), I’ll hear about a lot of interesting research. I hope to share more with you as the students finish. But in the meantime, here’s a glimpse and a link to the students’ blogs, twitter feeds, etc. so you can keep up with their work… if you’re so inclined. These are some pretty smart students – both grads and undergrads – and anyone would be lucky to have them as part their team.

Leona Laurie: Blog and Twitter
Leona’s master’s thesis for the School of Journalism and Communication looks at how Web 2.0 is changing traditional marketing and, specifically, the 4 Ps. She’s looking at two media companies – one more traditional and one less so – and how the marketing mix is changing. Leona is spoken for, by the way, so you’re too late to hire her.

Lindsey Durrell: Blog and Twitter
Lindsey is in our Honors College at the University of Oregon. Her thesis is looking at a specific case study of blogger relations; looking at the broader issues that are played out in the blogosphere and in public relations every day and then applying them to a particular case.

Emily Tormey: Blog and Twitter
Emily’s research is looking at how nonprofits can (or should) use special events to attract younger donors. Emily, also an Honors College student, is interested in event planning, but specifically wants to work with a nonprofit to plan events that really make a difference. I know this research will serve her well!

Nick Cummings: Blog
Nick, also an Honors College student, is looking at which uses and gratifications virtual worlds fulfill for their users. A gamer and resident of Second Life, Nick has a unique perspective and I’m looking forward to learning about his results.

Windy Hovey
Windy, a master’s student, focuses her research on how nonprofits can use social media to cultivate relationships. She’s looking at a particular nonprofit that uses blogging, video and Flickr and talking to people inside and outside the organization to learn how it works for them.

So, as you can see by the time summer rolls around, I’ll be that much smarter. I’m looking forward to helping these students finish and learning a lot in the process.