Three AU Communication Students to Present at URCA

URCA, also known as Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Symposium, will be held at Ashland University on Wednesday April 8th. This University-wide conference gives students the opportunity to present their research and concepts that they have worked on leading up to this point. These categories can range from the fine arts, the humanites, the social sciences, and the natural sciences. Three students in our Department of Communication Studies (DOCS)  program will be scheduled to present this day.

Sophomores Haley Pittman and Courtney Troyer have worked together to prepare and present "Then and Now: The Kardiac Kids," while Senior Lauren Miller will be presenting "Obama and Isis." Their abstracts are available to be read below.

 Then and Now: The Kardiac Kids

Courtney Troyer and Haley Pittman  

Students’ Majors: Sport Communication and Public Relations (CT); Sport Communication, Public Relations, and Health and Risk Communication (HP)

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Dariela Rodriguez, Communication

"The 1980 Cleveland Browns, commonly known as the Kardiac Kids, was a team to remember for the dedicated fans of Cleveland.  Giving fans a last minute victory was a reason enough to go into “kardiac” arrest, quickly to earn the respectable name.  This nerve-wracking but victorious team directly connects to the concept of a sports hero in mythology and how people treat this concept as if it is their religion.  The concept of mythology dates back to the age of the ancient Greeks.  In Greek mythology, heroes were seen to be bigger than the average man, achieving historic accomplishments, victories.  In the world of sport, the sport heroes were created in the same manner. Although many sports heroes may not be victorious with every move they make, they will always be looked back upon and be remembered as legendary because of their accomplishments.  Without the product of the media in today’s society, these sport legends would not be as recognizable and made to be who they are today.  As we move forward from 1980 away from the Kardiac Kids, statistics show that the “Kardiac Kids 2.0” are on the rise in the Brown’s 2014 NFL season. In preparation for our analysis of this topic, we researched old articles and stories that were written about the 1980 Browns team.  We then continued to search for articles that were written during the 2014 season about this years’ Cleveland Browns to show the comparisons that were being made between the two teams."

Obama and ISIS

Lauren Miller  

Student’s Major: Health and Risk Communication

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Dariela Rodriguez, Communication

"Through great events in time, the media has adopted the techniques of media framing and agenda setting to effectively report the news. These techniques allow the media to emphasize topics and frame specific parts of a story. However, such framing often results in a bias towards one party over the other. For example, news affiliates such as NBC use agenda setting to downplay the actions of one political party by highlighting specific quotes or phrases. Media framing has also been used as effective tool drawing attention to specific parts of a story. In recent months, an organization known as Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has made its presence known to the world through wartime acts and plots intended to bring harm to westerners. Agenda setting and media framing have been the key components to how the media has portrayed and reported news about ISIS. A content analysis of news stories garnered from news websites (e.a., Fox News, CNN) indicated that Americans are at risk for being swayed in the direction of the news source political affiliation.  Regardless of the media outlet, viewers only have a short segment to which they can create their own opinion on the matter."

Avtgis Honored with Academic Mentor Award

Each year, students are invited to nominate Ashland University faculty members for a prestigious Academic Mentor Award. Faculty members who are nominated have served as mentors to their students and have provided a track of excellent educational experiences for their students that include guidance, challenges, and opportunities above and beyond the classroom. These mentors have helped students to achieve not only academic excellence, but have been counselors to these students throughout their years at Ashland University. This year, senior Nell Cronin nominated Dr. Theodore Avtgis, chair and professor of communication studies, as her mentor.

Avtgis was one of eight faculty mentors honored at the 29th Annual Academic Mentor Awards recognition luncheon held on January 30 at the John C. Myers Convocation Center.
 
 "It truly is an honor to be nominated and selected for the Ashland University Academic Mentor Award by Nell. Nell was the first student I recruited to AU. Over the last four years we have worked on many projects and I consider her my academic daughter. To see how far she has come in that time is the biggest reward. The fact that she attributes even a small amount of her success to my influence is truly humbling," says Avtgis.

Nell Cronin is from Cincinnati, Ohio. She is a senior double majoring in public relations and strategic communication and health and risk communication.
She presented Avtgis with an engraved silver plate and her nomination letter during the luncheon.

Avtgis, who came to AU in 2011, received his Ph.D. from Kent State University in 1999 and has assisted on the faculty of St. John’s University, West Virginia University, and the University of Akron. He has presented over 115 conference papers and has had the opportunity of publishing over 55 peer-reviewed book chapters and articles.

Concussions Causing Serious Concerns

by Halee Heironimus

Would you believe that sports are the third leading cause of concussions?  Believe it, because over the past three years, concussions have reached a more serious level that could consequently affect the future of sports.

Coaches and officials are beginning to experience the challenges that concussions bring to sports. Head football coach Lee Owens expressed his concern for football.

“The future of the game is in danger because of head injuries,” he said.

On Monday, March 24, Secretary of the Sport Communication Club Megan Salatino held a forum regarding concussions. Students and faculty gathered in the Student Center Auditorium to receive information and get their questions answered from six panelists: Owens, Mark Hamilton, Dariela Rodriguez, Melissa Snyder, Dennis Gruber and Mike Millward.

Questions included the myths, treatments, and studies of concussions over the years. The myth concerning how concussions happen is well-known; one has to be hit in the head to be concussed. That’s proven not always true, though; concussions can also occur by a severe jolt of the body.  

Another myth about treatments is that people shouldn't rest, that they should awake every four hours.  Panelists disagreed with that myth. It’s suggested that one must rest in a dark room for at least 24 hours with no phone, television or exciting music. Any activity that raises one’s blood pressure and heart rate raises symptoms.

Rodriguez, an assistant professor of Communication Studies, compared concussion symptoms as a “grey area” because every individual’s reaction is different.

One certainty, though, is the signs of concussions: dizziness, nausea, headache and the biggest sign, emotion instability.

Millward and Gruber, Director of Athletic Training, stated the impact concussions have on emotions.

“Players will say ‘My headache is gone, but I don’t feel like myself,’” Millward said.

Dr. Gruber said, “Emotion is the last sign to resolve.”

So how many concussions are too many? When is it time to quit? Again, it’s individualized, depending on the severity and recovery.

Panelists’ stated that each concussion you have, you are more likely to have a second one. Concussions tend to get worse after the first, and symptoms last longer. Multiple concussions, or even one severe, cause the brain to deteriorate, resulting long-term consequences such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, hearing loss, behavioral issues and even death.

Thankfully, the awareness of the severity with concussions has spread over the past few years. People are beginning to realize the long-term consequences and taking “the bell was rung” more seriously. For Ashland University, staff members conduct computer testing, also known as a neurocognitive test, a balance test, an impact test and a question test on all athletes.

“We now have a better understanding of what we need to do on our end,” said Gruber.

As for Coach Owens, he’s struggling with the progress. He reflected on how the game has changed over the last two to three years in order to prevent injuries, including limited contact during practice.

“It feels like we’re taking the physical part of the game away,” he said, “But if we don’t be proactive, we will lose the game completely.”

Millward compares the progress from a different perspective.

“It’s like warriors went to battle and got betrayed for what they went to battle for,” he said.

When it comes to concussions, many factors come into play. One thing is for certain, though, and that’s to take care of head injuries right away.

Scary Scene on Dallas Ice

Daniel Greenway

3/13/2014

Monday night at a National Hockey League game between the Dallas Stars and the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets, a scary scene unfolded as the Stars’ center, Rich Peverley, collapsed on the Dallas bench. Peverley collapsed due to a reported heart problem; he had surgery prior to this season for an irregular heart beat ESPN Dallas reported. The game was postponed as neither team felt like finishing it, at the time of Peverley’s collapse the Stars trailed the Blue Jackets 1-0 early in the first period. Peverley was conscious as he was taken off the bench and rushed to a local hospital; Dr. Gil Salazar stated that they treated Peverley for a “cardiac event” using chest compressions and a defibrillator to bring rhythm back to his heart was successful (ESPN Dallas). 

The scene in Dallas is a perfect example of risk communication at its finest. The Dallas Stars play in an arena (American Airlines Arena) where a defibrillator is mandatory. Having quick access to the defibrillator as well as a swift action by the team and staff saved precious seconds that are critical in these situations. Understanding risk communication and how to create a crisis plan is crucial in these life-threatening situations. The sports industry is always looking for educated and experienced individuals who understand risk and crisis communication principles.

Ashland University’s programs in health and risk communication as well as sport communication look at events such as this to educate their students. Anyone who is interested in the Sport or Health career fields can find their calling at Ashland University, gain valuable real world experience and learn from events such as this in Dallas and apply them in a positive learning environment. 

Salatino Wins Outstanding Poster Award at OCA

Megan Salatino and Dr. Avtgis

Congratulations to Megan Salatino for winning the Outstanding Undergraduate Poster award at the recent Ohio Communication Association's annual conference. Megan, a sophomore majoring in public relations, presented the first phase of her research: "Applying Expectancy Violation Theory in Skin Cancer Diagnosis".

"I chose to do this project after my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last year, and she explained to me that her doctor violated her expectation in a negative way.  Because of this, I wanted to explore and determine violations that occur between a provider and patient when relaying a basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or malignant melanoma diagnosis to a patient," said Megan.

In taking on this research, Megan hopes to help physicians and patients become more mindful in interpreting non-verbal behavior when delivering a disease diagnosis.

"Patients may become psychologically aroused if their expectations are violated," states Megan.

In the next phase of her research, Megan will be collecting data on how patients perceived their diagnosis and whether or not their expectations were violated.

Megan would like to coach healthcare providers in using verbal and non-verbal delivery techniques so the provider is more aware of his or her behavior when delivering a specific type of diagnosis, as well as adjust to any perceived violations from the patient.

Megan presented her research at the 77th annual Ohio Communication Association Conference, held at Marietta College, on October 4 and 5. During the poster session, judges reviewed the posters in a variety of areas including construction of the poster, presentation skills, and the research presented. The award was presented during the conference's business meeting on Saturday afternoon.

"When I heard Megan's name announced it made me so proud as she is really growing into a budding young scholar. The fact that she is only in her sophomore year makes the honor that much more incredible.  I can't wait to see the quality of research she will put forth in the next two years," says Dr. Theodore Avtgis, Megan's faculty advisor.

"Over the past two years the Department of Communication Studies student research productivity has been incredible.  Through the faculty's commitment to building a "culture of scholarship" we have seen great success from our students in terms of conference papers, poster presentations, book chapters, and peer-reviewed articles. In fact, this is the second year in a row that an AU student has won the top undergraduate poster award. It is clear that both the students are fully reflecting the department motto of 'Leave No Doubt'," said Avtgis.

AU Well Represented at Ohio Communication Assocation Conference

Andrew Hart and Chrissy Thompson

Eight students and three faculty members traveled to Marietta College to attend the 77th annual Ohio Communication Association (OCA) Conference on October 4 and 5.

Three posters presentations were accepted to the conference:

"Ashland University's Greek Life: Changing Your Thoughts" by Lauren Fattlar, Andrew Hart, Sarah O'Connell, Chrissy Thompson, and Kayla Toth.

Sarah O'Connell, Kayla Toth, and Lauren Fattlar

"Young Team Doing Big Things: A Campaign for the Lake Erie Crushers" by Adena Siefert, Andrew Hart, Ashley Van Gilder, Chrissy Thompson, Christina Maidich, and Kate Lentz.

"Applying Expectancy Violation Theory to Skin Cancer Diagnosis" by Megan Salatino.

Megan Salatino

Dr. Theodore Avtgis, chair of the Department of Communication Studies, serves as OCA's vice president.

Dr. Dariela Rodriguez, assistant professor and Sport Communication Coordinator in the Department of Communication Studies, serves as OCA's conference coordinator.

Dr. Kimberly Field-Springer also attended and participated on a panel discussion.

This is the second year that the department has sent students to the conference. This year's theme was "Keystones of Communication: Scholarship, Spirit, and Service". The conference encourages opportunities for engagement in thought-provoking, meaningful, scholarly discussions, as well as, networking opportunities with colleagues from across Ohio and beyond.

2013 Fall Colloquium a Great Success

The Department of Communication Studies (DOCS) hosted a colloquium "Making a Positive Difference" in which students presented their research projects from Spring 2013 to AU students, faculty, and staff.

The colloquium gave the DOCS students a chance to showcase their hard work, as well practice for the upcoming Ohio Communication Association (OCA) conference this Friday and Saturday.

Attendees circulated the room, looked over the posters and listened as the students' presented their work. Attendees were able to ask questions about the research - which gave valuable practice to the students.

The students will head to Marietta College on Friday to attend the 77th annual OCA conference. They will present their posters Saturday morning. During the conference, students will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking, meaningful, and scholarly discussions, as well as participate in many networking opportunities with colleagues from across Ohio and beyond.

Representing AU at the conference will be: Chris Manthey, Andrew Hart, Chrissy Thompson, Kayla Toth, Sarah O'Connell, Megan Salatino, Lauren Fattlar, and Emma Tappel.

AU students, faculty and staff gathered to hear the research projects of DOCS students.

Lauren Fattlar and Sarah O'Connell discuss "Ashland University's Greek Life: Changing Your Thoughts"

Andrew Hart discusses ideas from his group's project: "Young Team Doing Big Things: Campaign for the Lake Erie Crushers".

Megan Salatino answers questions from Dr. Cindy Moseman. Megan's project is titled "Applying Expectancy Violation Theory in Skin Cancer Diagnosis".

Faculty and Students Present Research at Conference

Several of the D.O.C.S. faculty and students presented research at the 104 annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association annual convention held in Pittsburgh, PA. Senior Megan Wise of North Canton, OH, presented her work Detecting Deceptive Communication through Computer Mediated Technology: Applying Interpersonal Deception Theory to Texting Behavior.
“Presenting at the Eastern Communication Association Conference was an incredible experience for me both as a student and a professional,” Wise said. “I had the opportunity to present my research on a regional platform and I was also able to network with individuals in the communications field. I had a great time presenting my research on deceptive communication via text messaging and I enjoyed engaging in conversation with professionals who provided me with ideas to further my research.”

Senior Christina Miadich of Garfield Heights, OH, presented her work titled The Theory of Interpersonal Communication Motives: A Review of Literature. “Being able to present at the Eastern Communication Conference was a remarkable opportunity and great way to end my senior year,” Miadich said. “I am fortunate that the Department of Communication Studies at Ashland University is motivating students to complete their own research and encouraging them to present their research at conferences because it is a wonderful chance to grow as a student.”

Drs. Dariela Rodriguez and Theodore Avtgis also presented research at the conference.  Dr. Rodriguez participated in a round table discussion titled The Organizational Confluence of Health Care and Communication. Dr. Avtgis presented the following papers: 1. Communicating from the field of crisis: First responder communication; 2. Assessing the accuracy of trauma patient prioritization: Assessing the efficiency of the M.I.S.E.R. categorization and communication channel in crisis communication; 3. The longitudinal efficacy of communication instruction in a surgical residency program: Preliminary data; 4. Round table participant: The organizational confluence of health care and communication