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Dr. Imran Mazid

Dr. Imran Mazid is an Associate Professor in the School of Communications at Grand Valley State University. His research focuses on the strategic use of social media in public relations, particularly how storytelling and social presence can enhance audience engagement. Dr. Mazid employs a range of research methods, including quantitative analysis, computational approaches, biometrics, and natural language processing, to uncover strategic insights. He received several awards for his scholarly research.

A central theme of Dr. Mazid's work is the intersection of big data and digital media. Through empirical analysis of large datasets, he investigates how strategic message design influences audience engagement. His research provides actionable insights that professionals can use to craft persuasive content for public relations campaigns. Dr. Mazid's work has been published in prestigious journals such as the Public Relations Review, Public Relations Journal, International Journal of Communication, International Journal of Strategic Communication, Journal of Health Communication, South Asian Popular Culture, and Action in Teacher Education. He presented numerous research papers to national conferences.

Professor Robin Spring

About

Professor Spring’s professional work in radio, television, print and agency provide her with multi-faceted experiences in advertising, public relations and strategic communications. With 20+ years of industry experience, Robin’s work in the field has taken her from Michigan, to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Texas and back. Practical knowledge of client relations, strategic planning, creative campaigns, copywriting, sponsorships, partnerships, special events, celebrity promotions, media relations, sales, on-air work in radio and television, fundraising, and integrated marketing communications in various cultures and professional teams translate well in the Advertising/Public Relations and Communication courses she teaches.

Professor Spring’s research centers around advertising education; pedagogy; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and creativity in the advertising industry. Professor Spring launched the GVSU Advertising/Public Relations Biometric Lab with eye tracking, facial expression analysis and galvanic skin response (GSR) capabilities and is iMotions certified.

Graduate Assistant - Georgia Hessel

Georgia Hessel is the Biometrics Lab Graduate Assistant for the 2024-2025 school year. Her interest in biometric studies stems from her cross-disciplinary background in advertising and film. Working in the lab, she is assisting professors in their research projects, bringing biometrics presentations to classrooms, and creating video tutorials for the lab.