Frank

Alexandra L. Frank

Ph.D. Candidate, Advertising & Public Relations
Email: alexandra.frank@uga.edu

Alexandra L. Frank is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Her research primarily investigates the fields of science and risk communication, focusing on how emerging technologies—especially virtual reality—can be leveraged to improve risk communication strategies. In her work, she explores how individuals process and respond to complex emotional appeals embedded within these communication efforts. Central to her research is the goal of understanding how emotions influence people's perceptions of risk and their subsequent behaviors.

Frank is an active member in both the Center for Advanced Computer-Human Ecosystems (CACHE) and the Brain, Body, and Media Lab (BBAM). Through her involvement with these centers, she has contributed to several academic projects that explore the intersections of virtual reality, biometrics, and the role of humor in persuasive communication. The overarching aim of her research is to enhance the effectiveness of risk communication strategies, ultimately helping to convey important information in ways that resonate with key publics.

Publications

  • Frank, A.L., Cacciatore, M.A., Yeo, S.K., Su, L.Y.F. (in press). Wit meets wisdom: the relationship between satire and anthropomorphic humor on scientists’ likability and legitimacy. Journal of Science Communication.

  • Frank, A. L., Baldwin, J., Browning, M. H. E. M., Yuan, S., & Ahn, S. J. (Grace). (2025). Learning the dangers of storm surges in virtual reality: coastal leaders’ attitudes toward VR as a risk communication tool. Environmental Education Research, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2025.2465713

  • Hahn, L., Aley, M., Frank, A. L., & Lattimer, T. (2024). What can heroes and villains teach young audiences? A research brief investigating the values emphasized in family-rated Walt Disney films. Journal of Children and Media, 19(1), 126–137. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482798.2024.2402268

  • Hahn, L., Aley, M., Frank, A., Lawrence, C., & Lattimer, T. A. (2022). Examining the Motivations of Walt Disney Heroes and Villains and Their Association with Audience Appeal and Future Film Production. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 66(5), 843–863. https://doi.org/10.1080/08838151.2022.2120879

Conference Presentations

  • Frank, A. L., Baldwin, J., Browning, M. H., Yuan, S., & Ahn, S. J. (2024, August). Bolstering storm surge risk communication through virtual reality: A path to heightened involvement and mitigation intentions. Poster presented to the Communicating Science, Health, Environmental and Risk Division at the 107th annual meeting of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), Philadelphia, PA. (Extended abstract)

  • Frank, A.L., Baldwin, J., Yuan, S., Browning, H.E.M., Ahn, S. J. (2024, June). Learning the Dangers of Storm Surges in Virtual Reality: Do Coastal Leaders Believe VR is an Effective Risk Communication Platform? Presented to the Environmental Communication Division at the 74th annual meeting of the International Communication Association (ICA), Golden Coast, Australia.

  • Frank, A.L., Cacciatore, M.A., Yeo, S.K., & Su, L. Y.-F. (2023, May). Legitimate and appropriate science communication: The effects of anthropomorphic and satirical humor on source credibility. Presented to the Information Systems Division at the 73rd annual meeting of the International Communication Association (ICA), Toronto, Canada.

  • Frank, A.L, Read, G.L., Duncan, J., Hatfield, H., & Kim, S. (2023, May). Examining the effects of violence level and provocation on aversive motivation activation and resource allocation in violent humorous ads. Presented to the Information Systems Division at the 73rd annual meeting of the International Communication Association (ICA), Toronto, Canada.

  • Frank, A.L., Yuan, S., Hatfield, H.R, Browning, HEM., & Ahn, S. J. (2023, May). Examining Virtual Reality Hurricane Simulations to Enhance Risk Perception and Perceived Efficacy. Poster presented at the 4th annual Georgia Climate Conference in Georgia, USA.  

  • Frank, A.L., Read, G.L., Duncan, J., Weinberger, M. G., & Gulas, C. S. (2023, April). I Laugh at Your Pain: Effects of Violation of Social Norms and Affect on Evaluation of Ads That are Both Humorous and Violent. Presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Advertising Annual meeting (AAA), Denver, CO.

  • Frank, A.L., (2022, November). Examining partisanship and hypocrisy in satirical climate messaging: Mirth and hope boost efficacy. Presented at the 47th annual meeting of the Midwest Association for Public Opinion Research (MAPOR), Chicago/Virtual, USA.

  • Hahn, L., Aley, M., Frank, A.L., Lawrence, C., & Lattimer, T. (2021, November). Heroes are motivated by altruism and villains are motivated by egoism in Walt Disney Studio films. Paper presented to the Mass Communication Division at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association (NCA), Seattle, WA. Top paper in the Mass Communication Division.

Education

  • M.A. in Public Relations (2021), University of Georgia

  • B.A. in Journalism (Public Relations), Minor in English Literature (2019), University of Oklahoma

Email: alexandra.frank@uga.edu