Ph.D. Profile: Wenqing Zhao

Wenqing Zhao is a doctoral student in the Department of Advertising & Public Relations at UGA. Her research focuses on health, crisis and conflict communication. She is a lab manager for the Brain, Body, and Media (BBAM) Lab and a research coordinator for CIA (Crisis Insights and Analytics) Lab & Crisis Communication Think Tank (CCTT). Her work has been published in Journal of Health Communication, International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing, Journal of Language and Social Psychology.

Zhao earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Shanghai University and a master’s degree from Washington State University.

Following is a brief interview with Zhao.

What made you decide on Grady College for your PhD?

I chose Grady College for several reasons. During my master’s program, my research focused on health and science communication and communication technologies. But at that time, I was uncertain about the specific research path I wanted to pursue as a PhD student. I wasn’t entirely sure whether to continue with these areas. Grady offered both the support to build my existing research interests and the flexibility to explore new ones. After joining, I developed a strong interest in crisis communication, a field to which I had little exposure before. Another major reason was the psychophysiology lab, which aligned with my long-held interest in psychophysiological methods. The nice climate in Athens added to the many reasons I chose Grady.

What other projects (research, teaching or otherwise) have you been involved with as a doctoral student?

I am currently the lab manager of the Brain, Body, and Media (BBAM) Lab and the researcher coordinator of the CIA (Crisis Insights and Analytics) Lab. I joined both labs in my first semester here at Grady. I’ve been working on different research projects with other lab members. For example, I’ve been working on a project on corporate advocacy advertising. The project started in 2022 spring. In this project, we tested how college students responded to corporate messages on social media on different controversial social issues (e.g., racial justice, vaccination) using both self-report and psychophysiological measures, such as Facial electromyography (fEMG), electrodermal activity (EDA), and electrocardiogram (ECG). I have also been working on a collaborative project between CIA lab and Penn State Page Center student research lab. This project examines the strategies organizations can take to address AI ethical threats from inside and outside, from a U.S. public relations practitioner’s perspective. The findings of a practitioner survey attempt to provide timely input to organizations in terms of how to translate AI ethical principles into practice. 

What is a fun fact about yourself, your research field or other related fields?

As a researcher in crisis and conflict management, I used to have a deep fear of crisis and conflicts in my personal life. However, conducting research in this field has given me the courage to face and navigate crises and conflicts with greater confidence. 

What advice would you offer to someone considering a Ph.D. program?

In your journey as a doctoral student, you may encounter various challenges and uncertainties, but it’s important to stay positive and believe in yourself. One strategy that has greatly helped me is finding a hobby or interest unrelated to academic work.

What has been your most memorable experience at Grady College?

My experience as an instructor-of-record in ADPR Research: Insights and Analytics (ADPR 3400 ) and  Crisis Communication (ADPR 5120). I enjoy working with undergraduate students at Grady, and the teaching experience has also contributed greatly to my personal and professional growth.

Editor: Sarah Freeman, freemans@uga.edu