News

The MESA Group researchers have published a new book titled "Narrative Worldviews of Central American Migration: A Multi-vantage Approach." This comprehensive work offers a unique and holistic perspective on Central American migration, drawing from an extensive range of sources including 40 in-depth interviews with diverse stakeholders, analysis of over 50,000 news media articles and examination of more than 50 policy briefs.

Dr. Asya Cooley has accepted the position of Graduate Coordinator with the School of Media and Strategic Communications (SMSC). In this role, she will oversee the graduate program within the school, providing guidance and support to students pursuing advanced degrees in media and communications fields. Dr. Cooley will be responsible for recruitment, curriculum development, student advising, and program assessment. Her expertise in strategic communication will contribute to enhancing the quality and relevance of the graduate programs. Additionally, she aims to foster transdisciplinary collaborations and expand research opportunities for all graduate students.

MESA researchers successfully completed the Media Literacy & Disinformation Training Seminar, an innovative program funded by the United States Embassy in Mexico City. This intensive three-week experience brought together 15 diverse Mexican professionals and students to Oklahoma State University. Designed to combat dis/misinformation, the program featured a comprehensive curriculum including a two-week online course followed by a one-week on-site seminar at OSU in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Participants engaged in expert-led lectures, in-depth interviews, hands-on workshops, and cultural activities, culminating in the development of public service announcement projects addressing real-world misinformation challenges in Mexico.

MESA Group researchers Dr. Skye Cooley and Dr. Andrew M. Abernathy launched the Odd Fellows Podcast, where faculty, students, community and industry stakeholders can learn about transformative transdisciplinary research happening at OSU. Listen to Episode I to learn more.

MESA Group researcher Dr. Asya Cooley presented the paper titled "Ukrainian News Media Representations and Framing of NGOs" at the International Society for Third Sector Research (ISTR) conference hosted by the University of Antwerp in Belgium. The paper analyzed the portrayal of NGOs in Ukrainian news media from 2019 to 2024, finding generally positive coverage focused on activities and information provision, but with limitations in framing that may restrict public understanding of NGOs' broader impact.

MESA graduate student Chris Boyington finishes his month-long internship with the Balkan Security Network in Serbia. He shares his reflections on this experience:

Dr. Skye Cooley presented the MESA Group paper titled "Navigating the Meta-Crisis: Assessing Nuclear Deterrence Strategies amid Multipolar Pressures" at the Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics (SASE) annual conference, hosted by the University of Limerick in Ireland. The paper examines the challenges posed by nuclear deterrence approaches in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment characterized by multiple major powers and intersecting global crises. Drawing on an interdisciplinary analysis, the authors evaluate potential strategies for enhancing stability and reducing nuclear risks under these conditions.

The MESA Group is excited to announce a groundbreaking Media Literacy & Disinformation Training Program aimed at empowering Mexican students to identify and counter the spread of false information. This intensive three-week program, developed by OSU's School of Media & Strategic Communications in collaboration with OSU Global and the English Language and Intercultural Center, will equip participants with critical skills to strengthen fact-based journalism and foster an informed citizenry in Mexico.

Graduate student Shahariar Nobel presented the research project "Mitigating Media's Emotional Manipulation: Tools for Journalists" at the Journalism Education and Trauma Research Group meeting in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This research study recommends that journalists use heart-focused breathing and heart rate variability to lessen emotional hijacking when dealing with upsetting stimuli.