We are very proud of our 2026 faculty promotions: Profs. Kurt Braddock and Margot Susca (in photo at center right and far right, respectively) both obtained tenure and were promoted to Associate Professor; and Prof. Adrienne Massanari (at left) was promoted to Full Professor. All three work with our PhD students in the School of… Read More: Faculty promotions 2026 »
One unusual benefit of AU is world-class research centers on media, from games to social media. This post describes one intersection with the AU Game Center. How can we open really new conversations about media, technology, and society? One strength of being in Washington DC is the way that people can physically have conversations across… Read More: Design Research: Civic Media for New Conversations »
In collaboration with the Portulans Institute in Washington, DC, the School of Communication (SOC) at American University invites you to a forum entitled “Empowering Democracy.” The forum will present the first report on findings of research by the Portulans Democracy Team on innovations in democracy, entitled “To Empower Democracy”. The report will be discussed throughout… Read More: October 16th “Empowering Democracy” Forum Featuring Beth Simone Noveck »
The research culture of AU was proudly on display across multiple schools at the “Tri-School PhD Conference” on April 10, 2026. Several of our PhD students were featured, as well as faculty respondents. PhD programs from the School of International Service (SIS), School of Communication (SOC), and School of Public Affairs (SPA) jointly organize the… Read More: 2026 Tri-School PhD Conference »
It is exciting when faculty can help shape decisions of influential courts like the 9th Circuit. Recently, Prof. Andy Phelps contributed his expertise in a Brief of Amici Curiae about the Upper Deck Company v. Ryan Milton (Ryan Miller). Prof Phelps serves advises PhD students at the AU SOC, and directs the AU Game Center.… Read More: Faculty impact: 9th Circuit filing on Games »
Almost every week, a different expert in federal policy or international relations visits the classes of American University. There’s something special about being in DC. What does that look like for our grad programs on Media, Technology and Democracy? To name a few, in the 2025-26 school year we’ve had: The intimacy of Washington, D.C.,… Read More: DC Experts – Recent Appearances in Classes »
We are excited about the AU faculty and students presenting at this year’s PCA in Atlanta in April. PCA is the Pop Culture Association conference (April 8-11, 2026). It is one of the most popular and influential academic conferences in the field of popular culture and media. Sessions featuring our faculty and students Thursday, April… Read More: Presenting at PCA: Faculty and Students »
What kind of book tours feature our faculty? In this post, we highlight Professor Aram Sinnreich, who is on tour with his book The Secret Life of Data: Navigating Hype and Uncertainty in the Age of Algorithmic Surveillance, co-authored with Jesse Gilbert. One twist for academics: beyond bookstores, their appearances can include centers… or even… Read More: From Panels to Performances: Sinnreich on Tour »
What is behind a recent faculty trip to Brazil for AoIR — the Association of Internet Researchers? In this interview, you’ll find a call for strategy in our field, and how our research connects with this set of international scholars. Two are featured: Profs. Adrienne Massanari and Aram Sinnreich. ——— Eunice Kim (interviewer): What was… Read More: Debriefing AoIR in Brazil with Massanari and Sinnreich »
The photos above are from selected fall presentations from our classes in Media Theory, Methods and the introduction to Media, Technology and Democracy (2025). Students were often grouped into panels, similar to how conference presentations are often structured. This provides a chance to practice the professional structures of academia – and for some celebration and… Read More: Grad presentations – first semester »