UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #985

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Jenae Thornberry
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: She They
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Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): jmt20k@fsu.edu
Position Title: Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name: Kuchvalek,Elisa J
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email: ekuchvalek@fsu.edu
FSU College (if applicable): Social Sciences and Public Policy
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: MAAPP
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/19201/Headshot_0.JPG

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: Mapping Modern Propaganda: Media Ownership and Political Influence
Project Keywords: media studies, propaganda, political economy, journalism, democracy
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: Yes
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Open to all majors; editing writing and media, political science, sociology, or media communication preferred. 

Project Location:: Remote
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: No, the project is remote
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s):: Fully Remote
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work?: 5
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work?: Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Overall Research Project Description:
This project investigates the relationship between media ownership and the dissemination of political messaging in the United States. Using a critical political economy framework, we will map media ownership networks and examine how these structures influence propaganda techniques and the framing of political narratives. The project includes case studies of both local and national news outlets. The goal is to contribute to the understanding of how ownership concentration shapes democratic discourse and public opinion.

Research Tasks:
Conduct literature reviews on media ownership, propaganda, and political economy
Collect data on media companies, ownership structures, and political affiliations
Perform content analysis of news media, political advertising, and public statements
Assist in mapping media ownership networks and creating visualizations
Organize research findings for presentations or reports

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Required: Basic research skills (library/database searches)
Recommended: Interest in media studies, political science, or journalism
Recommended: Willingness to learn content analysis and data visualization
Optional: Familiarity with tools like Excel, Canva, or social network mapping tools (we will train as needed)

Mentoring Philosophy:
My mentoring philosophy is rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and the belief that the best learning environment is one in which there is curiosity and an open dialogue. I view the mentor-mentee relationship as a partnership, where both parties learn from one another. I strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions. I believe that mentorship is most powerful when it fosters both independence and belonging, and I am committed to helping students feel valued and capable throughout our work together.

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Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable?: Yes
Roundtable times and Zoom links:
TBD

Roundtable Info:
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UROP Program Elements
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Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication: Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation: Yes
Materials Grant: Yes
UROP Poster Presentation: Yes
Faculty Advisor Confirmation: Yes

Are you interested in attending in a UROP Research Mentor Workshop Series?: No
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Year: 2025
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