News

Dr. Sumin Shin, MESA Researcher, presented the project titled "The Effects of Video Background and Device Type on Mental Health: A Study of Meditation Videos Among College Students" at the 2025 Midwinter AEJMC Conference. This paper investigates how different aspects of meditation videos impact mental health outcomes among university students. The study examines two key variables: video background (classroom versus nature settings) and viewing device (VR versus computer), while measuring effects through standardized mental health assessments.

The research findings suggest that while meditation videos can improve mental health regardless of the viewing device used, the environmental context significantly influences effectiveness. Nature-based meditation videos produce notably better distress tolerance, psychological well-being and mood outcomes than classroom settings. This research contributes valuable insights for designing digital mental health resources for young adults, highlighting that environmental context in meditation videos plays a crucial role in enhancing psychological well-being, while the specific digital device used for viewing appears less influential on outcomes. This study advances our understanding of how media and environmental factors can be optimized in digital health interventions.

Three graduate students participated in this project: Shahariar Khan Nobel, Ralph Dinko and Jungyu Lee.

NSI has released two reports supporting the US Strategic Command's comprehensive study on 21st Century Strategic Deterrence Frameworks (SDF). These analyses, produced by MESA Group researchers, examine deterrence from both American and Russian perspectives through 'United States Deterrence Policy: 1944-Present' and 'Evolution of Deterrent Thinking in USSR and Russia: A Look through Military Reports.' The research evaluates current deterrence frameworks, identifies their shortcomings in today's security environment, and proposes alternative deterrence models to address emerging global challenges. This work advances US Strategic Command's mission to develop more effective deterrence strategies for contemporary threats.

Dr. Skye Cooley has been awarded the OSU Global Engagement Faculty Excellence Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to international education and engagement.

The MESA Research Group has been recognized at the 110th Annual National Communication Association (NCA) Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, with two Top Paper Awards in the Communication and Military Division.

Three MESA graduate students (Chris Boyington, Shahariar Khan Nobel and Ralph Dinko) presented their research at the inaugural Scholar Spotlight Event, hosted by the SMSC Graduate Student Association. Their presentation, "Voiceless Migrants: Divergent Realities in the Framing of Immigration Narratives Across Social Media Platforms," examined immigration narratives across X, Threads and Truth Social. The study was co-authored by Gerardo Rodriguez, who contributed to the research but was not present at the event.

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.