News

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.

MESA student Campbell Clark was featured in OSU Global magazine for his summer 2023 internship in Belgrade, Serbia, made possible by the Don and Cathey Humphreys Travel Grant. As part of his internship with the Balkan Security Network, Clark conducted media analysis of Russian disinformation, while immersing himself in the local culture and language. The Humphreys Travel Grant provides OSU students with unique opportunities for long-term, transformative global learning experiences that go beyond traditional study abroad programs. Read the full story here.

Dr. Skye Cooley has accepted the inaugural position of CAS Research Faculty Fellow for Strategic Transdisciplinary Initiatives. In this role, Dr. Cooley will work with the Dean's Office to facilitate and promote interdisciplinary research, provide guidance and resources for faculty, and contribute to the college's strategic vision for boundary-crossing research initiatives.