“I found out about this opportunity through Dr. Andy Opel, in his Immersive Video Production class,” said Chloe Mueller, who shared her favorite part about contributing to the project. “We really got to learn a lot about her background, and inspiration behind the project. Because of that, I felt like it was easier to understand her vision and help to create it.”  

Mueller explains the project aims to create a more immersive storytelling experience using 360° cameras. “Personal stories and personal backgrounds; to be in space and to see those experiences in a 360 perspective really brings you into the story and brings you into what she’s capturing”.  

Ashlee Hubert shares a similar sentiment about the chosen medium.  

“This was the first time I was brought in for a project as a production assistant and a 360-degree immersive expert,” said Hubert. “Seeing nia’s excitement as she reviewed the footage and imagined how to use it for her project made me feel more confident in my ability to work in film.” Her experience highlights how the project became a meaningful opportunity to grow both technically and creatively. 

“My main role was introducing her to the 360° camera and help nia feel comfortable using it,” she adds. “I also worked with her to film different shots that would translate well for the dome experience.” 

The team spent three days working on this project in Cape San Blas, Florida. Mueller stated it gave her the opportunity to expand her experience beyond camera work. “I was also able to help as a production assistant, which gave me valuable behind-the-scenes experience,” she said.  

The work will be displayed in August 2026 at the FSU Museum of Fine Arts’ Floating Metal exhibition. Hubert hopes the audience will notice the variety of media love uses to enhance storytelling.  

Digital Media Production students continue to turn classroom skills into professional storytelling that expands what’s possible in immersive media. 

Editor’s note: Per request, the name “nia love” should appear in all lowercase letters. 

Curtis founded Insight Studios in 2021 as an undergraduate student at FSU. The company focuses on marketing and video production that helps brands grow through strategic storytelling. 

A former digital media production student and member of FSU’s track and field team, Curtis balances both creative and operational responsibilities within the company. As executive producer, he oversees project development, assembles production teams, directs and produces visual content, and works with clients to create advertisements tailored to their audiences. The company’s work spans multiple industries, including national brands, nonprofit organizations, and local clients. 

“At first I followed the path of most videographers and thought I’d work with artists and make music videos and create films,” Curtis said. “I quickly realized that I preferred to work with companies, businesses, and organizations. I also started to realize how much I loved working with entrepreneurs.” 

Curtis shared that his father passed away a year before he started his company, which changed his perspective on life and its meaning. This inspired him to shift his career direction. 

“After his passing, I began to gravitate more and more to things I was passionate about as opposed to just going through the motions,” Curtis said. “In the back of our heads we all have the pressure of going into a career that guarantees financial stability, but at that point in my life, I was less concerned about that.” 

Insight Studios emphasizes cinematic marketing, helping organizations connect with their audiences in a meaningful way. The company first gained its footing in Tallahassee, working with many local businesses as well as departments within FSU and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Since then, the company has expanded into central Florida. Curtis said the move, while initially challenging, ultimately helped elevate the business. 

“As much as I love Tallahassee, I know being in central Florida would allow for even more rapid growth, being close to a major airport and having the ability to get to north Florida and south Florida easily,” Curtis said. 

Curtis notes that understanding what you offer as a business and being able to adapt is key as an entrepreneur. While success and results are not guaranteed, adjusting one’s approach to eventually find a solution is the mindset he instills into his team. 

When discussing his approach to entrepreneurship, he highlights three core principles: professionalism, ownership, and passion. He explained that professionalism is especially important for young business owners trying to establish credibility with clients. 

“I believe passion is a superpower when you channel it,” Curtis said. “Most people have something they love to do so much that when they get into a flow state, they forget to eat, they forget to sleep, and they’re totally immersed in what they’re doing. That’s how I felt about the video production process.” 

Through Insight Studios, Curtis continues to demonstrate how creative media and strategic thinking can work together to support business growth. From his time at FSU to now leading his thriving production company, Gabriel Curtis exemplifies the CCI spirit of turning a creative passion into meaningful, career-defining work. 

Editor’s note: Article originally written by Francisco Garcia, and published by Nicole Frossard-Reis.

Lewis and Marengo will join a team of researchers in the Gulf of America to document their expedition and findings.

“An opportunity like this is a dream! Growing up in Southern California, I hold marine conservation very near and dear to my heart,” Lewis said. “I am very honored to be working on something so timely and important, which has the capacity to make real change for the health of Florida waters and its inhabitants.”

Lewis graduated from FSU in December of 2025 and has maintained her passion for journalism and filmmaking through various endeavors. She has worked as a multimedia journalist for Planet Forward, a managing editor for the Florida Student News Watch, an intern for the Smithsonian Institution, an intern for the FSU English Department, and a staff writer for the FSView & Florida Flambeau.

When looking ahead to what she’s most excited for on the trip, Lewis pointed out the opportunity to capture the expedition and learn alongside the research team. Aside from the lead scientist, Dr. Dean Grubbs, the team is made up of students looking to gain experience in this area of filmmaking.

“I find it very special that in a lot of ways, we are a group of young people experiencing an amazing opportunity to propel our dreams forward simultaneously,” Lewis said, “and I am so excited to capture all of what that means!”

Lewis highlighted the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill as one of the most catastrophic environmental disasters to date in the United States and identified the purpose this research can have.

“Research like this helps support protections for the Gulf and other waters like it because if we can still see the lasting ramifications of an event that occurred over 15 years ago, surely we should have protections in place to avoid another disaster,” Lewis said.

For Marengo, the opportunity is particularly exciting because it connects to an experience from his childhood.

“I watched a lot of Shark Week on the Discovery Channel as a kid, and now I’m actually working with marine biologists on a shark research expedition,” Marengo said. “I feel like I’m going on a quest or adventure on the high seas.”

When thinking about the biggest potential challenges, Marengo pointed out the idea that the production team is just himself and Lewis.

“We’re both capable filmmakers, but there are a lot of factors that aren’t in our control,” Marengo said. “Being in a wet, salty, unpredictable environment for a prolonged period of time means protecting our equipment is crucial.”

In this quest, Marengo understands the importance of the story itself, especially given the recent oil spills in the Gulf of America during March 2026. The spill spread more than 373 miles across the ocean and seeped into seven nature reserves.

Marengo detailed that he hopes to emphasize the relatability between the audience and scientists.

“I hope that audiences realize that scientists, despite their knowledge and expertise, are ordinary people like everyone else,” Marengo said. “Showcasing relatability is crucial. An audience is less likely to listen to someone they feel they can’t feel some sort of connection with. We hope to therefore emphasize the importance of this research through the scientists working on the project.”

FPRA is a professional organization that helps students gain hands-on experience to develop their future careers in public relations. This is a statewide organization of more than 1,200 public relations professionals that advances its members’ development.

President Savannah Cicerchia describes how she structured the group’s itinerary for the trip. Hearing from different agencies helped her know what to expect from life post-graduation. Other students felt similarly; student JK Pickford described how these professionals go about their daily lives, as he learned for future job opportunities and created connections that matter.

The agencies prepared not only resumes, but also business cards,” JK Pickford said. “My business cards contained a QR code to my LinkedIn, which allowed everyone I met to scan it easily and connect with me.”

​Beyond professional growth, the trip also gave the group the opportunity to develop friendships that will continue even after their return. Building community in a professional space also allows students like Pickford to make meaningful connections with peers who share similar career goals.

“I think this trip was important for bonding, as it allowed us to interact with each other outside of club meetings and events, which made us see each other in a different light,” Pickford said.

Students were exposed to multiple leaders in the industry, allowing them to speak with these individuals first-hand. One student in attendance, Kyela Zinati, describes how she challenged her imposter syndrome while she was speaking with Nickelodeon’s SVP of Public Affairs.

“Even if I hadn’t had an agency internship yet, it is the curiosity and drive employers want to see, not just the skills,” said Zinati. “I had to remind myself that I earned my spot on the trip like everyone else, and that, even though I was less experienced, this trip was a step in the right direction.”

Public relations is a career path that is constantly evolving, and giving students the chance to learn to adapt to their environment will provide them with valuable skills moving forward. Multiple students in attendance referenced how they were able to see how adaptable public relations is as a field and how they will utilize what they learned in the future.

“There are so many different paths within PR, and this trip helped highlight how important it is to not confine yourself to one niche of the business,” President Cicerchia said. “I learned that although this job is always changing, there will always be a place in the world for a PR professional.”

“This event gives our college the opportunity to celebrate the Distinguished Alumni from our three Schools, and to confer Dean’s Laurels on those who have exemplified the vision and mission of the college at the highest possible level,” said Kazmer.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes graduates who have achieved exceptional professional success while making meaningful contributions to their fields and communities.

Among the 2026 honorees is Dr. Dania Bilal, an information scientist and Patricia D. Williams Professor at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Bilal’s research focuses on human-AI interaction and human-centered design, and she is currently ranked among the top 2% of most-cited researchers worldwide. Joining her is Dr. Cindy McGovern, an internationally acclaimed speaker and bestselling author known as the “First Lady of Sales”. As the CEO of Orange Leaf Consulting and Academy, she works to redefine how people approach selling and personal branding. The third distinguished recipient, Dr. Mary Gorham-Rowan, serves as a professor at Valdosta State University. A proud Seminole alumna, her clinical research focuses on adult voice and swallowing disorders.

The Dean’s Laureate is a unique designation reserved for those who exemplify the values of the college and recognize sustained friendship over an extended time. This year’s recipients include Pablo Correa, an Associate Professor at the University of Saint Joseph, and a three-time FSU alumnus. A documentary filmmaker, Correa’s work includes documentation for the Emmett Till Memory Project and cinematography for the award-winning film Fannie Lou Hamer’s America.

Kaki Pope, owner of Audio Rehab Lab, was also honored for her 37 years of providing ethical hearing healthcare, and her consistent donations of hearing aids through FSU’s donation program.

Natalie Woods was recognized for her leadership as the former Branch Manager of the historic Western Library, where she led initiatives to digitize African American Archives and honor local community pioneers. Finally, Kimberly Amos-Tata was honored for over 30 years of dedicated student support at FSU, including her influential role as Assistant Director of Academic and Student Services for the School of Information. In her memory, the School of Information established a scholarship through the Florida Library Association.

Closing the ceremony, Dean Michelle Kazmer expressed her gratitude for the honorees. This year’s luncheon is a reminder of the lasting impact CCI graduates continue to make on the future of communication and information

Dean Kazmer said, “I am grateful each year for the time spent with our college’s treasured friends and humbled to hear about their truly amazing accomplishments.”

“At every stage, I’ve built on the skills and lessons from the roles before it. I’ve never been afraid to take risks—whether that meant moving to a new city or stepping into unfamiliar territory—and I’ve always approached my work with curiosity, intention, and a commitment to excellence,” Downey said.

Initially, Downey began her career as an intern at People magazine after earning her master’s degree in journalism from Florida A&M University. Her role included fact-checking and corroboration, but quickly expanded into interviewing celebrities, which helped her develop her reporting skills.

Downey never shies away from trying new roles that challenge her. After leaving People magazine, she lived in Phoenix and Las Vegas, where she gained opportunities to develop her craft. Currently, she is the editorial director of WebMD Magazine and its point-of-care products. Now living in Atlanta for over 13 years, Downey has worked to lay a foundational brand that represents her as a journalist and lifestyle influencer; receiving this acknowledgement as one of Atlanta’s Most Influential Women has been crucial.

“Recognition like this creates space for my work to reach broader audiences and opens doors to new collaborations, partnerships, and storytelling opportunities I may not have had access to before. At the same time, it raises the bar for me professionally—I’m even more intentional about the stories I choose to tell, the voices I amplify, and the impact I want my work to have,” Downey said.

As a woman in journalism, Downey describes the importance of these wins. In the past, she has had to work harder to have her voice heard and to be taken seriously. Through these experiences, she gained a strong sense of self-worth and confidence, along with the empowerment to thrive as a woman in journalism. “I’m especially mindful of creating space for other women and underrepresented perspectives, both in front of and behind the scenes,” Downey said. “Ultimately, it’s made me a stronger, more deliberate journalist, content creator, and leader.”

​Downey approaches her editing process with structure, asking herself questions on how the core messaging can be communicated with clarity. She makes sure that the narrative of a story is told concisely, has compelling sources, and creates an emotional connection to the audience.

In her time at FSU, she refined and strengthened her writing and communication skills, laying the foundation for her future editing style. At FSU, she found that she was pushed out of her natural introversion and learned the importance of community in the industry and beyond.

“Joining the Zeta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and embracing the true meaning of sisterhood taught me the value of connection, discipline, and showing up for others,” Downey said. “Those lessons have stayed with me and continue to influence how I lead and work today.”

As Downey progresses in her career, she continues to make strides toward improvement in her work. This recognition marks just one of many achievements she has earned along the way. She credits her drive and determination to her support system.

“My mom, dad, and sister are truly the wind beneath my wings. Whenever I share a new goal or idea, they don’t just cheer me on—they listen, ask thoughtful questions, offer perspective, and then support me wholeheartedly,” Downey said. “There’s something incredibly grounding about having a support system that has walked with you through every phase of life.” In addition, she says, “My faith in Jesus Christ is what sustains me. Philippians 4:13 reminds me, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’”

Drs. Kelly Farquharson and Christopher Constantino, professors in the School of Communication Science and Disorders (SCSD), along with Florida State University (FSU) SCSD alumna Paige Lovell, recently published their manuscript in Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics titled

This study explores which speech sounds are most targeted in children’s speech therapy and how those targets relate to students’ grade level and therapy intensity. By examining patterns in real therapy sessions, their research focused on how clinical decisions are made and how to best support children’s communication success in school settings.  

“We are really interested in better understanding the myriad of factors that contribute to children’s progress in therapy,” Farquharson said. “We have a specific focus on school-based settings as this is where most children can access free services in the US.” The research team’s main goal is to improve access, effectiveness, and long-term outcomes for students receiving speech-language services through public education systems. 

Although Constantino’s primary research focuses on stuttering treatment, he focused on a new area within this project. He contributes his expertise in the Experience Sampling Method (ESM), while Farquharson contributes her background in speech sound disorders. Together, they used ESM to capture real-time insights into what speech language pathologists (SLPs) are doing during therapy sessions. Their methods allowed them to collect time-sensitive information reflecting real clinical practices, rather than relying solely on surveys or retrospective data. 

“I believe this is a strong approach for examining in-the-moment insights from participants,” said Farquharson. “In this study, we were able to capture what SLPs were doing in therapy within an hour of it happening. Although surveys can also be a robust source of data, the ESM has time sensitivity on its side.”  

Their findings revealed that certain sounds, such as the “r” sound, stood out as both highly important and challenging to treat. Due to its difficulty, the researchers highlighted the importance of addressing it early to improve children’s speech across different settings and support long-term outcomes. These findings provide insight that may help clinicians make informed decisions when planning therapy targets and determining treatment for students at different grade levels. 

“I found this project was thought-provoking. I am encouraged to borrow some of these concepts to better study how stuttering therapy works,” Constantino said. 

This publication originated as Paige Lovell’s Honors in the Major thesis at Florida State University. Lovell, who also earned her master’s degree from FSU, now works as a speech-language pathologist in Orlando, Florida.  

“It is really rewarding to see that the research she did as an undergraduate at FSU has been published in a scientific journal,” Farquharson said. 

This project reflects the School of Communication Science and Disorders ongoing commitment to advancing research that improves clinical practice and supports children and families. 

A graduate of Florida State University, Colson credits her time at the university as a large part of her professional development.

“I would say the modeling of the faculty at FSU was really instrumental in how I approach my job here,” Colson said. “They really did prepare you to not only be faculty, but serve as leaders as well.”

While at FSU, Colson served as a lead graduate instructor for courses such as Information and Society and Information Technologies. She earned both her Master of Library and Information Studies and her Ph.D. in Information Studies.

Colson’s collegiate academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Norfolk State University, followed by a Master of Arts in Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Her early research focused on undergraduate women’s perceptions of information technology professionals and the barriers that contribute to their underrepresentation in the field. However, over time, her work has expanded.

“I’ve moved more into part of my other background, which is my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction,” Colson said. “I’m looking at more e-learning or just online graduate education, because that is a really big part of our program since we’re all online and asynchronous in trying to help develop best practices.”

Recently, her focus has been on creating a welcoming environment for those on campus.

“Making sure that people feel seen and heard, and when we are developing our courses and curriculum, that we are not forgetting that we were once students as well — making sure that whatever we do makes them feel included,” Colson said.

Colson spent several years working as a public librarian and later contributed to national research initiatives, including serving as a fellow for the American Association of School Librarians CLASS II project. She has also taught at institutions such as Old Dominion University.

As she steps into this new leadership role, Colson is focused on preparing the department for the future of the field.

“Now that I’ve been officially named, we as a faculty have been working together to craft the future with the ubiquitous nature that AI is becoming,” Colson said. “How do we tackle that moving forward? How do we continue to stay relevant and make sure that we are training the next generation of information professionals?”

Ultimately, Colson says her motives remain the same no matter what position she holds.

“Being a department head and also a faculty member myself, I want to remember who we’re serving, why we’re doing this, and making sure that all the changes that I bring forth are focused on making sure that my faculty and students feel supported,” Dr. Colson said.

Meagan Nixon, Big Fish Marketing

Meagan Nixon, a School of Communication (SCOM) alumna, founded Big Fish Marketing in 2018. Based in Florida, Big Fish Marketing is a marketing agency that works closely with businesses looking to enhance their brand in unique ways. Nixon and her team help clients develop strategies that allow their businesses to stand out in competitive markets.

Brian Dooley, Independence Digital

Brian Dooley is also a SCOM alumnus and founded Independence Digital in 2017. Independence Digital is a digital marketing agency dedicated to supporting hospitals and medical practices. With over 18 years of digital marketing experience, Dooley and his team specialize in social media management, targeted marketing, and marketing strategies tailored to the healthcare industry.

Damon Steffens, Canopy Management Consulting Group

Damon Steffens, a School of Information (iSchool) alumnus, founded Canopy Management Consulting Group in 2021. The company provides consulting services designed to help businesses turn challenges into opportunities for success. With many years of experience in both public and private sectors, Steffens works with organizations to develop solutions that foster growth.

Robyn Hillison, Capital Speech & Language Therapy Services

Robyn Hillison, a School of Communication Science and Disorders (SCSD) alumna, founded Capital Speech & Language Therapy Services in 2015. This practice provides pediatric research- based language and occupational therapy services. Hillison and her team of speech language pathologists and occupational therapists provide effective and engaging intervention in their state-of-the-art facility designed to support their patients.

Lyndsi Stafford-Edgar, eLuminate Marketing

Lyndsi Stafford-Edgar, a SCOM alumna, founded eLuminate Marketing in 2014. The company develops strategic marketing plans that help businesses create a meaningful impact. Their services include digital marketing strategy and consulting, content marketing, and social engagement. eLuminate Marketing has also been recognized by the American Reporter as one of the best agencies to hire.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 honorees. We look forward to seeing their success and the impact they will make in the future!

“It was a strong priority for me as school director to create this important group,” said Patrick Merle, Professor and School Director. “Most departments and schools have advisory boards. It is particularly important to ensure that our curriculum is aligned with industry trends and needs, and to get some ideas from people who are established professionally.”

For Dr. Patrick Merle, Director of the School, establishing an advisory council has been a priority since he stepped into the role in 2020.

The council brings together alumni and industry leaders who represent all academic areas within the school. The group will review curriculum, identify new opportunities for students and faculty, and brainstorm projects that better align with FSU’s strategic decisions, including FSU Health.

Among the council members is journalist Stephen Langel, who believes this opportunity has been a long time coming. As a journalist of over 25 years, Langel began reaching out to the College of Communication and Information (CCI) as early as 2000 while covering Congress in Washington, D.C., hoping to guide students interested in journalism.

“I’m really appreciative of Dr. Merle for doing this. I think it’s a well-thought-out plan,” Langel said. “I think it’s really forward thinking, and I’m so glad he’s doing it. I think it’s going to really benefit the students, which is the most important thing.”

Langel sees the council as a tool to help the school adapt to the constantly evolving media landscape. He hopes to use his experience in journalism to give students who want to work in his industry a direct mentor who can guide them on their paths.

Another member, Drew Piers, President at Sachs Media, echoed the same sentiment about giving back to the FSU community.

“The FSU School of Communication gave so much to me as a student and was truly a launchpad for my career,” Piers said. “Being invited back to help advise the school feels both meaningful and full circle.”

Piers emphasized how today’s communication industry is more research-driven, data-centric, and shaped by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. He views the council as a long-term bridge between the classroom and the industry, as it will allow for feedback about industry needs and shifts in the professional world.

“How do we make sure students are fluent in research and measurement, not just messaging?” Piers said. “How do we introduce AI thoughtfully so they understand both its potential and its responsibility?”

Entrepreneur and advertising professional Victoria V. Carlton also described her involvement in the council as a full-circle moment. As part of the inaugural communication cohort at FSU Florence, led by Merle, Carlton said serving on the advisory council allows her to give back to the same institution that provided her with a global perspective and professional foundation.

“In my experience as an entrepreneur, I’ve found that many students are eager to understand the real-world application of their studies,” Carlton said. “My goal is to help identify those practical ‘knowledge gaps’ and share my experiences as a business owner so students can see a clear path for themselves.”

Carlton also hopes to advocate for programs outside of the traditional four-year degree path, including master’s programs and international opportunities, highlighting the long-term return on investment that those experiences can offer.

Reflecting on the first meeting, members described the atmosphere as positive and forward-thinking. Piers called it “energizing and fun,” while Langel said the session helped set expectations and lay the foundation for the future.

“It’s particularly important to have alumni representing all areas and several generations to make sure we have a variety of perspectives,” Merle concluded.

Full List of Members

• Victoria V. Carlton – Founder and Communication & Marketing Account Executive at Carlton Creative Co.
• Dara Cohen – Senior Director and Strategic Communications & Media Relations for the American Gaming Association
• Olivia K. Fajardo – Director of Research at the Institute for Public Relations
• Ritesh Gupta – Video Director
• Weesam A. Khoury – Associate Vice President and Communications & External Affairs with the Health Care District of Palm Beach County
• Stephen Langel – Freelance reporter, editor, and producer, focusing on community engagement and marginalized populations
• Anne Marie Lindemann – Communications Designer for Small Brands, Principal Designer with amlindemann as Freelance
• Drew Piers – President at Sachs Media
• Jane Rayburn – Co-founder and Head of Polling & Qualitative at Workbench Strategy
• Nanette M. Schimpf – Vice President at Moore
• Abigail Sigal – Founder and Principal at Merit Communications
• Jennifer Vasbinder – Public Relations & Influencer Communications at Universal Orlando Resort
• Lauren Wanthal – Account Director and Brand Communications at Acceleration Community of Companies
• Zoe Zirlin – Senior Advertising Research Manager at Roku

Alumni and professionals interested in joining the School of Communication Advisory Council may reach out to Patrick Merle, Professor and Director of the School of Communication at pmerle@fsu.edu.