OHIO's August 2026 Newsmakers

Five faculty members were recognized by Ohio University as August 2026 Faculty Newsmakers. Learn more about their media mentions below:

Paul Shovlin

Assistant Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences

Shovlin was featured in NBC News, The New York Times, Axios Columbus and other outlets discussing the growing prevalence of AI-generated content, or “AI slop,” and its impact on audiences, businesses and creative industries. Shovlin, an expert in artificial intelligence and digital rhetoric, offered insight into why people and businesses are turning to AI-generated content, while emphasizing the importance of authenticity, human connection and understanding how AI can shape audience trust and engagement.

News Stories

Eve Ng

Professor in the Scripps College of Communication

Ng was featured in The Washington Post and other outlets discussing how a child’s stuffed bunny became a powerful symbol in a highly publicized Ohio congressional race. Ng, an expert in mass communication and digital culture, explained how the emotional connection people have with beloved childhood objects can transcend political divides, while the simple, instantly recognizable image of the bunny helped condense a complex story into a symbol that resonated with audiences across the internet.

News Stories

Allyson Hallman-Thrasher

Professor in the Patton College of Education and Associate Dean of the Graduate College

Hallman-Thrasher was featured in The Columbus Dispatch discussing new national assessment results showing improvements in student performance following pandemic-era learning disruptions. Hallman-Thrasher, an expert in education and teacher preparation, provided context on what the latest results reveal about how students are recovering academically and the continued challenges facing educators as schools work to address learning gaps.

News Stories

The Columbus Dispatch - "New education data reveals scope of COVID learning loss"

Ben Bates

Professor of Health Communication in the Scripps College of Communication

Bates was featured on NBC4 and WKBN discussing the latest developments in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race and what a new Fox News poll indicates about the competitiveness of the contest. Bates, an expert in health communication and political communication, provided insight into how polling results can shape public perceptions of a race and the ways candidates’ messaging and campaign strategies may influence voters.

News Stories

Jim Strode

Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and O’Bleness Professor of Sport Management in the College of Business

Strode was featured by The Associated Press and several other outlets discussing the creative promotions Major League Baseball teams are using to attract fans to games, from bobblehead giveaways to themed merchandise and unique experiences. Strode, an expert in sport management and sports marketing, explained how teams use promotional events to create excitement, strengthen connections with fans and encourage attendance in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.