The CHRC 2025 Mini Conference was a Success!

Students and faculty presented their incredible research to the Department

The Center for Health and Risk Communication hosted its annual Mini Conference on Friday, November 14. The event brought together graduate students, undergraduate students, faculty, and staff from across the Department of Communication. 

“We named it a mini conference, but considering all the theoretical rigor and research efforts, this is not mini!” Dr. Kang Namkoong, CHRC Director, commented. “I really appreciate everyone’s efforts in presenting all of these wonderful studies.”

Dr. Kang Namkoong, CHRC Director 

Our department members presented research in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate communication, health support, and risk messaging. "It's exciting to get to present our research," remarked Marcus Wu, a graduate student in the department who researched AI use in disaster communication. Wu was also thankful for research collaboration opportunities, stating, "Dr. Sun Lee was an excellent leader and I learned so much from my research team."  

All presenters at the CHRC Mini Conference 

With five innovative presentations followed by an enthusiastic Q&A session, the event demonstrated the important role communication researchers play in addressing today’s most pressing challenges in Health and Risk Communication.

Featured Presentations (* indicates the Faculty Lead): 

Public Perceptions of Climate Justice in the United States
Presented by: ChenChen Wang
Research team: *Becca Beets, Leah Waks, Misa Park, Courtnee Connon, and ChenChen Wang

ChenChen Wang presenting on behalf of her research team 

Social Media Metrics and Perspective-Taking in Persuading AI Regulation
Presented by:  Shilin (Sophie) Xia
Research team: *Jiyoun Kim, Esther Son, Shilin (Sophie) Xia, and Yuxiao Zhang

Shilin Xia presenting research at the Mini Conference 

Effective Use of AI-Generated Images for Non-Profit Disaster Communication
Presented by: Marcus Wu
Research team: *Sun Lee, Marcus Wu, Tania Chanda, and Anuoluwapo Adesina

Marcus Wu's presentation for the conference 

Can AI Sound Empathetic? A Qualitative Study of ChatGPT’s Role in Student Mental Health Support
Presented by: Seyeon Park
Research team: *Kang Namkoong, Xingman Wu, Rudy Kim, Xinyi Song, and Austin Ao

Seyeon Park presenting on behalf of her research team 

AI as a Nonhuman Support Agent: How Chatbot Use Impacts Human Health Discussion Networks
Presented by: Yan Qu
Research team: *Yan Qu, Jeonghyun (Grace) Kim, Austin Ao, Taufiq Ahmad, and Tania Chanda

 Dr. Yan Qu presenting at the CHRC Mini Conference