Ph.D. Profile – Ja Kyung Seo

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Develop skills for a readiness approach addressing complex communication issues.
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Plan a visit and get a glimpse of your future at Grady.
Find everything you need to set yourself up for success at Grady College and beyond.
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Get more involved and expand your network at Grady.
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Everything you need to know about commencement.
From the history of the college to our impressive faculty and staff, learn more about Grady.
Learn what makes Grady one of the top communications schools.
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Explore our state-of-the-art labs and facilities at Grady College.
Join us in our service mission to enhance the lives of others.
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Learn about this prestigious award founded at UGA & based in Athens
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Discover what’s new with Grady College and our alumni.
Get details on upcoming events happening at Grady.
Become a creative problem solver and leader in mass communications.
Create multimedia narratives in service of the public interest.
Innovate in film and television visual storytelling.
Learn advanced skills for a career in mass communications.
Publish and produce your own work while honing your skills as a writer.
Train to be a future director, producer or cinematographer.
Become a scholar and innovator in mass communications research.
Gain advanced knowledge and understanding of new media.
Study communications skills aimed at shaping public opinion.
Meet society’s evolving health needs with communication.
Examine how we access, create and share media messages.
Prepare for a dynamic career as a sports media professional.
Influence strategic decisions with data-driven insights.
Develop skills for a readiness approach addressing complex communication issues.
Get everything you need to apply for Grady and advance your college education.
Jumpstart your digital media career at Grady.
Advance your education in one of the top graduate programs.
Plan a visit and get a glimpse of your future at Grady.
Find everything you need to set yourself up for success at Grady College and beyond.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor.
Explore opportunities within the Grady network.
Explore study away opportunities, both domestic and abroad.
Get more involved and expand your network at Grady.
View Grady scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
See all the amazing work being done by students at Grady.
Everything you need to know about commencement.
From the history of the college to our impressive faculty and staff, learn more about Grady.
Learn what makes Grady one of the top communications schools.
Read about our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Grady.
Explore our state-of-the-art labs and facilities at Grady College.
Join us in our service mission to enhance the lives of others.
Get to know our award-winning faculty and staff.
Learn about this prestigious award founded at UGA & based in Athens
Stay in-the-know with the latest Grady news and events happening around campus.
Discover what’s new with Grady College and our alumni.
Get details on upcoming events happening at Grady.

Ja Kyung Seo is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Advertising & Public Relations at the University of Georgia. Her research seeks to understand how emerging technologies, including interactive tools on social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications (e.g., AI chatbots and AI social robots), can be harnessed in the advertising field for the betterment of society. She investigates the psychological mechanism under which such interactive technologies influence individuals’ cognitive and emotional processing of advertisements. She conducts research as a member of the Health and Environmental Advertising Research Team (HEART) at Grady College.

Seo is a recipient of the Graduate School Summer Research Grants issued by the UGA Graduate School (2023), AEJMC Advertising Division Washington Media Scholars Foundation Graduate Research Scholarship (2024), and HSAD Global Research Award (2024).

Seo earned a master’s degree in mass communication from Sogang University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Sogang University.

Following is a brief interview with Seo .

I became fascinated with how the emerging technologies we encounter daily shape human behavior, perceptions and interactions. I saw a Ph.D. program as a chance to continuously ask questions and contribute to our understanding of these powerful tools. I love that this program allows me to keep learning and growing in a field I’m truly passionate about.

The highlight of my doctoral journey has been the chance to collaborate on research projects with inspiring scholars and to work closely with the Health and Environmental Advertising Research Team (HEART). Leading a project on the effectiveness of interactive advertising formats in pro-environmental campaigns has been especially rewarding. This experience allowed me to design impactful studies that address real-world issues while also developing my skills in teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.

A fun fact about me is that I was a ballet dancer before college! I used to communicate with audiences through the art of ballet, and now I study communication between humans and emerging communication technologies, like AI chatbots and social robots. It’s interesting to think that both ballet and emerging technologies are about creating connection and understanding, just through different forms.

My advice to prospective Ph.D. students is to focus on personal growth rather than comparing yourself to others. Progress in a Ph.D. program can be challenging and sometimes slow, so it’s important to celebrate small wins and see each step forward as part of your journey.

My most memorable experience at Grady College has been working with the undergraduate students in my ADPR 3400 (Insights and Analytics) course. On days when I feel down by a stagnant research process, teaching has become a part of my healing process. I gain so much positive energy from my students. Their enthusiasm and curiosity keep me motivated!

Author: Lauren A. Pike, lauren.pike@uga.edu

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