Illinois' Institute of Communications Research Shines Bright with National Honors Ahead of 2025 NCA Convention

It's always a moment of immense pride when our own are recognized on a national stage, and the Institute of Communications Research (ICR) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is absolutely buzzing with excitement! We've just heard the fantastic news: several of our esteemed faculty and a brilliant student have been singled out for prestigious honors at the upcoming 2025 National Communication Association (NCA) Convention.

Let's kick things off with Dr. Rachel M. Magee, who is set to receive the Outstanding Article in Communication Education Award. This isn't just any award; it's a testament to scholarship that genuinely pushes the boundaries of how we teach and learn in communication. Her acclaimed article, co-authored with Dr. Andrea Brener and Ashley E. Hall, is titled 'Developing a Critical Perspective in Undergraduate Students through Research Skill Development.' It's a piece that really highlights the importance of equipping students with the tools to think critically, which, let's be honest, is more crucial than ever in today's world.

Next up, we have Dr. Sara McDaniels, whose profound work has earned her the Distinguished Scholarship Award from the Rhetoric & Communication Theory Division. What a remarkable achievement! Her article, 'Savage Indignation: Rhetorics of Whiteness and the Policing of Indigenous Identity in 19th Century Canada,' published in the Rhetoric Society Quarterly, delves into incredibly significant and often uncomfortable historical narratives. It's the kind of scholarship that doesn't just inform, but truly challenges us to look deeper at systemic issues, which is precisely what distinguished research should do, wouldn't you agree?

And let's not forget the phenomenal talent emerging from our student body! Huanru (Claire) Li, one of our brilliant students, is being honored with the Top Student Paper Award from the Communication and Law Division. It's truly inspiring to see such high-caliber work from our rising scholars. Claire's paper, 'Who is Watching the Watchers? Unpacking the Interplay of Government Surveillance and Censorship on Citizen Mobilization in Authoritarian Regimes,' tackles a profoundly relevant and complex issue. In an era where information flow and state control are constant points of discussion, her research offers vital insights. It's a reminder that even at the student level, impactful research can be done.

These honors truly underscore the vibrant intellectual environment we cultivate here at the Institute of Communications Research. It’s a proud moment for each individual recognized, and for our entire community. We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. Magee, Dr. McDaniels, and Claire Li. We can't wait to see them represent Illinois so admirably at the 2025 NCA Convention. What a fantastic way to head into the new academic year!