Following the completion of Endicott’s Communications Research Methods class in the fall of 2023, I discovered that I loved research. I found myself drawn to discovering new academia and publishing my own. When I approached my professor, Melissa Yang, with this new-found love, we created a research team to eventually submit to the 2025 ECA Conference.
A year later, I presented two research projects:
Seeking Support Through The Pain: Injured Athletes’ Transparasocial Relationship with Social Media Influencers During Extraordinary Times
As first author, I lead the research and writing process surrounding parasocial relationships with social media influencers amongst the niche group of injured student athletes. With my co-author, Stephanie Moreau, we presented in a selective poster panel to communications professionals and students. We received great feedback and compliments for our presentation and many were looking forward to hearing our research results.
From Follower to Family, They Were There with Me: Momfluencers and Trans Parasocial Relationships
As second author, I assisted my co-author, Jewel Farrin, in the research and analysis of interview data surrounding momfluencers and transparasocial/reverse parasocial relationships. Our paper was selected to be presented in a panel format to communications professionals and students. We received great feedback and had a lengthy discussion about continued research in this field.
This experience meant so much to me. Getting to show my ability as a researcher and communicator allowed me to show my passion and drive for the field of communications. I can’t wait to continue working in this field and continuing to learn!
Lucy Kratman 