Communication Theory Research Lab

What Is the Communication Theory Research Lab?

The Communication Theory Research Lab (CTRL) is a lab for Mercer University communication studies students to pursue research within the discipline beyond their traditional academic classes. Each semester, a cohort of undergraduate students tackles unique research questions in the collaborative space. Dr. Cameron Kunzelman, assistant professor of communication studies, facilitates the lab and advises students in their research.

What Do Students in the Lab Do?

Taking part in the lab encourages students to pursue their own interests within the discipline and take on real-world research projects. Past research projects have included research on the harmful effects of gender-biased social media trends, an interrogation into life path generation in role-playing games, development of an original arcade cabinet, and more.

Students also have the opportunity to take this research and engage with the broader academic community by presenting at conferences. CTRL gives students the chance to stand on their own research and interact with other academic communities beyond just their Mercer community.

How Do Students Benefit from Participating in CTRL?

The lab gives students a chance to practice the full life cycle of a research project, from proposal all the way through conference application and publishing papers. Over the course of a year, students meet weekly with Dr. Kunzelman to report on progress and troubleshoot problems as they arise. It gives undergraduates the opportunity to engage with scholarly research on an individual level and develop personal accountability for their research. Whether students are preparing for graduate school or the workforce, the lab teaches important skills that can be translated to any context.