Jennifer Ma

Education

• PhD: Communication | University of Connecticut (2016)
• MBA: Marketing Management | Boston College (2008)
• BA & BS: English Language & Literature, and International Law | Lanzhou University (1992)

Personal Statement

I joined the faculty at Winona State University in Fall 2016 after earning my PhD and MBA.

Before entering academia, I gained more than 12 years of professional experience in marketing and strategic communication in China and the United States, including positions with Microsoft, Siemens Telecom, and an international full-service agency representing brands such as Electrolux.

Today, I enjoy bringing my professional and research experience into the classroom to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become successful young professionals.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, photography, freehand drawing, traveling, visiting fine art museums, and staying active through activities such as tennis and yoga. I especially appreciate Winona’s picturesque surroundings and vibrant artistic community. 

Professional Statement

My research interests encompass integrated marketing communication, health communication, new media and technology, and persuasion processes.

My research takes an interdisciplinary approach to examine how strategic communication shapes outcomes across individual, organizational, and societal levels, particularly how emerging communication technologies influence persuasion, credibility evaluation, and health-related decision-making.

My current projects include AI-assisted communication content analysis, medical AI communication, brand equity communication, and global marketing communication. I have also conducted National Institutes of Health grant-supported research on the effectiveness of advertising and communication campaigns.

My work has been published in interdisciplinary journals, including Telematics & Informatics and Mass Communication & Society, and presented at national and international conferences, including ICA, NCA, AEJMC, APHA, AOM, and SMS.

Courses Taught

• MCOM 240: Principles of Public Relations
• MCOM 250: Principles of Strategic Communication
• MCOM 260: Principles of Advertising
• MCOM 308: Research in Mass Media
• MCOM 339: Strategic Social Media
• MCOM 340: Public Relations Cases
• MCOM 345: Public Relations Writing
• MCOM 346: Public Relations Techniques & Strategies
• MCOM 360: Advertising Copywriting
• MCOM 361: Media Buying & Planning
• MCOM 400: Mass Communication Theory
• MCOM 440/460: Campaigns Capstone
• MCOM 450: Global Media
• MCOM 450/550: Global Media Communication