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Willis, Erin

Associate Professor

Positions

Research Areas research areas

Research

research overview

  • Dr. Willis's research is an intersect between mass communication and public health. She examines how people with chronic disease use online health communities to exchange content related to self-management behaviors and how that affects behavior. Additionally, Dr. Willis examines pharmaceutical company advertising and marketing strategies and how social media is now being employed to influence consumers' preferences regarding prescription medications.

keywords

  • computer-mediated communication, chronic disease self-management behaviors, online health communities, direct-to-consumer advertising, pharmaceutical companies' marketing strategies, engagement in online content

Publications

selected publications

Teaching

courses taught

  • APRD 1002 - Introduction to Branding
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Spring 2019
    Designed to help students acquire a basic understanding of brand and brand culture. Emphasis on theories and practical problems to learn effective ways of building a strong brand strategy. Encompasses every facet of making strategic decisions for a brand. Involves understanding the content a consumer requires, how the consumer will come in contact with the brand and what is the goal of the relationship between consumer and content.
  • APRD 1003 - Principles of Strategic Communication
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022
    Introduces the foundations, nature, and practices of advertising and public relations and the various industry functions - including account management, market research, account planning, media planning, creative strategy, creative execution, branding, image reputation and crisis management. This course offers historical, organizational, financial, creative and critical perspectives concerning strategic communication.
  • APRD 2002 - Principles of Public Relations
    Primary Instructor - Summer 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Summer 2019
    Overview of public relations practice and theory including history, media channels and relations, legal and ethical concerns, international and diverse perspectives, and career options. Cannot be taken concurrently with APRD 2000 or APRD 2003.
  • APRD 2004 - Introduction to Research Methods and Insights
    Primary Instructor - Summer 2023 / Spring 2024
    Provides students with the fundamental skills necessary to develop research-based strategies to address challenges faced by advertising, public relations, and marketing professionals in their efforts to address client communication needs.
  • APRD 3003 - Strategic Communication Research Methods
    Primary Instructor - Summer 2018
    Provides an opportunity to use and master quantitative and qualitative research methods. Students conduct research and analyze data to determine the target audience�s relationship with specific product categories and identify the emotional and practical needs that create brand relationships.
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