Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center | United States
PUBLICATION PROFILE
INTRODUCTION 🌟
Dr. Yukyung Yang is an accomplished academic whose research focuses on communication, particularly in areas like sustainable fashion, social media, and consumer behavior. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Communication at the University of Connecticut, with a specialization in the Marketing Communication track. Through her research, she investigates the affective and normative factors influencing environmentally ethical clothing consumption and strives to bridge communication strategies and sustainable consumer behavior.
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓
Dr. Yang’s academic journey began with dual degrees, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and a Bachelor of Science in Clothing & Textiles from Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea. She further pursued a Master’s in Clothing & Textiles, specializing in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising, focusing on e-commerce platforms and consumer behavior. These foundational studies set the stage for her broader academic interests in the intersection of communication, fashion, and consumer engagement.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 💼
Throughout her career, Dr. Yang has accumulated extensive teaching and research experience. At the University of Connecticut, she has served as an Instructor of Record and Teaching Assistant in various courses, covering topics such as Media Literacy, Public Relations, and Communication Research Methods. Her teaching excellence has been recognized multiple times by the university. Additionally, she has contributed to the academic community through her leadership roles in the Korean Graduate Student Association, Storrs, CT, where she served as Co-President and Public Relations Chair.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🔍
Dr. Yang’s research contributions center on the nexus between personal norms, sustainable consumption, and communication strategies. She is particularly interested in how affective (emotional) and normative (socially prescribed) factors shape ethical consumption behaviors in the fashion industry. Her work has explored the role of media, both traditional and social, in promoting sustainable practices, as well as the social dynamics that influence consumer choices in global contexts. Her current dissertation delves into these themes and examines the impact of personal norms on environmentally ethical clothing consumption.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌐
Dr. Yang’s research has garnered attention in the fields of communication, marketing, and sustainability, significantly contributing to understanding consumer behavior in global and transcultural contexts. Her work on K-Pop’s influence on social networking and her exploration of the #MeToo movement have had broad implications for how social media can drive both social change and consumer behavior. She has also made substantial strides in integrating social identity theory with online consumer interaction, creating a framework for understanding how digital spaces affect societal movements and brand perception.
ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS 📚
Dr. Yang’s work has been featured in several high-impact academic journals, such as Telematics and Informatics, The Journal of Social Media in Society, and Sustainability. One of her notable publications includes a study on generative AI discourse on Twitter and its implications in scientific communication, co-authored with other scholars. Her extensive list of publications also covers a wide array of topics, from the influence of CSR on brand perception to the effects of native ads on consumer decision-making.
HONORS & AWARDS 🏆
Dr. Yang has received numerous accolades for her scholarly work, such as the 1st Place award in the Public Relations Division at the AEJMC 2023 and the Supplemental Dissertation Fellowship at the University of Connecticut. She has also been honored with multiple fellowships and travel grants, including the Summer Fellowship Award and the Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship. Her research excellence has been widely recognized, and her awards reflect her commitment to advancing academic research in her field.
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🌱
Looking forward, Dr. Yang aims to continue her research on sustainable consumer behavior and ethical fashion while expanding her influence in the academic community. She hopes her work will inspire future scholars to explore innovative communication strategies that foster socially responsible consumerism. With her interdisciplinary approach combining communication, marketing, and sustainability, Dr. Yang is poised to leave a lasting impact on both academia and the real world.
FINAL NOTE ✨
Dr. Yukyung Yang’s academic journey is a testament to her dedication to exploring how communication practices intersect with consumer behavior, sustainability, and societal movements. Through her research, she continues to contribute valuable insights into how individuals, brands, and societies engage with ethical consumption. As she wraps up her doctoral studies, her research promises to inspire future scholars and practitioners to explore new pathways for advancing both sustainable and communicative practices in the modern world.
TOP NOTES PUBLICATIONS 📚
Communicative AI in the Scientific Public Sphere: An Analysis of Twitter Discourse on Generative AI Tools
Exploring Transcultural Communication via Perceived Social Distance and Intergroup Acceptance toward K-Pop and Asian Culture
#MeToo: Intersecting Gender, Race, User Identity, Social Judgment, and Social Support
Sustainable Apparel Consumption: Personal Norms, CSR Expectations, and Hedonic vs. Utilitarian Shopping Value
Exploring the Effects of Media Format and Disclosure of Native Twitter Ads on Consumer Evaluations and Decision-Making