SMART Lab Members
Lab Director
Ohio University Faculty Researchers
Affiliate Researchers and Industry Collaborators
Dr. Stephanie Tikkanen
Research Lead, Emerging Business, Meta
Dr. Tikkanen brings over a decade of extensive research experience dedicated to enhancing user experiences and refining communication strategies in online environments. With a specialized proficiency in quantitative methodologies encompassing surveys, experimental design, behavioral data analysis, sampling techniques, hypothesis testing, and comprehensive descriptive analyses, Dr. Tikkanen ensures thorough and rigorous investigations. Moreover, his expertise extends to qualitative research methods, including conducting interviews, orchestrating focus groups, employing observational techniques, and implementing diary studies, allowing for a holistic approach to research design and analysis. This versatile skill set equips him to tackle multifaceted research challenges across a broad spectrum of online contexts.
Connect with Dr. Tikkanen on LinkedIn.
Dr. Umar Ruhi
Associate Professor of Information Systems & E-Business at the Telfer School of Management at University of Ottawa, Canada
Dr. Ruhi holds the position of Associate Professor at the esteemed Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa. In this capacity, he imparts knowledge in Information Systems and Digital Enterprise Strategy to both undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Ruhi's academic pursuits are deeply rooted at the crossroads of Information Systems, Knowledge Management, and Consumer Health Informatics. His research initiatives revolve around investigating the modern landscape of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), and their dynamic applications within human, organizational, and social spheres. This underscores his commitment to understanding and advancing the pivotal role of technology in contemporary contexts.
Connect with Dr. Ruhi at Telfer School of Management.
Eli Flournoy
Managing Director, Media Growth Partners
Eli Flournoy brings to the table an extensive 21-year tenure within CNN's dynamic news gathering operations, both within the United States and on an international scale. In his current capacity, he holds the responsibility of supervising a dedicated team of 24/7 assignment editors and managers. This team is focused on providing comprehensive support to a network of over 220 affiliate broadcasters located outside the borders of the United States. Flournoy's wealth of experience equips him with a unique understanding of the intricate demands and challenges inherent in global news dissemination. His leadership plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless and effective communication across a vast network of international media outlets.
Connect with Eli Flournoy on LinkedIn.
Dr. Adil Al-Busaidi
Director of Innovation and Technology Transfer Center at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Dr. Al-Busaidi, holding a Ph.D. from Ohio University, serves as an assistant professor specializing in organizational communication. Concurrently, he holds the esteemed position of Director at the Innovation and Technology Transfer Center at Sultan Qaboos University. Dr. Al-Busaidi's scholarly pursuits center around advanced research methodologies, including causal modeling, scale development, and psychometric testing. Notably, he has pioneered the creation of innovative R programming-based applications tailored for various social media analytics tasks, including opinion mining, sentiment analysis, social network analysis, and sample size calculation. This underscores his profound expertise in harnessing technological tools to extract meaningful insights from digital discourse.
Connect with Dr. Al-Busaidi on LinkedIn.
Dr. Ika Karlina Idris
Associate Professor, Public Policy and Management, Monash University
Dr. Idris brings a wealth of expertise to her role as an Associate Professor in the Public Policy program at Monash University Indonesia. With a strong background in primary and secondary education, she has honed her skills in various facets, including social media analytics, policy analysis, as well as lecturing and curriculum development. Her extensive experience in research and academia is underpinned by a solid foundation, having earned a Ph.D. with a specific focus on Mass Communication and Media Studies from Ohio University. This robust educational background equips Dr. Idris with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of education, policy analysis and media studies, enabling her to contribute significantly to the field of public policy. Her demonstrated history of research and teaching underscores her commitment to advancing education and policy development in Indonesia and beyond.