Patrick F. Merle, Associate Professor (Ph.D. Texas Tech University, 2013) is a French native, formerly an international reporter for global news organizations.
He currently serves as Director of the School of Communication (2020-present) after having been Director of the Integrated Marketing Communication program.
He created in 2017 a study abroad communication program in Florence, Italy, focusing on (a) the production of the magazine ItaliaNoles; and (b) pro-bono help with communication issues for a local Italian client.
Current research projects:
1-Crisis/Risk Communication: Studies to evaluate relationships between risk perceptions and environmental issues.
Recipient of a SEED Grant (2024-2026) to understand how to best communicate about risks of extreme tropical weather. Interdisciplinary project with FSU Geography.
-Focus on the US with extreme tropical weather, prescribed fires.
-Focus on global patterns such as South Asia
-Focus on risk of transmittable diseases
Goal: manuscripts and federal funding
2-Bike safety messaging: a series of studies to understand what type of communication strategies and messages must be produced so people adopt a safer behavior towards cyclists.
Goal: manuscripts and federal grants 2024-2027
3-Physical therapy communication: a series of studies pertaining to physical therapy recovery protocols.
Goal: NIH grant current under review + manuscripts
4-Scienceploitation/Scientificness: multiple studies examining misleading scientific claims. Collaboration with Arizona State University and a German research group.
Goal: manuscript and a federal grant 2024-2027
Prospective and current students can email at pmerle@fsu.edu to join these projects.
Courses taught:
Communication Research Methods
Crisis Communication
PR Strategies
PR Campaign
International PR
Political Communication
Education
- Ph.D., Mass Communication, 2013, Texas Tech University
- Post-master's degree, 1998, Journalism and Mass Communication, Institut Francais de Presse, Paris, France
- M.A. History, 1997, St Patrick's College, Ireland
- B.A., History, 1996, Universite Pierre Mendes France, France
Research Interests
Scientific Public Relations; Crisis and Risk Communication; International Media; Experimental research; Pedagogical reflections
Teaching Interests
Public Relations, Crisis Communication, Research Methods.