Patrick Merle, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School Director
Patrick F. Merle, Associate Professor (Ph.D. Texas Tech University) is a French native, formerly involved in international news (coverage of Sept 11, 2001, 2004 preparation of Athens Olympics) for global news organizations.
He currently serves as Director of the School of Communication after having been Director of the Integrated Marketing Communication program.
His current research focuses on bike safety messaging and how communication campaigns can have a positive effect on drivers' attitudes and behaviors towards cyclists. Additionally, he is examining scientificness, particularly how content featuring misleading scientific claims can affect people's trust in a brand/product and their behavioral intentions.
He created a study abroad communication program in Florence, Italy, focusing on (a) the creation of the magazine ItaliaNoles; and (b) pro-bono help with communication issues for a local Italian client.
He is involved in a research project with scholars at ESDES Lyon (France) and was invited to be a visiting scholar in summer 2023 and summer 2024 teaching courses about Strategic Communication.
Courses taught:
Communication Research Methods
Crisis Communication
PR Strategies
PR Campaign
International PR
Political Communication
Education
- Ph.D., Mass Communications, 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 Communication; International Media; Experimental research;
Teaching Interests
Public Relations, Crisis Communication, Research Methods.