Spotlight on NAU Faculty and Their Achievements
Faculty and staff at Northern Arizona University (NAU) are making waves with innovative research and creative projects, gaining recognition both nationally and internationally. Their work not only enhances the university’s reputation but also contributes significantly to their respective fields.
Exploring Virtual Reality and Firearm Perception
At the forefront of recent research endeavors, School of Communication’s Assistant Professor Sun Kim and Associate Professor Zhan Xu have been examining the psychological effects of virtual reality (VR) gaming. Their study, presented at the 2025 National Communication Association Convention in Denver, delved into how VR first-person shooter games might influence players’ attitudes towards real-life firearms. The findings indicated that such gameplay exerts only a limited impact on participants’ perceptions of guns. This research has been published in the International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction.
Advancements in Public Relations Research
Sun Kim has further contributed to academic discourse with a leading article titled “Trends in theoretical public relations research in the 21st century: Longitudinal analysis and comparison of leading journals,” published in the online journal PRism. This paper investigates the evolving trends within public relations, emphasizing the shift towards interdisciplinary and data-driven approaches within the field.
Creative Ventures in Photography
Assistant Teaching Professor Caleb Churchill is gaining attention in the art world through his involvement in several projects. As the photography program coordinator at the School of Communication, Churchill’s work was featured in The Red Thread, part of Conveyor Studio’s contemporary artist publication. Additionally, he participated in a group exhibition with the artist-run STNDRD initiative at the Purple Window Gallery in Chicago. Looking ahead, Churchill has secured a 2026 Creative Flagstaff grant aimed at establishing an outdoor exhibition space in Flagstaff, showcasing the works of local and national artists over the next two years.
For those interested in sharing similar achievements or announcements within the NAU community, submissions can be sent via email to Inside@nau.edu or through the online submission form.
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