Nikki Lyons

Ph.D.
Public Relations

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Nikki is a Ph.D. student in the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications and the Quality Assurance Manager for the Center for Online Innovation and Production (COIP). As an experienced educator, she has taught learners in K–12, higher education, and professional environments, and she currently supports instructors as they create engaging online learning experiences. She is an F.E.F. McKnight Doctoral Fellow.

Professional Interests

As I conclude my studies at UF, I want to be poised to apply for a position as a faculty member at a four-year Florida Institution. I am a Historically Black University graduate, so I feel that it is my responsibility to contribute to the educational experiences of students at one of the state’s HBCUs. As I get opportunities to interact with undergraduate students in learning and mentoring spaces, my appreciation for the impact I can have on their trajectories increases.

Awards and Honors

2024 Superior Accomplishment Award - University Gold, University of Florida, 2024.

Superior Accomplishment Award - Division Three Winner, University of Florida, 2024.

Education

M.A., University of Northern Iowa, Instructional Technology
M.Ed., Albany State University, Early Childhood Education
B.S., Albany State University, Early Childhood Education

News

• How Gender and Race Shaped Stacey Abrams’ Campaign to Court Black Male Voters (January 10, 2025)
• Study: Communication Surrounding U.S. Black Female Candidates Can Potentially Reshape Perceptions of Black Women as Leaders (December 5, 2024)
• Rachel Grant Receives Prestigious 2024 FEF William R. Jones Valuable Mentor Award (December 3, 2024)
• Rachel Grant and Doctoral Student to Present at 2023 International Journal of Press/Politics Conference (October 10, 2023)
• All News About Nikki Lyons

Publications

Refereed Journal Articles

Grant, R., & Lyons, N. L. (2024). Focusing on the fellas: Stacey Abrams’ social media campaign addresses misogynoir in U.S. politics. Communication, Culture & Critique, 1-8. DOI: 10.1093/ccc/tcae047

Book Chapters

Fleming, K., & Lyons, N. (2024). Beyond the Band and Game: The Sociocultural Impact of a Historical Black College and University Homecoming Experience. In Reimagining community festivals and events: critical and Interdisciplinary perspectives.. London, United Kingdom: Routledge. DOI: 10.4324/9781003429760

Bitton-Bailey, A., Lyons, N., & Sheets, Z. (2022). Weaving It All Together. In Quality in Online Programs (pp. 229-247). BRILL. DOI: 10.1163/9789004510852_013

Presentations

Lyons, N. (2024). From Victim to Villain: Misogynoir Aimed at Megan Thee Stallion. Paper/Poster at 74th Annual International Communication Association Conference, Gold Coast, Australia.

Lyons, N. (2024). Natural Hair Activism as Resistance: Dismantling Discrimination to Pass the CROWN Act During Florida’s “Stop WOKE” Era. Paper/Poster at 74th Annual International Communication Association Conference, Gold Coast, Australia.

Grant, R., & Lyons, N. (2024). Focusing on the Fellas: Stacey Abrams’ Social Media Campaign Addresses Misogynoir. Paper/Poster at 2024 McKnight Annual Fellows’ Meeting and Research & Writing Conference, Tampa, FL.

Grant, R., & Lyons, N. (2023). Focusing on the Fellas: Stacey Abrams’ Social Media Campaign Addresses Misogynoir. Paper/Poster at The Ninth Conference of the International Journal of Press/Politics, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Research

• Narrative Storytelling
• Meme and .gif culture
• Digital media
• Social media
• Critical/Cultural studies
• Strategic communication