College of Humanities and Sciences

Jin Chen, Ph.D., received her Ph.D. in mass communications from Penn State University. Her research focuses on media effects and processes, health and strategic communication, and emerging media technologies. She has published research papers in peer-reviewed journals such as Health Communication, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, and Journal of Business Research. Before pursuing an academic career, she worked in marketing and retail management and also freelanced as a translator, publishing six solo translated books in marketing, communication, psychology and philosophy.

Q&A with Jin Chen

Where did you grow up? Can you tell us a little about your educational journey?

I grew up in Yongdeng County, a small town in Gansu Province in the northwestern part of China. It’s known as the “land of roses,” and in Chinese, Yongdeng means “forever climbing.” I’ve loved that meaning since my elementary teacher told me, especially because I’ve always loved hiking. 

I double majored in marketing and finance as an undergraduate in China. While studying abroad in the U.S. as an exchange student, I developed a strong interest in communication and media, which inspired me to pursue graduate studies in the field. 

When did you first fall in love with your field of study? What made you decide to work in academia?

My interest in digital media emerged during an exchange program in the US, where I was intrigued by the differences in the use and design of Chinese and U.S. media platforms and their impact on consumers. This curiosity led me to graduate studies in communication studies and mass communication, where I explored media effects and strategic communication.

Can you explain the focus of your research?

My research focuses on media effects and processes, and strategic health communication, in the context of emerging technologies such as AI, chatbots and social media platforms. I examine the effects of message features and technological factors, focusing on how these elements influence people’s psychological and behavioral responses to strategic communication. My goal is to leverage emerging AI technologies to craft and deliver messages that effectively shape public perceptions and promote social good.

Can you talk a little about your teaching philosophy? What do you most like about teaching?

I believe teaching is not a one-way transmission of knowledge, but a dynamic, interactive process between teacher and students. I aim to create a student-centered learning environment by recognizing different learning styles and adapting my approach accordingly. My goal is to help students not only grasp theoretical concepts but also apply their knowledge in practical, meaningful ways.

I enjoy teaching because it allows me to spark curiosity in students and engage in meaningful conversations about communication in today’s evolving digital age. I also see every class as an opportunity to learn from my students and gain fresh perspectives through the experiences and insights they share.

What attracted you to VCU? What are you most excited about in regards to VCU and Richmond?

I’m excited about the active research environment, the vibrant academic community and the strong research support, especially the school’s AI + Media Lab initiative, which closely aligns with my research interests. I also look forward to collaborating with colleagues and mentoring graduate students. Beyond academics, Richmond’s rich culture, mild weather and great food make it an appealing place to live.

Can you tell us either a quirky fact about yourself or some of your hobbies?

I enjoy both playing video games and spending time outdoors walking and hiking. Being close to nature helps me recharge and stay balanced. I try to walk at least 30 minutes every day, and often explore neighborhood parks as part of my daily workout.