Bridging Ethics, Innovation, and Impact: An ADPR Professor and Undergrad Unite in Approach to Modern Public Relations Practices
Under the mentorship of ADPR assistant professor, Chuqing Dong, Ph.D., Kassidy Do shows how AAPI nonprofits use culture and ethics to shape modern PR
By: Sophia Kacorzyk
Public relations is more than media coverage and brand awareness; it’s about creating meaningful connections and impacting real change. ADPR assistant professor, Chuqing Dong, Ph.D., and PR undergraduate researcher, Kassidy Do are doing exactly that through their research on the communication practices of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) nonprofits. Their project explores how stakeholder engagement, cultural identity, and ethics shape advocacy and visibility for underrepresented communities. These are insights that earned Do first place recognition at the 2025 University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum.
“Our study looks at how AAPI nonprofits communicate, the challenges they face, and how PR can be used to address inequities,” Do said.
She said many of these organizations play vital yet often overlooked roles in their communities, from supporting civic engagement to improving access to education and safety resources. Their work emphasizes how public relations can serve as a bridge for impact and awareness, not just promotion.
Dong stated that their findings also show an important ethical gap in the industry.
“It would be naive to assume that the same PR practices used in the corporate sector can be applied to minority-serving nonprofits,” she said. “Chasing technological innovation doesn’t always lead to success when organizations are focused on building trust and authenticity.”
Dong also highlighted the responsibility of mainstream media to represent AAPI communities respectfully and authentically, not just when tragedy strikes.
For Do, the project has been both eye-opening and personally meaningful.
“Learning about the diversity of thought within the AAPI community really changed my perspective,” she said. “It helped me see how cultural differences influence communication and leadership, and it deepened my understanding of my own identity. I realized how much potential there is for our community to create real impact.”
The mentorship between Dong and Do has been a key part of their success.
“Mentorship is a privilege,” Dong said. “Research gives students the chance to explore the world beyond their comfort zones and I learn just as much from them as they do from me.”
For Do, she says the experience, especially earning first place at the 2025 UURAF, has been one of the most rewarding parts of her college journey to date.
“Finding a mentor who truly supports your growth makes all the difference,” she said. “Working with Dr. Dong didn’t just shape my research skills, it shaped how I see public relations as a tool for empowerment and social change.”
To learn more about their project or explore opportunities to get involved in undergraduate research with ADPR faculty, students are encouraged to visit the Department’s Research Page.