Exploring ADPR Faculty Anastasia Kononova’s Passion for Media Research
How ADPR associate professor, Kononova’s career journey led her to the intersection of technology and human cognition
By: Emilio Silerio Gonzalez
For Anastasia Kononova, Ph.D., joining the Spartan community was meant to be. She says she reveres the many names that came before her at MSU’s Department of AD+PR, along with their heavy influence on the field’s methodologies and theories.
“Representing MSU and working alongside such amazing scholars is just a big privilege,” said Kononova.
Much of Kononova’s research focuses on technology’s influence on our cognition and how we process information. She works to improve our understanding of the brain in a world that is becoming increasingly dependent on technology.
“In research and beyond, MSU teaches you to think ‘who will benefit from it,’” said Kononova. “I really love the process of designing a study and learning about people and communities, it’s amazing work.”
As Kononova has progressed her research efforts, she has broadened the scope of her work.
“Sometimes research doesn’t serve anyone else but a small number of academics working within the field,” said Kononova. “So, I started asking questions about the broader impact of technology on people and their cognition.”
Today, Kononova’s work is far-reaching and furthers our understanding of human cognition. Most notably, Kononova is known for her expertise on media multitasking. In 2021, she was named one the ten most prolific media multitasking researchers (link here) in the world.
Journey to researching human cognition in a world of technology
Kononova grew up in Russia, with a passion for creative writing and influenced by the blossoming relationship between the U.S. and Russia.
“I’m the product of the wave of optimism Russia and the U.S. shared when being friendly and partnering on similar issues post-USSR,” said Kononova.
Kononova at a conference during her undergraduate studies, in early 2000s Russia.
While studying international journalism, Kononova fueled her interest in media and began researching the coverage of the U.S. in Russian media.
“I was always interested in furthering my education in the U.S., so I applied for a master’s and got accepted at Oklahoma State University,” she said.
At Oklahoma, Kononova nurtured her passion for research. Her thesis was related to Russian students’ perceptions of the U.S, comparing those who have and haven’t visited the U.S.
“When graduating, many professors encouraged me to apply for a Ph.D. I applied only to the Missouri School of Journalism and got in,” said Kononova.
After completing her Ph.D., Kononova worked at the American University of Kuwait for a couple of years before destiny brought her to Michigan State University.
“MSU is one of the best schools in our field of communications, but there were also personal reasons for moving here,” she said. “My husband, a brilliant researcher, found a job here first.”
Now, over a decade after joining MSU, Kononova is a proud Spartan and continues to impact fields of media and psychology through the Department of AD+PR’s innovative research.
