Saleem Alhabash: A Leading Scholar in New and Social Media at Michigan State University
Saleem Alhabash is a distinguished professor and scholar specializing in new and social media research at Michigan State University (MSU). With over a decade of academic experience, Alhabash has built a reputation for his insightful work on how social networking sites and digital content influence human behavior, communication, and marketing. His research focuses on the psychological and social processes behind content virality, digital media consumption, and online communication patterns.
In this article, we will explore the educational background, academic journey, and professional contributions of Saleem Alhabash. We will also delve into his current roles at MSU, his key research interests, and his impact on the field of advertising and public relations.
Saleem Alhabash MSU: Academic and Professional Profile
Saleem Alhabash currently serves as a Professor at Michigan State University in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations. His academic career at MSU spans more than 13 years, during which he has contributed significantly to teaching, research, and leadership within the department.
Leadership Roles at MSU
Since August 2024, Alhabash holds the position of Associate Chair at the Department of Advertising and Public Relations. This leadership role involves overseeing academic programs, supporting faculty development, and guiding strategic initiatives to enhance the department’s reputation.
Additionally, since September 2023, he serves as the Associate Director of Research at the A-CAPP Center (Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection) at MSU. In this capacity, Alhabash manages research projects that bridge academic insights with practical brand protection strategies, focusing on combating counterfeit products and safeguarding intellectual property rights.
Teaching and Academic Contributions
Throughout his tenure at MSU, Alhabash has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses related to advertising, public relations, digital media, and communication strategies. His teaching style emphasizes the integration of theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, enabling students to grasp the evolving dynamics of digital communication.
Some of his notable courses include:
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Consumer Behavior
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Multimedia Content Creation for Advertising and Public Relations
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Digital Media Strategies
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Evaluation Techniques for Working Professionals
Alhabash’s dedication to teaching has earned him praise for clarity, engagement, and practical relevance.
Education: The Foundation of a Distinguished Career
Saleem Alhabash’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in journalism and political science. He completed his undergraduate studies at Birzeit University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Political Science between 2000 and 2005. His undergraduate education laid the groundwork for understanding media’s role in society and the political landscape.
Graduate Studies at University of Missouri-Columbia
Driven by a passion for strategic communication and media research, Alhabash pursued his graduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia, a renowned institution with a distinguished School of Journalism. His educational timeline includes:
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Master of Arts (M.A.) in Strategic Communication (2006–2008)
Here, Alhabash refined his understanding of communication theories, media effects, and the strategic role of messaging in influencing public opinion. -
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Journalism (2008–2011)
During his doctoral studies, Alhabash focused his dissertation and research on the processes and effects of new and social media. This work positioned him at the forefront of digital communication research, especially concerning emerging online platforms and interactive media.
Alhabash’s graduate education was marked by teaching responsibilities, where he instructed undergraduate students in courses such as strategic communication and journalism. This early experience helped shape his holistic approach to both research and pedagogy.
Career and Experiences: From Early Roles to Academic Excellence
Early Professional Experience
Before embarking on his academic career in the United States, Saleem Alhabash served as Managing Editor of PYALARA, a media initiative he managed from 1999 to 2006. In this role, he led a team of over 40 volunteer journalists, coordinated editorial tasks, oversaw newspaper layout, edited content, and managed grants and projects. This early leadership and management experience helped Alhabash develop skills that would later contribute to his academic and research successes.
Academic Appointments and Growth at MSU
In August 2011, Alhabash joined Michigan State University as an Assistant Professor of Public Relations and Social Media, a role he held until July 2018. During this period, he was jointly appointed by the Department of Advertising, Public Relations, and Retailing, and the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media. His joint appointment reflected his interdisciplinary expertise bridging media studies, communication, and advertising.
In August 2018, he was promoted to Associate Professor, a position he held until July 2023, before being appointed as a full Professor. This academic progression underscores his contributions to research, teaching, and service.
Throughout his MSU career, Alhabash’s research has consistently focused on the cognitive and emotional effects of new and social media. His work explores how individuals engage with content on social platforms, how digital advertising influences consumer behavior, and the mechanisms behind content virality.
Research Focus and Scholarly Contributions
Understanding Virality and Social Media Effects
One of Saleem Alhabash’s key research interests lies in deciphering how and why certain content goes viral on social media platforms. He studies specific message features, individual differences, and emotional appeals that contribute to a post’s shareability and reach. His research aims to predict the likelihood of virality and provide marketers and communicators with actionable insights to craft more impactful campaigns.
Brand Protection and Anti-Counterfeiting Research
As Associate Director of Research at the A-CAPP Center, Alhabash contributes to research aimed at protecting brands from counterfeit products. His studies shed light on consumer behaviors surrounding counterfeit purchases, the role of e-commerce and social media in facilitating fake goods sales, and effective communication strategies to deter such practices.
Academic Publications and Awards
Saleem Alhabash has published numerous articles in top-tier journals within communication, advertising, and media studies. His scholarship covers topics such as digital aggression, alcohol marketing on social platforms, and the psychological impact of video games and interactive media.
In 2014, he received the prestigious Mary Alice Shaver Promising Professor Award from the American Academy of Advertising, recognizing his potential and contributions to the field.
Impact and Influence in the Field of Digital Media
Saleem Alhabash’s work has significantly influenced how scholars and practitioners understand the digital communication landscape. His research provides nuanced perspectives on the emotional and cognitive responses elicited by online content, offering critical insights for advertisers, public relations professionals, and media strategists.
By bridging academic theory with practical applications, Alhabash helps organizations navigate the complex dynamics of digital engagement, brand reputation management, and consumer protection in an increasingly online world.
Conclusion
Saleem Alhabash’s academic journey—from his foundational education in journalism and political science to his current leadership roles at Michigan State University—exemplifies dedication, expertise, and innovation in the study of new and social media. His contributions to research, teaching, and applied brand protection continue to shape the evolving fields of digital communication and advertising.
For those interested in the mechanisms of social media virality, digital consumer behavior, and the challenges of brand protection in the online marketplace, Saleem Alhabash remains a leading figure whose work is both insightful and impactful. His career serves as an inspiring example of how academic research can address contemporary media challenges and advance the understanding of human interaction in the digital age.
