Seed grants support further research in the world of media and AI

Three UNC Hussman professors have been awarded 2025 UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media seed grants. A total of $20,000 was awarded among Associate Professor Deb Aikat, Professor Tori Ekstrand and Associate Professor Laura Ruel to further their research regarding the world of media and AI. 

Seed grants are awarded annually to UNC Hussman faculty to support research ideas that have strong potential to grow into larger projects. This funding provides opportunities for faculty to discover new knowledge in their disciplines and create content to teach future generations. These funds mark the beginning stages of innovative research. 

“As artificial intelligence transforms the media industry, it’s vital that our faculty are at the forefront of understanding and leading that change,” said Raul Reis, dean of UNC Hussman. “The work funded by these seed grants not only advances scholarship but also prepares our students and faculty to navigate – and shape – the future.” 

Deb Aikat 

Associate Professor Deb Aikat’s seed grant will support his ongoing study — Technology Transforms the News Media: Who’s a Journalist in the Age of AI? — which looks at how technology is transforming the free press while providing empirical insights about the role of journalists, newsfluencers (news influencer) and social media publishers in our democratic society. His work will substantively advance our understanding of media challenges in our field and enhance the intellectual impact of agendamelding theory in restoring public trust in the news media.  

“The 2025 Hussman seed grant will be pivotal towards exploring ways to enhance our conceptual understanding of the changing role of journalists, newsfluencers and social media publishers in our democratic society,” said Aikat. “The seed grant will be pivotal toward enhancing my research record. It will give me critical funding to develop and submit competitive applications for external funding for this important study.” 

Tori Ekstrand 

Professor Tori Ekstrand’s seed grant will support her research into redesigning media law curricula to account for the impacts of AI on free expression and the First Amendment. In particular, Ekstrand will research the introduction of several new European Union (EU) technology regulations, including the Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA), the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Her work is designed to prepare students to comply with these new international rules and to explore the growing amount of similar legislative responses in several U.S. states. 

“It’s a huge shot of confidence to have my colleagues support my research, and I’m grateful to the dean, the school and all the school’s supporters who are looking out for faculty research, especially now,” said Ekstrand. “Most graduates of the school can remember taking their required media law course; every day now, however, that course is looking very different given the attacks on democracy and the vast changes introduced by AI in our lives. So it is really important to spend time talking to policymakers, ethicists, business leaders and our international partners about what students should know in this moment, and how to be prepared in their careers for these huge changes.” 

Laura Ruel 

Associate Professor Laura Ruel’s research explores how people engage with AI-generated images and AR content using eye-tracking technology through the Tobii Pro Glasses 3. She will compare how people look at AI-generated images versus human creations and explore the difference between reading a print book and an AR-enhanced version. Her work will deliver insights into how we process digital and print content, which can lead to advancements in user experience, media credibility and digital literacy.  

“I’ve been curious for a long time about how people really see and respond to the visuals we create — especially now that AI and AR are part of the mix,” said Ruel. “This grant gives me the chance to explore that in a whole new way, using wearable eye-tracking to capture real-time reactions. I’m excited to dig into how emerging tech is shaping trust, attention and the user experience.” 

“It was a delight to be able to review my colleagues’ innovative research,” said Allison Lazard, the school’s E. Reese Felts Jr. Distinguished Associate Professor and chair of the seed grant committee. “I not only learn about the work that they are doing, but I get inspired by the work that they are tackling with timely and important topics. It’s an honor to support my colleagues by chairing this committee.”