GAINESVILLE, FL – The Institute for Public Relations announced today that Rajul Jain, a doctoral candidate at the University of Florida, is the 2011 Ketchum Excellence in Public Relations Research Award (KEPRRA) winner. Sponsored by Ketchum in cooperation with the Institute for Public Relations, the annual award includes a study grant and a paid eight-week internship at Ketchum in New York.
Ms. Jain, hand-picked from one of the largest applicant pools in the award’s history, has accepted the internship with Ketchum Global Research Network, to be conducted this summer. Ms. Jain also receives a $2,500 grant to carry out a research project on public relations measurement and evaluation, which will be submitted for possible publication on the Institute website.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Rajul onto the team,“ says Dr. David Rockland, CEO, Ketchum Pleon Change. “The Ketchum Research fellowship has proven a great way for us to incorporate some very capable researchers to our network. We have all the confidence that Rajul will fit right in.”
Graduate students who have completed one year of study and who have majored in communications or research were encouraged to apply for this award. All proposed research topics were judged for practical and theoretical value by the Institute for Public Relations’ Commission on Public Relations Measurement and Evaluation.
The Ketchum Research Award was created to promote, foster and assist in the development of new research methods in public relations, focusing specific attention on measuring public relations effectiveness.
Ms. Jain is currently working on her Ph.D. in Mass Communications at the University of Florida and will graduate in May with her Masters of Arts in International Business. Ms. Jain earned her Masters’ degree in Information and Communication Technology in India.
“I am extremely happy and honored to have won this year’s Ketchum Excellence in Public Relations Research Award,” says Ms. Jain. “It is an excellent opportunity to work at one of the largest and most successful global public relations agencies in the country. I look forward to this wonderful learning experience to see how organizations use research to practice evidence based management and make progress on my own research about organizational authenticity by having discussions with Ketchum professionals.”
Ms. Jain will work under Ms. Liney Arnorsdottir, Senior Research Associate, Ketchum Global Research Network. “As a past KEPRRA fellow, I know the value this grant provides, both in terms of experience and furthering the candidate’s research project. For me, it’s full circle welcoming Rajul. I hope this summer will be a great one for her – as it was for me.”
About IPR
IPR is an independent non-profit foundation that answers the need for evidence and accountability in public relations. IPR plays a critical role in bridging the academic world with the profession to ensure that the best thinking and knowledge are applied for the benefit of today’s demanding business world. More information can be found at instituteforpr.org.
