Essien Oku Essien, a Nigerian doctoral student at Drexel University, is set to receive the prestigious Emerging Scholar Award at the ninth International Conference on Communication and Media Studies in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 24-25, 2024.
The award, conferred by the Common Grounds Research Network at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, acknowledges his significant achievements in academics and research in the United States since 2022.
The 25-year-old scholar has consistently earned top grades, achieving Alpha grades “A’s” in all his courses.
His dedication to his studies has set a high standard of excellence, and he has presented his research at four prestigious conferences across three U.S. states.
Essien also authored a research proposal for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual General Meeting, which garnered funding from Drexel University’s Office of Research and Innovation, as well as departmental support for his research presentation trip.
In a collaborative spirit, Essien has led research on global cultural threats and the sustainability of cultures, covering diverse topics such as deportation and exile comparisons, mythology and modern media, Marxist ideology, rural sustainability, and hyperreality.
His work highlights the value and relevance of his contributions to the academic community.
Many of these works are currently under review or published in reputable American academic journals. His leadership skills are evident as he holds two key student positions: Vice President of the International Graduate Students Association at Drexel University and Event Coordinator for the Communication, Culture, and Media Studies Association of Doctoral Students.
His participation in these organizations reflects his commitment to fostering a vibrant academic community. In addition to his academic pursuits, Essien has contributed as a peer reviewer for reputable journals across various fields, including communication and media studies, social sustainability, diverse identities, and sustainability policy and practices.
Further cementing his reputation, he participated as an invited delegate in the 11th edition of the World Bank Group Youth Summit at The World Bank HQ in Washington DC, on May 30-31, 2024, where several perspectives from his AI communication research were reinforced during panel speeches by globally drawn speakers. The study was completed through collaborative efforts with researchers from American universities in South Carolina, North Dakota, and Indiana.
Essien’s global impact is also recognized through his engagements with the Thirst Foundation in Australia, where he received an award of recognition on March 22, 2024, for his contributions to global water issues, commemorating the 2024 World Water Day.
