Honoring scholars, sharing new insights

By Matthew Biddle

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Every day, researchers in the University at Buffalo School of Management question theories and make startling new discoveries. That culture of innovation was on display for the entire university to see during the 11th annual PhD Showcase.

Through a series of three-minute presentations, School of Management doctoral students from every academic department presented their research on a wide range of topics — from how artificial intelligence affects team dynamics, to whether hotel loyalty programs really drive customers to book rooms, to how uncertainty around economic policies influences corporate decision-making.

Held March 17, the PhD Showcase celebrated doctoral student research and success, culminating with the announcement of several student awards.

Two students — Yoon Kang of Busan, Korea, and Ji Myoung (Danny) Kim of Daejeon, Korea — were honored with Poster Presentation Awards based on their overall presentation and the clarity, strength of design and implications of their research. They each received a $1,000 cash prize.

Representing the Marketing Department, Kang presented her research examining why some consumers gravitate toward minimalist designs in product packaging.

Meanwhile, Kim, also from the Marketing Department, shared his study on why consumers may feel indifferent toward animal-friendly products, like plant-based meats and cruelty-free cosmetics.

Kim also received the Dean’s Award for Research Excellence, which goes to the senior doctoral student who demonstrates the highest level of potential as a scholar based on journal publications, research awards and presentations or papers at top conferences. In addition to the work he presented at the Showcase, Kim previously published another study in the Journal of Consumer Psychology with Sunyee Yoon, assistant professor of marketing, which found that most consumers continue eating meat even when they feel guilty for doing so. He received a $2,500 prize for the honor.

Kalan Norris of Buffalo was honored with the Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence for his exceptional promise and performance as a teacher within the doctoral program. Norris, from the Organization and Human Resources Department, teaches courses on organizational behavior, power and influence, and studies leadership and motivation in his research. He received a $500 prize with the award.

Finally, Sagarika Suresh Thimmanayakanapalya was named Rising Star for exhibiting exceptional early performance in the program through her engagement with faculty on research, coursework and contributions to the intellectual atmosphere of the school. She received a $1,000 prize. A student in the Management Science and Systems Department, Thimmanayakanapalya delivered her Showcase presentation on an automated system she developed to organize physician reviews and help doctors better understand patient needs.