Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Karen Han

Dr. Han is an assistant professor of advertising within the School of Journalism and Media Studies.

Karen Han, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of advertising in the School of Journalism and Media studies (JMS) at San Diego State University. She primarily teaches upper-level undergraduates courses. Her advertising classes focus on campaigns, digital analytics and AI in strategic decision-making. Her research focuses on digital advertising effectiveness, consumer psychology and the ethical implications of AI in media. At JMS, Han is passionate about guiding students in this AI driven world, giving them the knowledge and skills to navigate digital media with both innovation and ethical awareness. 

What inspired you to become a professor?

My mentor during graduate school was a huge inspiration. I was very fortunate to have a mentor who truly cared about her students and always put them first. She showed me how a professor can truly shape a student's experience and inspire their future endeavors. I emphasize the importance of speaking up to your professors and know they are there to support you and want the best for you and your future! This influences me to want to do the same for my students and show them how they can prosper, succeed, and accomplish their goals.

What is your favorite part about working at JMS?

As an international scholar and Asian woman, I really appreciate the diverse and inclusive environment at JMS. There is a space for all people to have a voice and the school fosters an environment where people from all backgrounds and identities can share their perspectives and feel valued. This supportive atmosphere encourages me to freely express my ideas, contribute to impactful discussions and have a voice. I feel that students are very smart and eager to learn and share their opinions which makes my job incredibly exciting and impactful for so many individuals.  

What is your proudest moment since being at SDSU?

I feel incredibly proud whenever students share their successes, whether it's getting into a study abroad program, receiving a scholarship or getting a new job. Seeing students achieve their dreams and goals motivates me to keep going and to continue to inspire students all that I can. Learning different ways to motivate students and help them with their future goals has always been extremely important to me. 

How do you see AI shaping the future of media and advertising?

AI will continue to have a major impact on media and the world of advertising and is going to shape the way students prepare for their future careers. I’ve noticed that students’ visual literacy—especially regarding AI-generated content—has improved greatly and evolved over the course of the past few years. It is super important that students develop skills on how to ethically use AI for their future careers as I see it being a major part of our future. I stress the importance of using it ethically as it can easily be taken advantage of.