Azhar Iqbal

Azhar Iqbal after defending his Ph.D. dissertation proposal at the University of Kansas — Ph.D. candidacy announcement, University of Kansas

October 27, 2025 · Lawrence, Kansas

Ph.D. Candidacy Confirmed: Azhar Iqbal Advances Toward Doctoral Completion at the University of Kansas

Azhar Iqbal, a doctoral student at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Kansas, has successfully defended his Ph.D. dissertation proposal, officially achieving Ph.D. candidacy status. His research examines the impact of digital advertising on the mental health of Generation Z in the United States.

With the successful defense of his proposal, Iqbal is now an All But Dissertation (ABD) and will proceed with data collection and analysis under the guidance of his faculty supervisor. His dissertation is expected to make a meaningful contribution to the fields of health communication and digital media studies by highlighting the social implications of digital advertising in youth contexts.

He is scheduled to complete his Ph.D. in May 2026.

EmTech Research Group celebrating the Top Faculty Paper Award at AEJMC 2025 — EmTech Research Group, AEJMC 2025

EmTech Research Group at AEJMC Conference — EmTech Research Group, AEJMC 2025

August 9, 2025 · San Francisco, California

EmTech Research Group Wins Top Faculty Paper Award at AEJMC 2025

The Emerging Media and Technology (EmTech) Research Group at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Kansas, received the Top Faculty Paper Award 🥇 at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) 2025 Conference for their study titled “Teenage Girls and Digital Health: Navigating Health Misinformation on Social Media.”

The award-winning paper was led by Dr. Hyunjin Seo, University Distinguished Professor and Oscar Stauffer Chair at KU, and Director of the EmTech Research Group, along with her research team. The study examines how teenage girls engage with digital health content across social media platforms, focusing on their strategies for identifying, interpreting, and managing misinformation in online health spaces.

Kabul University virtual lecture — Virtual guest lecture hosted by Kabul University

Guest lecture session image 2 — Virtual guest lecture hosted by Kabul University

April 22, 2025 · Lawrence, Kansas / Kabul, Afghanistan

Azhar Iqbal Delivers Virtual Guest Lecture at Kabul University, Afghanistan

Azhar Iqbal, Ph.D. A student at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Kansas, was invited as a guest speaker by the Department of Mass Communication at Kabul University, Afghanistan, to deliver a virtual lecture on “Digital Journalism in the Presence of Artificial Intelligence.”

The session brought together faculty members, students, and aspiring journalists for an engaging discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping journalism practices, newsroom dynamics, and ethical considerations in the digital media landscape. Iqbal highlighted emerging trends in AI-driven journalism and shared insights on the implications of automation, algorithmic curation, and audience interaction in contemporary news production.

The session proved to be a dynamic exchange of ideas, marked by active participation and thoughtful questions from students and faculty. Iqbal extended appreciation to Prof. Sharifullah Ayubi, the Department of Mass Communication, and the administration of Kabul University for their warm hospitality and their efforts in promoting global academic dialogue on the evolving landscape of journalism education.

Azhar Iqbal receiving the William Allen White Foundation Scholarship 2025 — William Allen White Foundation Scholarship ceremony

April 11, 2025 · Lawrence, Kansas

Azhar Iqbal Receives William Allen White Foundation Scholarship 2025

Azhar Iqbal, A Ph.D. student at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Kansas, has been awarded the prestigious William Allen White Foundation Scholarship for 2025. The scholarship recognizes academic excellence, research promise, and contributions to the field of journalism and mass communication.

Azhar Iqbal speaking on 101.7 FM morning show According to the Record — Live on-air segment at 101.7 FM, Lawrence, Kansas

December 19, 2024 · Lawrence, Kansas

Azhar Iqbal Featured on 101.7 FM Morning Show "According to the Record"

Azhar Iqbal, Ph.D. student at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Kansas, was featured as a guest on “According to the Record,” a popular morning show hosted by Kim on 101.7 FM.

During the live broadcast, Iqbal engaged in a wide-ranging conversation covering key topics such as Journalism Education vs. Journalism Practice, the evolution of Broadcast Journalism in Pakistan 🇵🇰, the growing importance of Health Communication and Media, and the intersection of Teaching and Research in Journalism and Mass Communication.

The discussion offered valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between academic training and industry practice in journalism, while also highlighting global perspectives on how media education and health communication continue to evolve in the digital era.

EmTech Research Group receiving Top Faculty Paper second place at AEJMC 2024 — EmTech Research Group, AEJMC 2024

August 9, 2024 · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

EmTech Research Group Wins Top Faculty Paper (Second Place) at AEJMC 2024

The Emerging Media and Technology (EmTech) Research Group at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Kansas, received the Top Faculty Paper (Second Place) 🏆🥈 at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) 2024 Conference for their study titled “Social Media Activism and Women’s Health: Endometriosis as a Feminist Issue.”

The paper was led by Dr. Hyunjin Seo, University Distinguished Professor and Oscar Stauffer Chair at KU, and Director of the EmTech Research Group, along with her research team. The study explores how social media platforms are leveraged for feminist health activism, focusing on how women use digital spaces to share experiences, challenge stigma, and raise awareness about endometriosis as a public health and gender equity issue.

July 20, 2023 · Lahore, Pakistan

Azhar Iqbal Concludes Five Years of Academic Service at the University of Management and Technology, Lahore

Azhar Iqbal announced his resignation from the School of Media and Communication Studies at the University of Management and Technology (UMT), marking the conclusion of a remarkable five-year tenure as Lecturer in Media and Communication.

During his time at UMT, Iqbal taught more than 650 students across 10 semesters, delivering 28 courses spanning nine key subject areas. His teaching consistently earned student feedback ratings averaging 80% and above, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and student engagement.

In addition to teaching, he supervised over 250 student projects in Advertising, Public Relations, and Broadcasting, including 29 Final Year Projects that combined creativity, research, and practical media production. Beyond the classroom, Iqbal organized and hosted around 30 academic and media events, successfully bringing together distinguished professionals from academia, film, drama, and journalism—both nationally and internationally.

Iqbal concluded his tenure with an impressive research record, contributing nine publications, including articles in high-impact (W-category) journals. He also initiated and proposed the idea for the first-ever International Conference at the School of Media and Communication Studies, demonstrating his vision for expanding the school’s global academic footprint.

To honor his dedication and contributions, students gave him a standing ovation, and a farewell lunch was hosted by the faculty and staff, celebrating his years of service and impact on the academic community.

His years at UMT reflect a blend of teaching excellence, research productivity, and institutional leadership, foundations that continue to shape his ongoing academic journey in media, communication, and health research.

Watch Farewell Highlights

August 17, 2022 · Lahore, Pakistan

Azhar Iqbal Receives Employee of the Quarter Award 2022 at UMT

Azhar Iqbal, Lecturer at the School of Media and Communication Studies (SMCS), University of Management and Technology (UMT), was honored with the Employee of the Quarter Award 2022 🏆 in recognition of his outstanding teaching performance, dedication, and contributions to academic excellence.

Selected among only 29 faculty members out of more than 800, Iqbal's recognition reflects his consistent commitment to student success and his tireless efforts to enhance the learning environment at SMCS. Over his tenure, he has earned distinction for his innovative teaching methods, student mentorship, and creative engagement with media and communication education.

Iqbal dedicated this achievement to his students, acknowledging their continuous motivation and inspiration throughout his academic journey. He also expressed gratitude to his colleagues, friends, and the Dean of SMCS for their encouragement and support in recognizing his professional contributions.

This award highlights his growing influence as an educator who combines passion, persistence, and purpose in shaping the next generation of media and communication professionals.

Watch Award Announcement