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BRISTOL, R.I. — What began as a casual conversation abroad led to a published paper, an academic conference in Athens, and a lasting legacy at �鶹ɫ��Ƭ.

Cooper Hughes, a senior Public Relations major with minors in Marketing and Communications & Media Studies, didn’t set out to become a published researcher. But while studying abroad through a university-led program in Prague, a passing comment from Professor of Public Relations Amiee Shelton planted a seed. “She mentioned an idea for a paper about how Gen Z defines celebrity,” Hughes said. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it.”

What followed was months of collaboration and refinement, culminating in  a peer-reviewed article now accepted for publication in the . The research explores how Gen Z’s ideas of fame have evolved, favoring authenticity, relatability, and niche influence over traditional celebrity.

“We saw a clear shift after 2020," Hughes explained. "TikTok changed everything. People didn’t need to be in Hollywood to be considered famous anymore. They just needed a platform and a voice.”

This past May, Hughes presented the research in Athens, representing �鶹ɫ��Ƭ as the only undergraduate speaker at the . “It was surreal,” he said. “I was the first to present. I was nervous, but I believed in the work.”

At every step, Hughes credits �鶹ɫ��Ƭ for giving him the freedom to explore and the faculty support to grow into his own. “Dr. Shelton didn’t just teach me how to write academically; she pushed me to build something real. She and the faculty here have a hands-on style that makes you take what you learn and actually do something with it.”

That practical, immersive approach defines the School of Humanities, Arts, and Education – and �鶹ɫ��Ƭ as a whole. From his first semester, Hughes was applying classroom concepts to real-world experiences. “�鶹ɫ��Ƭ makes it easy to step into your interests early,” he said. “You’re not just learning theory, you’re out there creating, testing, leading.”

Hughes’s learning extended beyond campus through a public relations internship with Hasbro, where he serves as the Brand Publicity Intern. He has worked across a wide range of iconic brands, from NERF to Play-Doh, but most closely with Transformers and G.I. Joe. His projects included writing and editing press releases, coordinating influencer seeding, and helping plan events such as the press breakfast at San Diego Comic-Con.

The experience brought classroom lessons to life. “Working for such a prestigious company has allowed me to apply the skills I’ve developed over the past three years in school while gaining real-world experience in brand publicity,” Hughes said. One of his most memorable moments came while leading influencer seeding for the new Transformers: Cyberworld series, from outreach and product preparation to watching major influencers unbox items he had sent. “Seeing the full process from start to finish was a surreal, full-circle moment.”

Beyond the classroom, Hughes found even more ways to grow. A four-year member of the Track & Field team, he says athletics instilled in him discipline, resilience and the ability to lead by example. “Being a student-athlete taught me how to manage my time and stay focused. You can’t slack off.”

He also took on leadership roles across campus, guiding prospective students as an Admissions Ambassador, managing content as part of the university’s Social Media Ambassador team, and organizing campuswide events through the Inter-Class Council. “Each role gave me a different skill set and a different perspective on what makes �鶹ɫ��Ƭ such a close-knit community.”

He’s quick to credit the mentors and peers who helped him along the way. Faculty like Professor Shelton, coaches like Maura Logan, and staff advisors and fellow students who encouraged and challenged him. “There’s something about �鶹ɫ��Ƭ – everyone wants you to succeed. I never felt like I was going through any of it alone.”

That sense of community gave Hughes the confidence to change course. He entered �鶹ɫ��Ƭ as an Elementary Education major, but discovered his passion for media and communication, drawn to its blend of storytelling, strategy, and influence. “�鶹ɫ��Ƭ made it easy to explore new paths. They gave me room to figure it out without judgment.” And thanks to strong academic advising, he was able to apply all of his credits toward his new program without losing time. “In fact, I could have graduated early if I wanted to,” he said.

Now heading into his senior year, Hughes isn’t exactly sure what comes next – but he’s ready for it. Whether it's traveling, working in a new city, or tackling a new challenge, he knows he’s ready. “I don’t have a concrete plan yet, but I know I’ve got the tools to take on whatever comes. �鶹ɫ��Ƭ made sure of that.”