Daniel Montez | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award
Mr Daniel Montez, University of Arizona, United States
Daniel Montez is a Ph.D. candidate in Communication at the University of Arizona, focusing on intellectual humility in digital political environments under advisor Kate Kenski. He holds an M.A. in Mass Communication from Brigham Young University, where he researched social aggression in U.S. election debates. His B.A. in Communication is from Arizona State University. Montez has published on topics such as argument strength, Russian troll social media attacks, and trolling behaviors. His work has appeared in journals like Western Journal of Communication and Social Media + Society. ππ£οΈπ³οΈ #PhD #Communication #Research
Publication profile
Education
Pursuing a Ph.D. in Communication at the University of Arizona, expected December 2024, with a dissertation on “Communicating Intellectual Humility in Digital Political Environments” advised by Kate Kenski π. Holds an M.A. in Mass Communication from Brigham Young University (2017) with a thesis on “Social Aggression in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Primary and General Election Debates” π£οΈ. Completed a B.A. in Communication with a minor in Spanish at Arizona State University (2014) π. Engages with American Politics as a minor at the School of Government and Public Policy πΊπΈ.
Awards
The recipient of numerous awards, including the University of Arizona SBSRI Dissertation Research Grant (March 2024, $1,290) and the GPSC Research and Project Grant (February 2024, $1,022.50). Earned the Department of Communication Special Research Funding (December 2023, $1,000) and was a keynote speaker at BYU’s Masterβs Alumni Networking Event (March 2023). Awarded the Russell J. and Dorothy S. Bilinski Fellowship (March 2023, $42,000) and multiple Ed Donnerstein Media Research Scholarships (August 2022, $700; August 2021, $700). Received professional development funding (August 2020, $576), an international measurement certificate (August 2018), and accolades for academic excellence and research contributions πππ.
Presentation
Daniel Montez has contributed significantly to the field of communication through various papers presented at esteemed conferences. In April 2024, he co-authored a paper on trolling moderation for the NCA Conference. In November 2023, he co-authored research on online engagement dynamics, presented at the NCA Political Communication Division. His work on Russian troll attacks during the 2016 election was presented in 2022. Montez also explored uncivil discourse on Reddit, presented at the 2018 AEJMC conference. In 2017, he presented a paper analyzing Donald Trumpβs campaign aesthetics at the WSCA convention. πππ£οΈ
Experience
From May 2019 to August 2020, worked as a Business Analyst at Zignal Labs, creating media analyses for clients like ExxonMobil and CVS Health, and analyzing the impact of automated activity on social discussions π»π. As Social Media Director at Stand Up Republic (December 2018 β August 2020), managed local event postings and attended strategic meetings π π±. Assisted the Utah Operations Director for the Evan McMullin presidential campaign (September β November 2016), organizing rallies and calling lawmakers ππ³οΈ. As a Research Assistant at BYU (August 2015 β August 2017), collaborated with professors on various projects ππ¬.
Research focus
Daniel Montez’s research primarily focuses on political communication, social media dynamics, and media effects. His work explores how social media platforms, like Twitter and Reddit, influence political campaigns and voter behavior. He examines the impact of trolling and aggressive communication on political discourse and debates. Montez also delves into the appeal of reality TV and its effects on viewers. His interdisciplinary approach spans various aspects of media and communication, contributing to understanding how digital and traditional media shape public opinion and political processes. π±π³οΈπΊ
Publication top notes
Russian Troll Social Media Attacks on Presidential Candidates during the 2016 U.S. Election: The Role of Frontrunner Status, Political Party, and Candidate Gender
Political Party Tweets during the 2020 Presidential Campaign
The Power of Schadenfreude: Predicting Behaviors and Perceptions of Trolling Among Reddit Users
Savvy viewers and (simulated) reality TV: An analysis of the Bachelor’s appeal to viewers
Making debating great again: U.S. Presidential candidatesβ use of aggressive communication for winning presidential debates