Edward Downes

Edward Downes is an Associate Professor in Public Relations at Boston University’s Metropolitan College. He promotes interdisciplinary scholarship and integrates intellectual and practical training in his teaching, having instructed 5,019 students across 237 courses on six continents. He also directs the Master’s in Advertising Program and is affiliated with the College of Communication’s Doctoral Program in Emerging Media Studies and the Communication Research Center.

• Education: Ph.D. in Public Relations, Political Communication, and Emerging Media Studies from Syracuse University; Post-Master’s at the University of Maryland; M.P.A. from George Mason University; B.A. from St. Bonaventure University

Dr. Downes’ research explores the intersection of academia and industry, with a focus on political communication and media studies. His forthcoming book, The Politics and PR of Capitol Hill’s Image Makers: The Role of the Congressional Press Secretary, is under review by Bloomsbury Publishing. His work has been published in five academic journals, and he has delivered 43 academic presentations across ten countries.

Scientific Awards:

• Outstanding Service Award
• Professor of the Semester
• Lyndon Baines Johnson Advisor of the Year
• Top Paper Awards (3 international conferences)

Dr. Downes has served as a speaker for organizations such as the Public Relations Society of America, Harvard University’s Medical School, and Boston Women Communicators. Over 14 years, he participated in Boston University’s Faculty-in-Residence program and completed the Future of the Professoriate Program. His professional experience includes roles in private, public, and nonprofit sectors, spanning public relations director, marketing representative, and campaign organizer.