Aaron Barnes

Aaron Barnes is the LaDonna and Charlie Johnson Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Louisville College of Business. His research focuses on cross-cultural dynamics in persuasion, branding, and consumer-brand relationships. Prior to academia, he founded a subscription-based company and worked at a New York consulting firm.

• PhD in Marketing from University of Illinois Gies College of Business (2020)
• Teaches: Principles of Marketing, Marketing Research, Multiculturalism in the Marketplace

Research Trends: Combines cultural psychology with marketing strategy, examining AI systems' cultural reception, brand evaluation mechanisms, and decision-making simplification across contexts. Recent publications explore minority-owned brand promotion, tenant-consumer brand dilution, and social proof dynamics.

Scientific Awards:

• Gerald and Jacqueline W. Nichols Award for Faculty Research Excellence (2023)
• ACR/Sheth Foundation Dissertation Award (2019)
• State Farm Foundation Fellow (2019)
• Three-time teaching award recipient (2017-2021)

Industry Experience: 4 years as founder of a subscription company and 2 years in New York consulting before transitioning to academia.