Aimei Yang

Aimei Yang is an Associate Professor of Journalism at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Her research focuses on strategic communication, organizational network ecology, public diplomacy, and transnational civil society networks. She holds a PhD in Communication from the University of Oklahoma.

Yang’s work explores interorganizational relationships, particularly in the context of multi-sector alliances and social movements. She has published over 40 journal articles in prestigious outlets such as Communication Theory and Journal of Business Ethics, and her research has earned several Top Faculty Paper Awards from the National Communication Association and International Communication Association.

She serves on the editorial boards of Public Relations Review and Journal of Public Relations Research, and is affiliated with the USC U.S.-China Institute and the Center for Public Relations. Her research emphasizes social media’s role in nonprofit advocacy, public health crises, and cross-cultural communication challenges.

• Education: PhD in Communication, University of Oklahoma
• Affiliations: USC U.S.-China Institute, Center for Public Relations, Annenberg Networks Network

Yang’s research trends highlight network dynamics in crises, vaccine communication, and NGO alliances. Her recent work addresses politicization of science, pandemic response strategies, and the impact of social media on public engagement.

• Awards: Multiple Top Faculty Paper Awards (ICA/NCA, 2015-2018)
• Grants/Advising: Active in scholarly networks and editorial roles, with a focus on mentoring in public relations and communication studies.

Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, such as strategic network management in public health emergencies and cross-cultural public diplomacy initiatives.