Virginia Tech University Masters Student Wins 2012 Grunig PRIME Research Fellowship
Kelly Robinson
2013 Grunig PRIME Research
Fellowship Winner
Kelly Robinson, a graduate student at Virginia Tech University, is this year’s winner of the 2013 Grunig PRIME Research Fellowship. The fellowship − named for James E. Grunig, Ph.D., and Larissa A. Grunig, Ph.D. − is presented by the Institute for Public Relations (IPR) and sponsored by PRIME Research.
Robinson will enter a six-week fellowship in the PRIME Research offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan during the summer. She will receive a $5,000 stipend and will submit a research paper to be published (by IPR) at which time she will receive another $2,500 from the Institute for Public Relations. Commenting on her award Kelly said, “The Grunig Prime Research Fellowship offers a tremendous opportunity for me to grow and develop as a public relations researcher. I look forward to spending the summer in Ann Arbor and to learn from everyone at Prime Research.”
“We are thrilled to name Kelly Robinson as the sixth recipient of the Grunig PRIME Research Fellowship,” said Mark Weiner, CEO for PRIME Research in North America. “The program aims to foster interest in public relations research as a career path by allowing Fellows to participate in PRIME’s research-based consulting for global clients. At the same time, we provide the resources winners need to explore their thesis and to contribute to the body of public relations knowledge.”
Lauri Grunig added, “Kelly has taken full advantage of every internship, teaching, and publication opportunity in public relations as a master’s degree student at Virginia Tech. A common feature among all the people awarded the Grunig PRIME Fellowship over the years—and those outstanding students who apply as well—is their appreciation for the role research plays in the process of professional public relations.”
The Grunigs are professors’ emeriti in the Department of Communication at the University of Maryland, College Park. Together they have written or edited 10 books. Each has written more than 200 articles, book chapters, monographs, reviews, and conference papers on public relations theory and research. They have lectured in 43 countries, won nearly every major award for public relations educators, and advised hundreds of master’s and doctoral students.
PRIME Research, founded in 1987 in Mainz, Germany, provides a broad array of traditional and social media research and consulting services, employing approximately 500 analysts and 100 consultants in eight locations around the world.
The Institute for Public Relations (IPR) is an independent non-profit foundation that answers the need for evidence and accountability in public relations. IPR plays a critical role in bridging the academic world with the profession to ensure that the best thinking and knowledge are applied for the benefit of today’s demanding business world. More information can be found at www.instituteforpr.org.
Past Grunig Fellowship Winners
Vanessa Procter
“Winning the PRIME Research Fellowship in 2010 opened up a gateway of opportunity for me within the world of PR Research and communication consultancy. It gave me a solid, reputable and enjoyable foundation to step forward with my career and move from my role as a masters student into a young professional. Now, as a Project Manager at Prime research, I know that without the fellowship I would never have been able to command the role, responsibility and rapid career development opportunities I have now. It truly was a fantastic experience and door opener into a leading global communications company.”
Shana Meganck
“Winning the Grunig PRIME Research Award was not only a huge honor but a wonderful experience. Everyone in the industry knows how well-respected the Grunig’s are and it was such a pleasure to be associated with them, and chosen to grow as a researcher with Prime.”
Owen Kulemeka
“Winning the Grunig PRIME Award was an achievement that has benefitted me in many ways that go beyond the money and time spent working at the PRIME office. The award has helped my career because being associated with such a prestigious prize has opened doors to exciting opportunities. It was a memorable experience and as a professor, I encourage my best students to not only apply for the award but to seek job opportunities at PRIME which, in my view, is one of the best places to work in public relations.”
Amanda Stageman 
“My participation in the Grunig PRIME Research Fellowship was valuable beyond measure. While working with PRIME Research’s talented team of project managers, I learned how to ideate, develop and implement a research project that could be useful to PR professionals in their everyday practices. It also taught me how to thrive in a fast paced research setting, something that is quite different from the academic world. Most importantly, my internship at PRIME Research opened the door to a world of professional opportunities and sparked an interest in pursuing a career in PR research. It was an ideal learning environment that truly stimulated my professional growth and undoubtedly helped prepare me for my current position. I would recommend the Fellowship to any graduate student who is interested in PR research.”
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About Kelly Robinson
Kelly Robinson graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.A. in Communication and a B.A. in International Studies. During her time as an undergraduate she worked as an intern for several organizations, including Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Appalachian Power. She served at the Director of Outreach for the university’s Residence Hall Federation. Kelly is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Communication at Virginia Tech, where she also teaches public speaking and is active in the Communication Graduate Student Association.
About PRIME Research
A communication research innovator, PRIME Research’s locations in the USA, Brazil, Uruguay, UK, Germany, Switzerland, India and China serve clients in 35 countries. With fifteen industry practice areas as well as a complete array of public relations monitoring, research, evaluation and consulting services, PRIME leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to help clients to build brands and reputations. For more information on PRIME, visit www.prime-research.com.
About IPR
The Institute for Public Relations is an independent foundation dedicated to the science beneath the art of public relations™ and focused on research that is applicable in communications practice. Its research is available free at www.instituteforpr.org and provides the basis for the organization’s professional conferences and events.
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