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Ed Downes

Dr. Edward J. Downes

Associate Professor of Public Relations

PhD, Syracuse University;
MPA, George Mason University;
BA, St. Bonaventure University.

Dr. Downes, prior to joining academia full-time, worked professionally for ten years for communications programs throughout metropolitan Washington, D.C.

He has held positions as a research associate, personnel specialist, campaign organizer, special events producer, fund-raiser, editor and writer, marketing representative, performer, and public relations director. His doctoral dissertation was titled “Messages from the Hill: A Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Congressional Press Secretary."

At present he is continuing his research on Capitol Hill's press secretaries. Additionally he is exploring communication management as it relates to ecoterrorism; the concept of "power" and its place in the practice of public relations; and adolescent depression. He serves as a speaker and workshop presenter, and has authored/co-authored several peer-reviewed articles/papers. Dr. Downes was the recipient of the College of Communication's 2005 "Lyndon Baines Johnson Advisor of the Year" award.