The College of Journalism and Mass Communications received a $101,376 grant from the Nebraska Research Initiative to support the establishment of the Social and Traditional Media Analytics and Research Tools Lab (SMART-Lab). This new facility will be a cornerstone for social and traditional media research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing invaluable resources for academic and industry partners.  

The SMART-Lab builds upon the success of the Public Insight Lab, which was established in 2021 by CoJMC with support from the Methodology and Evaluation Research Core Facility. The PIL quickly demonstrated its potential by providing large-scale social and traditional media data access and analysis for faculty and students. In 2022, the Eisele Family Foundation provided early funding for the PIL, indicating the lab’s potential to attract further support and generate significant interest from the community. 

“The establishment of the SMART-Lab aligns perfectly with our strategic goals,” said Cory Armstrong, associate dean for research and faculty affairs in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. “This grant will enable us to expand our capabilities and provide centralized access to media data, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary research across the university. We are excited to see the impact this will have on our academic community and beyond.” 

SMART-Lab is set to operate from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2029, with NRI funding. Beyond the funding period the core facility will then extend its operations through service contracts. Its vision aligns with the N2025 strategic plan by enhancing social and traditional media research capabilities across disciplines, fostering innovation and creating educational opportunities. The lab will offer extensive services, including social and traditional media data scraping and mining, research support, training and applied industry services. 

Fred & Gladys Seaton Professor and Founder of the Public Insight Lab Valerie Jones will oversee the administration, recruitment and marketing of the SMART-Lab. “Our goal is to create a hub where researchers can easily access and analyze media data in-depth,” Jones said. “We aim to support the academic community by providing the tools and expertise necessary to conduct cutting-edge research in social and traditional media.” 

The demand for such a facility is evident. The PIL has already generated significant interest, with researchers from various colleges within the University of Nebraska system and external institutions expressing a need for better media data access. Notable projects have included collaborations with the National Drought Mitigation Center and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, underscoring the potential for SMART-Lab to attract substantial federal funding and drive groundbreaking research. 

“The SMART-Lab represents a significant step forward for our college and the entire university,” said Shari Veil, Jane T. Olson Dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. “By providing centralized access to media data and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of media research and data analysis. This initiative will not only enhance our research capabilities but also provide innovative experiential learning opportunities for our students.” 

SMART-Lab will be co-directed by Jones and Ming Wang, associate professor at CoJMC, who is recognized internationally for his expertise in social media analysis. Together, they will ensure the lab’s success and growth, supported by graduate and undergraduate students and a part-time billing manager. 

The establishment of SMART-Lab marks a new era for the CoJMC. By 2029, the lab aims to achieve self-sufficiency, solidifying its position as a media research and data analysis leader. Through strategic collaboration, innovative services and a commitment to excellence, SMART-Lab is set to become an indispensable resource for researchers and industry partners alike. 

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