Martin Smith-Rodden

Associate Teaching Professor in School of Journalism and Strategic Communication

Phone:765-285-8223

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Room:AJ 354

About Martin Smith-Rodden

Dr. Martin Smith-Rodden is an Associate Teaching Professor in the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication. He was a professional visual journalist for 25 years in three markets including at The Virginian-Pilot, the highest-honored newspaper in Virginia from 1986 to 2015. While there, he held positions as News Photo Editor, Daily Sections Photo Editor and was a member of the staff's Photo Leadership Team for nearly a decade. Dr. Smith-Rodden's primary focus as a researcher is a cognitive psychologist, exploring the practice and scholarship of visual journalism with a scientifically informed and research-based approach. Much of his research focuses on how human behavior interacts with media content and technology, including media effects. Other interests include development of evidence-based practices, topics in visual ethics, diversity, and inclusion in the field, as well as solutions-based and advocacy photojournalism. Dr. Smith-Rodden is committed to his students and to their success. He is a resource and an ally, offering tips on how to succeed, including his policy for a written letter of recommendation.

Education

• Ph.D., Applied Experimental Psychology, Old Dominion University
• M.S., Experimental Psychology/Cognitive concentration, Old Dominion University
• B.A., Social Sciences, Virginia Wesleyan College

Selected Research and Publications

• Li, T., Moloney, K., Smith-Rodden, M.D. (2024). Moral Choice in Photojournalism: An exploratory study of citizen vs. professional roles. Heroism Science, 9(1).
• Pixley, T., Smith-Rodden, M., Campbell, D., & Hadland, A. (2022). State of Photography 2022. Catchlight & Knight Foundation.
• Smith-Rodden, M., & Wiley, M. (2022). Sustaining Vision: Competency Modeling to Understand Best Practices for Visual Editors. Journalism Practice, 1-19.
• Lester, P. M., Martin, S. A., & Smith-Rodden, M. (2022). Visual Ethics: A Guide for Photographers, Journalists, and Filmmakers (1st ed; 2nd ed.). Taylor & Francis.
• Smith-Rodden, M. (2019). Commentary: The case for empathy. Journalism & Communication Monographs.
• Smith-Rodden, M., & Ash, I. (2017). The effect of emotionally arousing negative images on judgments about news stories. Visual Communication Quarterly. 
• A case for evidence-based decision making and practices. Visual Communication Quarterly. Smith-Rodden, M., & Ash, I. (2012). Investigating the psychological effects of news imagery: A case for evidence-based decision making and practices. Visual Communication Quarterly.

Honors and Recognitions

• National Press Photographer's Robert F. Garland Educator of the Year, May 2021
• Ball State University College of Communication, Information and Media, Community Connections Award, 2019
• National Press Photographer's Photo Editor of the Year/Best of Photojournalism competition, May 2011
• Regional (Mid-Atlantic) Photographer of the Year in 1996
• Frequent national honors in picture editing