Alyssa Croft is a student at Florida State University who extends her academic pursuits beyond the classroom via research, community service, and leadership roles.
As a participant in the Honors in the Major initiative, Croft is investigating scienceploitation, a situation where marketers employ deceptive scientific assertions without evidence to advertise their merchandise. She received an IDEA Grant for her investigation, which she showcased at the President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence.
Croft has collaborated with her advisor, Dr. Patrick Merle, at the International Public Relations Research Conference and has offered her time to organizations like Champ’s Chance, a community animal shelter.
What motivated you to enroll at Florida State University?
I initially wasn’t interested in attending college, but a friend invited me to visit her at FSU. I instantly fell in love with the place. So many opportunities were available. The campus was stunning, and I appreciated its size. It appeared that there would be something for everyone, which inspired me to enroll.
In what ways have your research opportunities influenced your FSU journey?
In Spring 2024, I attended the International Public Relations Research Conference with Patrick Merle, the director of the School of Communication. I took his research methods course the prior fall, and he provided his students with a chance to participate in external research. I was one of those students who usually sat at the back, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to seize the chance I was given. I applied and was accepted to the IPRRC. Participating in this conference pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to engage with professionals in my field of interest. I practiced public speaking and gained confidence while working on various projects.
After becoming involved in this research initiative, Merle, who is now my mentor, encouraged me to pursue the Honors in the Major program. I decided to give it a try. My knowledge and self-assurance grew in ways I never anticipated. Thanks to Honors in the Major, I applied for and received an IDEA Grant to support my work on scienceploitation. I presented at the President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence, where I met President McCullough, and I joined the Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathways program. Since then, I have participated in other research initiatives and applied to additional conferences. Most importantly, I have learned to value the quality of my work and developed confidence in my ability to achieve success in the future.
In what ways have you contributed to the community while at FSU?
In a class I took, we were tasked with working with a real client as part of an in-class “agency.” My role involves helping to “oversee” the agency, which allows me to assist my peers both inside and outside of the classroom. Some of my responsibilities include providing resources to classmates, relaying concerns to the professor, and being a support person for anyone feeling stressed. Much of this work takes place outside the classroom, and I have gained considerable insight into leadership because of it.
During my time with the FSU Equestrian Club, we took part in several volunteering activities in the local area. One particular event I participated in was Champ’s Chance, a local dog and puppy rescue. I had the opportunity to work with dogs that had been abandoned or left homeless, and while it was heartbreaking, I felt fulfilled to make a positive impact. It was a humbling experience, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.
What influence do your academic endeavors have on the community?
My Honors in the Major project focuses on the concept of scienceploitation, a prevalent yet under-examined issue in society. It involves advertisers utilizing misleading scientific claims without evidence to market their products. My motivation for researching scienceploitation arose from my aim to purchase trustworthy healthy products. This proved to be more challenging than I anticipated, as I discovered many products promote themselves using deceptive advertising. When Dr. Merle invited me to contribute to his initial study on this subject, I joined to help others avoid the same challenges I faced. The objective of my research is to educate the public about this issue and ideally assist them in making informed choices when buying products.
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