Teodora Tavares is a Ph.D. student in Advertising at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research focuses on advertising ethics, with particular attention to the moral challenges associated with the promotion of controversial product categories such as gambling, alcohol, and tobacco. Grounded in advertising ethics, consumer behavior, and public health scholarship, her work examines how advertising professionals navigate ethical dilemmas when working with clients in industries that pose substantial public health risks, and how vulnerable populations perceive, internalize, and respond to such advertising.
Teodora brings an interdisciplinary background in journalism research and has published peer-reviewed articles in Journalism & Media, Journalism Practice, and Journalism Research. While her training spans journalism studies, her primary research agenda is rooted in advertising scholarship. Her paper on gambling advertising and online support communities received the Best Student Paper Award from AEJMC’s Advertising Division. Teodora aspires to an academic career focused on ethical and socially responsible strategic communication practices.
Email: teodora@utexas.edu
EDUCATION HISTORY
MA, Mass Communications, University of South Florida
BS, Integrated Advertising and Public Relations, University of South Florida
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Advertising Ethics and Social Responsibility
- Controversial Advertising
- Consumer Behavior
- Public Health