![logo_Samuel-M-Tham.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6f905e_18d4c5e2fc0a48b38f8dd8a462f6e4d0~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_401,h_91,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/logo_Samuel-M-Tham.png)
![20191203_115518--blue-superFXLARGE.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6f905e_22b843dc73754a36bc64e41c7be4d79e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_774,h_734,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/6f905e_22b843dc73754a36bc64e41c7be4d79e~mv2.jpg)
MEDIA PSYCHOLOGY | ADVERTISING | VIDEO GAMING
PROFESSOR & RESEARCHER
TEACHING
Teaching for me is a lifelong pursuit: an unending endeavor to sharpen oneself to be a better instructor, mentor, listener and ultimately a better person. My teaching philosophy is guided by three foundational pillars: kindness, introspection and demanding more from myself and my students.
RESEARCH
My research agenda is guided by my training as a media psychologist, and my interests and experience in both advertising and video gaming. I am interested in understanding the processes behind digital advertising messaging and problematic video gaming.
BACKGROUND
I received my Ph.D. in Information and Media from Michigan State University and my MA from the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri. Prior to that, I have worked in corporate communications, and in the advertising industry as an account executive.
ABOUT
![samuel1-opt.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6f905e_391244fe108f42cab61633194f18cbaa~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_290,h_444,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/samuel1-opt.jpg)
I am an assistant professor at Colorado State University in the department of Journalism and Media Communication. My program of research, as a media psychologist, focuses on decision-making and processes of audiences within digital advertising and video games.
My current research projects focus on the intersection of advertising in loot-box video games, political digital advertising, and approach and avoidance mechanisms in advertising. The classes I teach include: Social Media, Digital Analytics, and Campaigns.