Jakki Bailey
Assistant Professor of Media Studies
Hometown: I grew up in a few different places, mainly on the East Coast. I lived in Delaware, Pennsylvania and upstate New York.
Hobbies: Watching and discussing films, playing the ukulele and reading fiction.
Favorite book: “Brave New World”
Favorite book series: The Expanse
Favorite song or artist: I love all different types of music. Each song can set a mood for a particular time.
Say “Hi!”: Visit her portfolio or her Instagram.
Jakki Bailey, assistant professor of media studies, came to the UO School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) in Portland with an impressive track record. She’s done extensive research on the impact of virtual reality (VR) on children’s well-being and behavioral health. During her time at the University of Texas-Austin, Bailey worked with multiple DEI initiatives and served on juries for DEI student paper awards. She works to highlight student success and ensure that everyone has access to the education they deserve. She also served on the Bipartisan Policy Center XR Society Advisory Council.
Bailey’s goal is to prepare students to enter the workforce ready to apply immersive technology to social and health trends. The opportunity to work with UO’s expanding immersive media programs and the Oregon Reality Lab was another exciting benefit of joining the SOJC faculty.
Bailey, in her own words, delved further into her career and projects.
You founded the Immersive Human Development Lab and much of your past work focuses on the impact of virtual reality. Can you say more about how you found those interests and how you’ve linked them to the SOJC?
Jakki Bailey: As a communication undergrad at Stanford, I had an interest in media technologies and how children experience them. I later became interested in media experiences that allowed for high levels of interaction and immersion, like being part of the experience, which led me to immersive media like virtual reality. The lab came about as part of my interest in examining these topics in the classroom as well as in research. I am now teaching in the Immersive Media Communication Master's program in Portland and working with the Oregon Reality Lab.
What do you expect your classes to look like?
JB: My courses tend to mix theory, research and experiential learning. I hope for students to be able to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world topics and issues.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
JB: I owe a lot of success to the many mentors in my life who helped and encouraged me to explore the questions and issues I've been interested in. In addition, the support of my family has energized me through the challenges and setbacks as well as the celebrations.
Why did you decide to join the SOJC faculty?
JB: I was excited about the energy that is being put into expanding into emerging, immersive and interactive media technologies. I am excited to be part of the new Portland campus and new opportunities there. In addition, I joined the SOJC because of the community's values around generating exciting research and teaching experiences.
What do you hope to accomplish at the SOJC?
JB: I hope to contribute to the SOJC research and teaching community, as well as help grow the SOJC at the Portland campus.
Can you tell us more about your recent projects?
JB: An overarching interest of mine is immersive and interactive media. Before coming to UO, I was the director of the Immersive Human Development Lab at the University of Texas-Austin. My research examines how virtual reality impacts children’s cognitive skills and social responses. I also study how VR can aid social connections during remote learning. I’ve brought that focus to advising companies like Google and Disney. I’ve done specific research into the use of media to help reduce the risk for mental health issues and the use of other interactive technologies, like the use of conversational agents with underrepresented communities in STEM.
Where can students and faculty learn more about your work?
JB: Students can find information about my recent research projects, speaking engagements and courses on my website at jakkibailey.com or on Instagram @immersivehuman.
What is something you want every student to know about you?
JB: I really enjoy classroom discussions and activities where we creatively problem-solve and try to think outside the box.
—By Ethan Donahue, class of ’26
Ethan Donahue is a journalism major with a double major in history. He is part of the School of Journalism and Communication’s direct-admit and honors programs. He is also part of the Clark Honors College. He holds an interest in investigative and conflict journalism and is working on a thesis focusing on how journalism, propaganda and the U.S. government interact during conflicts.