Syracuse University Student Tackles Misinformation and Champions Cultural Heritage
Alexa Kocur, a junior at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies (iSchool), is embarking on a remarkable journey, balancing rigorous academic pursuits with a deep commitment to community engagement and cultural preservation. Kocur is not merely navigating the complexities of higher education; she is actively shaping her future and contributing to vital research that resonates with the contemporary digital landscape. Her involvement in a groundbreaking project aimed at uncovering the hidden mechanics of misinformation, coupled with her dedication to Ukrainian cultural heritage and her active pursuit of professional development, paint a portrait of a driven and multifaceted individual poised to make a significant impact.
At the heart of Kocur’s current academic endeavors lies a $250,000 research grant awarded to a team led by iSchool Professor and Senior Associate Dean Jennifer Stromer-Galley. The project, funded by Neo4j, focuses on identifying and analyzing misinformation trends prevalent in the 2024 U.S. presidential election and other key political contests. Kocur plays a crucial role in this research, meticulously categorizing campaign advertisements and social media messages from current and past political candidates. This meticulous analysis forms the bedrock of the team’s efforts to understand how misinformation is disseminated and its potential impact on voter behavior. For Kocur, this experience has been transformative, honing her analytical skills and providing invaluable insights into the complex interplay of politics and digital communication.
Beyond the immediate gratification of contributing to cutting-edge research, Kocur recognizes the broader implications of her work. The project has not only deepened her understanding of political communication in the digital age but has also instilled a confidence to tackle complex challenges and engage in high-level discussions. This experience has solidified her commitment to pursuing a career that leverages technology for positive social impact, a goal that aligns perfectly with the iSchool’s mission of fostering innovation and responsible technology use. Kocur’s dedication to this research underscores her belief in the power of information and its potential to shape public discourse and democratic processes.
Kocur’s commitment to academic excellence extends beyond the confines of this single research project. Balancing her research responsibilities with two on-campus jobs, one as a content creator for the iSchool marketing team and the other as a researcher for the iSchool itself, speaks volumes about her work ethic and dedication. This multifaceted involvement within the iSchool community allows her to apply her knowledge in diverse contexts, further enriching her academic experience and preparing her for the demands of a dynamic professional landscape. She anticipates graduating in 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in Information Management and Technology, concentrating in Project Management and Information Security Management.
While her academic pursuits form a significant part of her life at Syracuse, Kocur also finds deep fulfillment in nurturing her cultural heritage and giving back to the community. As an active member of the Syracuse Ukrainian National Home, she dedicates her time to teaching young children about Ukrainian culture, using creative and engaging activities to instill a sense of pride in their heritage. This commitment to cultural preservation is particularly poignant given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and reinforces the importance of maintaining cultural ties, especially for diaspora communities.
Kocur’s involvement with the Ukrainian community provides her with a tangible connection to her roots and allows her to contribute meaningfully to the preservation of her cultural heritage. It also highlights her dedication to community engagement and her belief in the importance of intergenerational learning. By sharing her knowledge and passion for Ukrainian culture, Kocur is not only enriching the lives of the children she teaches but also strengthening the bonds within the Ukrainian-American community in Syracuse.
Looking towards the future, Kocur envisions a career that seamlessly integrates her passion for project management and information security. She aspires to lead projects that ensure the highest levels of security for organizations, operating at the intersection of innovation and protection. Her dream is to work in an environment that constantly challenges her and allows her to contribute to the implementation of cutting-edge technologies that drive organizational growth. This ambition reflects a broader trend within the tech industry, where demand for professionals skilled in both project management and cybersecurity continues to rise due to the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of digital systems. Kocur’s academic background and practical experience position her well to enter this field and make a significant contribution to the evolving landscape of information security.