Sydney Chinchanachokchai, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Marketing in the Department of Marketing at the University of Akron.

Research

I am passionate about consumer behavior research, especially in the areas of attention, multitasking, mind wandering, advertising avoidance, cultural differences in consumer behavior, diversity in advertising, superstitious beliefs, and advertising effectiveness. Recently, I have been interested in research on healthy consumption among vulnerable populations (e.g., children and low-income individuals). My work has been published in top-tier journals in the fields of marketing, advertising, psychology, and management including International Journal of Research in Marketing, Journal of Business Research, International Journal of Advertising, Computers in Human Behavior, Journal of Marketing Management, Journal of Current Issues & Research in Advertising among others [see list of publications].

I received the 2023-2024 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award in Communication & Media Studies. This semester (Spring 2024) I am currently on a professional development leave to conduct cross-cultural research on influencer marketing and teach Thematic seminars on Advertising and Marketing at Escola Superior de Comunicação Social (ESCS), Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa (IPL) in Portugal.

Teaching/Study Abroad Thailand

My teaching philosophy focuses on experience-based learning, analytical thinking, and high-impact practice. Students in my Digital Marketing and Integrated Marketing Communications classes have worked with multiple local businesses and nonprofit organizations in the community to help them create complete marketing plans. My teaching method involves student engagement and an interactive classroom environment. Throughout my career, I have received multiple teaching awards and recognitions including the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award, LIFE Faculty Engagement Award, Passion Award, and Excellence in Community-Engaged Teaching award [see teaching awards and recognitions].

To connect the University of Akron students to the global community and broaden their international experience, I am the Program Director of the University of Akron Study Abroad Thailand program. Through this program, students learn about sustainable tourism, culture, and international business in Thailand. They also learn to work in a cross-cultural team with Thai students from Walailak University and apply their knowledge in a community engagement project. [read about the 2023 Study Abroad Thailand trip].

Community Engagement

I am a firm believer in community engagement and support various types of community engagement projects. For the research on healthy consumption among vulnerable populations, I have been working with local farmers’ markets and schools on various programs to encourage children to eat more fruits and vegetables and promote more access for low-income individuals to fresh produce. My classes also work with local small businesses and non-profit organizations to help them with their marketing/advertising needs. I am also on the committee of a local non-profit organization that raises money through organizing running races to support local charities [see list of local clients and their testimonials].

In 2023, I was chosen by the EX[L] Center for Community Engaged Learning to be among the inaugural cohort of Akron Community Engaged Scholars who demonstrate a commitment to public impact by connecting campus and community through teaching, scholarship, and/or significant service.

#QuarantineCooking class with Sydney & Chef Pat

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband and I have been teaching the #QuarantineCooking class – free virtual Thai cooking classes to cooking enthusiasts around the world to raise money for the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank. The class was featured in the Akron Beacon Journal Sunday story, WZIP FM (radio interview), and Medina Weekly News.

Personal Interests & Activities

I am passionate about endurance sports. I am an ultramarathon runner and a long-distance triathlete. I am also the faculty advisor to the University of Akron Triathlon Club. In my free time, I enjoy doing yoga, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, scuba diving, knitting & crochet, sewing, and exploring new restaurants and breweries.

My profile on the University of Akron website

My profile on ResearchGate

My profile on Google Scholar