Macy Burkett

Macy Burkett is a doctoral student in the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas. She holds a master’s degree in digital content strategy from the University of Kansas and bachelor’s degrees in apparel and textiles (apparel marketing specialization) and vocal performance from Kansas State University. Prior to beginning her doctoral degree, Macy worked in marketing and social media at KU Recreation Services in Lawrence, Kansas; JNA Advertising in Overland Park, Kansas; and Savvy Bridal in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Macy's research interests revolve around social media content creators and how their gender identities intersect with their online careers. Her recent paper, "Purity Culture on YouTube: A Thematic Analysis of Christian-Identifying Lifestyle Creators" won third place in the Top Student Paper competition for the Commission on the Status of Women at the 2023 Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference in Washington, D.C. Macy hopes that her research will shed light on the harmful gender expectations that are shared on social media through the medium of content creators. She is grateful for the opportunity to work as a graduate research assistant at the KU Center for Digital Inclusion and to work with the amazing team and participants.