Jianfeng (Miles) Zhang is a doctoral student and graduate assistant specializing in science and environment communication at the Missouri School of Journalism. His research focuses on promoting public engagement with science and environmental issues through strategic message design. He uses quantitative and qualitative research methods to explore effective communication strategies to engage the public in scientific issues, such as climate change.  

Before joining Mizzou, Zhang served as a teaching assistant at Beijing Normal University Zhuhai for over one year, where he delivered several lectures on privacy and media effects. He earned a master’s degree (2023) in Journalism and Communication from Beijing Normal University, China. His master’s thesis examined how expected benefits and costs of privacy disclosure influence privacy management behaviors among digital natives on video platforms. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in human geography and urban-rural planning from Sichuan Agricultural University, China.

Outside of work, Zhang enjoys spending time at church, exploring nature, and engaging in sports like swimming.