She holds her doctorate in mass communication and a Masters degree in journalism from University of Alabama, and a Bachelors degree in journalism from Tashkent State University (former USSR). Erzikova's research interest is located at the intersection of journalism, public relations, and political communication. Her studies have been published in Political Communication, Journalism Studies, Public Relations Review, Public Relations Journal, and Russian Journal of Communication. Contact details: Department of Journalism, Moore 412, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859; (989)-774-1665 (office), (205)-292-6819 (cell); email: erzik1e@cmich.edu.