Jana Owen

Introduction  

Jana Owen is currently studying under Dr. Fischer as a graduate teaching and research assistant in agricultural communications at Texas Tech.  

Originally from Tennessee, she earned her B.S. in Animal Science with a concentration in Animal Industries and a minor in Agricultural Communications from the University of Tennessee. A proud Tennessee Vol, she is now embracing the West Texas lifestyle as a Red Raider.  

Research  

Jana’s research interests focus on the beef industry, with particular attention to consumer preferences regarding social media messages and food labeling. For her assistantship position, she is also helping Dr. Fischer with a grant focused on developing undergraduate students' research skills. Her research methodologies primarily include surveys and communication theories to help guide her investigations.  

She is striving toward completing a thesis to answer the question, “Do Texas consumers prefer to know where or how their beef was raised?” This study will aim to uncover if consumers want to know the originating location of their beef products or the specific management practices used to raise the livestock. Jana is particularly interested in how this information might influence purchasing decisions, especially when conveyed through social media posts.   

Why Agricultural Communications?  

“Since high school, I have had an interest in advocating for the agriculture industry while also helping to educate consumers on where their food and byproducts come from. I am also interested in working in an industry that has given me so many opportunities in an effort to give back.”