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Dr. Shirley Taylor Memorial Scholarship

Established in September 2007 by friends and colleagues in memory of Dr. Shirley Taylor. Awarded on the basis of academic achievement, demonstrated research ability, and service to the Queen’s community to full-time students enrolled in the marketing field of study in the Ph.D. in Management program.

Latest Recipient

Lavy Khoushinsky

Lavy Khoushinsky

Where is your hometown?

I grew up in Montreal, but Ottawa feels like my second hometown. It’s where my family currently lives, and both cities hold a special place in my heart.

Why did you choose Smith School of Business/Queen’s?

I chose Smith School of Business because it was recommended to me by a former PhD student after hearing about my aspirations. It was the best decision of my life!

What has been your favourite experience at Queen’s so far?

It’s impossible to choose just one! If I had to summarize, my favourite experience is still ongoing: working with the incredible people at Queen’s. In particular, working with Prof. Brower has pushed me to explore new methods and ideas I never would have considered on my own. Prof. Cahill and Prof. LaBarge weren’t just supervisors, they were mentors who took me under their wing and shaped my approach to teaching and research. And finally, standing in front of my own Brand Management class for the first time, seeing students engage and challenge ideas was an unforgettable moment.

What are your aspirations after graduation?

I’m excited to be starting as an assistant professor at Laval University (Quebec City). I hope to strengthen ties between Laval and Queen’s by continuing my existing collaborations. Looking further ahead, I’d love to take on a leadership role, such as department chair, to help shape the next generation of scholars.

What is one interesting fact about you?

I’m passionate about the outdoors and love introducing others to it. I’ve taken many of Smith’s international graduate students on fishing and camping trips, helping them connect with Canada’s natural beauty. Many have told me that these experiences made it easier for them to bond with North American peers at conferences.

Research Overview

Narratives for Sale: Conceptualizing and Measuring the Marketplace for Consumer Chatter in a Digital World

Lavy’s research explores how brands navigate and shape the public narratives that unfold across digital spaces. In today’s fast-moving media environment, consumer conversations don’t just respond to marketing, they co-create meaning with it. This work introduces the idea of a Marketplace for Consumer Chatter where cultural relevance, attention, and influence are the currencies of success. By examining high-profile brand campaigns like Nike’s “Dream Crazy”, the research reveals how marketing can activate, redirect, or sometimes misfire within broader societal conversations. Lavy also applies this lens to other areas of public discourse, such as health care trends, showing how consumer narratives can illuminate shifting values, anxieties, and aspirations. This research offers a new way to understand marketing impact through a brand’s ability to engage authentically and adaptively in the stories consumers tell. It equips organizations with the insight to remain agile, not just in strategy, but in cultural participation.