Misericordia University Faculty Member Presents Research at International Business History Conference in London

Presentation Highlights Global Research in Business History and Economic Development

DALLAS, PA — Jennifer M. Black, PhD, Professor and Chair of History at Misericordia University, recently contributed to international scholarship in her field by presenting original research at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Business History Conference (BHC), held March 26–28 in London, England.

The BHC is a leading global organization dedicated to the study of business history, with more than 2,000 members worldwide. In addition to presenting her research, Black served on the conference’s program committee, playing a key role in shaping the event’s themes and scholarly discussions.

At the conference, Black presented a collaborative research project developed with Dr. Jeff Stephens, formerly of Misericordia University’s Physics Department and now at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, New York. The project uses computer-aided analysis to examine large datasets of historical newspaper advertisements, with a focus on the evolution of professional advertising practices and language from the colonial period through 1830.

This research builds on earlier work by Black and Stephens that explored advertising and communication trends from 1830 to 1900. The current study aims to identify long-term developments in business communication, vocabulary, and advertising practices. Black plans to develop this research into a scholarly article.

In addition to its historical contributions, the research also highlights potential limitations of relying too heavily on artificial intelligence for tasks such as newspaper transcription, underscoring the importance of critical evaluation when using emerging technologies in humanities research.

“This was such an amazing conference that brought together scholars from across the world on a shared scholarly pursuit: the study of business and economic history,” said Black. “Serving on the program committee for the conference was a heavy lift, but something I really enjoyed because it gave me the opportunity to shape the meeting’s themes and conversations in a way I haven’t done before. I also got to see what some of the best and brightest are doing in the field, and to see what new research both experienced and emerging scholars are bringing to the table.”

Black also noted the broader impact of the experience. “I always find it invigorating to attend the BHC because I love hearing what other folks are working on, but this year’s conference also gave me the bonus opportunity to explore London,” she said. “I even got some new research ideas—from an exhibit on fakes and forgeries at the Victoria & Albert Museum.”

Misericordia University continues to support faculty scholarship and global engagement, fostering research that advances academic disciplines and enhances student learning.