Kennesaw State scares up experts for Halloween season
Kennesaw State scares up experts for Halloween season
KENNESAW, Ga. |
Oct 20, 2026
From the psychology of fear to Georgia’s booming Halloween economy, Kennesaw State University faculty have insight into the science, business and traditions behind the spooky season.
Whether you’re exploring why we love a good scare, learning more about the state’s giant Joro spiders or examining the dollars behind Halloween spending, KSU experts are available to bring these seasonal stories to life.
Nicole MartinWhy fear is fun: The psychology behind Halloween scares
Nicole Martin – Associate Professor of Psychology
Expertise: Psychological Science
Why do people pay to be terrified at haunted houses or watch movies that make them scream? Nicole Martin explores the psychology of horror, explaining how brain chemicals can turn fear into excitement and make scary experiences surprisingly enjoyable. From the thrill of a jump scare to the bonding that comes from being frightened with friends, Martin explores why some people eagerly seek out horror while others avoid it, and why Halloween remains the perfect season to embrace a good scare.
Andy DavisJoro spiders: The truth about Georgia’s giant web-builders
Andy Davis – Assistant Professor of Environmental Science
Expertise: Wildlife Ecology and Management, Conservation Physiology, Migration Studies
Joro spiders have become a familiar sight across Georgia, but how much do we really
know about them? Andy Davis, a nationally recognized Joro spider researcher, helps
separate fact from fiction about the invasive arachnids by exploring their behavior,
their role in the ecosystem and what researchers are learning about their interactions
with native wildlife. Davis encourages people to look beyond any fear and see Joro
spiders as an opportunity to learn more about the natural world around them.
Leonard JacksonBehind every scream is a job: Georgia’s ghost economy
Leonard Jackson – Hospitality Program Director and Associate Professor
Expertise: Hospitality and Tourism, Business Strategy, Real Estate
Ghosts may or may not be real, but the businesses built around them have a real economic impact. From Halloween haunts that employ hundreds of seasonal workers, to year-round ghost tours in Savannah, and spooky attractions that raise money for local charities, Georgia’s ghost tourism turns fear into jobs, ticket sales and community support. Hospitality expert Leonard Jackson shares how this “ghost economy” pays off, offering insight into the workers, businesses and communities behind the screams.
Patrick FennellBoo-ming business: Why consumers keep spending on Halloween
Patrick Fennell – Associate Professor of Marketing and Professional Sales
Expertise: Consumer Behavior, Retail Trends and Innovation
The National Retail Federation projects Halloween spending to reach a record $13.5
billion. Patrick Fennell explains how nostalgia, family traditions, social connections
and self-expression drive spending on costumes, candy and decorations. As Halloween
evolves from a single night into an extended season, Fennell explores how retailer
strategies and consumer enthusiasm encourage earlier spending, and why the holiday
offers something beyond material purchases: an opportunity to create memories, connect
with others and escape the routines of everyday life.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
