• I am a tenure-track assistant professor and social science researcher with more than a decade of experience spanning journalism, nonprofit communication, public advocacy, and higher education. My professional work bridges academic research and media practice, with a focus on how communication shapes public engagement, civic participation, and social change. My interdisciplinary background across journalism, media practice, and higher education continues to inform both my teaching and research.

  • Over the course of my academic career, I have designed and taught more than 20 undergraduate courses in journalism, communication studies, social media practice, and content strategy. I have also mentored hundreds of student journalists and aspiring media professionals through experiential learning initiatives, award-winning college newspapers, and applied communication projects. I remain committed to advancing communication education while exploring the evolving relationship between media and public life.

 

Experience

  • Research Interests

    As a social science researcher, I examine how digital media is leveraged for social advocacy and raise public awareness of health and environmental issues. My research provides insights to media professionals, scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders.

  • Undergraduate Teaching

    My teaching career spans diverse institutional settings, including a private research university in the South (as a graduate student), a small liberal arts college in the Midwest, and a state-run public university in the Northeast. I am passionate about mentoring college students from all cultural backgrounds and preparing them for their own career success.

  • Professional Journalism

    I have a broadcast journalism background and later shift my career focus to print journalism and digital media. Prior to my PhD program, I was an English-language journalist covering fashion and auto finance news in New York City. I have written and published approximately 120 news articles on multiple media platforms. I am proud to consider myself a one-woman band, and I enjoy being a multitasker in the newsroom.

  • Student Media

    I was the faculty advisor to The Exponent, a student-run newspaper at Baldwin Wallace University serving the campus community as well as Berea, OH. I am an executive board member at the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) – Cleveland and the founder of SPJ – Stockton University.

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