Academia
In my time at Texas Tech University, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media and Communications, with concentrations in photography and creative writing. I then completed my Master of Arts in Mass Communications, where I taught business and professional communication, worked in a psychophysiology lab, and wrote a thesis focused on community building and parasocial interaction theory.
Thesis: Parasocial Interaction in Non-Profit Messaging
Entering my Master’s program, the word “influencer” was new. I was fascinated by the way these creators were connecting with audiences and becoming household names, seemingly overnight. Aided by my courses in media and emotion, I anchored my studies in parasocial interaction theory, and wondered if the same principles could apply to brands. In my thesis, I explored which personalized methods could be used to create a greater sense of community in breast cancer survivors, ultimately generating more frequent donations to breast cancer research.
Here I am in 2019, on defense day with Dr. Bolls, my thesis advisor, and my lab-mate Melissa, who also defended her thesis that day!
Center for Communication Research
My time in this lab was spent being led by the leading “media-brain” in the neuromarketing industry, Dr. Paul Bolls. Our lab group, affectionately called “Media Mind Insights Team” was utilized for our psychophysiology research methods, assisting in data collection for university-commissioned media research projects and dissertations. This position led to my interest in media and emotion, as well as informed my capstone thesis project topic.
Clients included AARP, Discount Tire, Qualtrics, and various PhD students using facilities and lab workers for their dissertations.
Teaching
In alternating semesters, I taught four classes of 25 students (100 students total) the principles of public speaking and professional communication. Students were required to deliver three speeches throughout the semester, and were graded against a rubric on delivery, presentation, clarity, and professionalism. This was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I’d love to teach again one day—whether it be public speaking, research-based, or creative courses.