Graduate Students
Salt Lake City Graduate Students
Christian Curtiss – MS Student
Mari Linares – MA Student
Yixuan Wang – MA Student
Casey Zukosky – MS Student
Jocelyn Chen – PhD Student
Aidan Craig Sundine – PhD Student
Baoying Fu – PhD Student
Jake Garlock – PhD Student
Collin Bright – PhD Student
Ashton Poindexter – PhD Student
Jasim Uddin – PhD Student
Emma Murdock – PhD Student
Caitlin Walrath – PhD Student
Damon Darling – PhD Student
Gabby Garza – PhD Student
Tanzia Khan – PhD Student
Yi Liao – PhD Student
Marissa Medina – PhD Student
Gia Almuaili – PhD Student
Ellie Estrada–PhD Student
Aly Hill – PhD Student
Camilla Owens – PhD Student
Yiqing Ran – PhD Student
Kinny Torre – PhD Student
Liz Giorgi – PhD Student
Euni Kim – PhD Student
Seungwoo Yeom – PhD Student
Asia Campus Graduate Students
Jiyea Ahn – MA Student
Emma Hansen – MA Student
Pedro Kataku – MA Student
Kisura King – MA Student
Hesam Rezaei – MS Student
Osvaldo Rios-Cano – MS Student
Melanie Simmons – MA Student
Hyeonsu Woo – MS Student
Darian Brown – MA Student
Manolo Gatmaitan – MA Student
Louie Jones – MA Student
Allison Lawrence – MA Student
Kina Lee – MA Student
Heather Meyer – MA Student
Karina Soto – MS Student
Coming Soon, Student
JiyeaAhn, MA Student
Hello, my name is JiyeaAhn, and I’m from South Korea. I earned my bachelor's degree from Sungshin Women’s University in Seoul, where I developed a strong foundation in media and communication. As a current announcer, I was especially drawn to the Asia Campus for its unique opportunity to pursue a U.S. graduate program while continuing my career in Korea. Studying with distinguished professors from the University of Utah allows me to deepen my knowledge and grow both personally and professionally. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, capturing moments through photography, whether it’s food, nature, or time with loved ones. I look forward to connecting with fellow students, faculty, and staff throughout this journey.
Emma Hansen, MA Student
Hi, I’m Emma Hansen, but you can call me Em. I’ve lived all over the United States (9 states and counting!), but I’ve spent the last 2 years in Moscow, Idaho. This spring, I graduated with my Bachelor’s of Science in Film and Television from the University of Idaho. Throughout my academic career, I’veparticipated in many student films and recently wrote and directed a short film titled “Inside”, which premiered at the KINO Short Film Festival in April 2025. I chose the Utah Asia Campus because during my undergraduate studies I had an emphasis in culture and diversity, which is something I want to continue pursuing in my graduate education abroad, and this program felt like the perfect fit for me after having studied at UAC in my undergrad for 2 years. In my free time, I like to thrift for my wardrobe, try new foods, spend time with my friends, and write screenplays.
Pedro Kataku, MA Student
My name is Pedro Kataku. I am from New Jersey. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and my professional background is in Logistics. I chose the University of Utah's Communication master’s program because I believe strong communication skills are essential for bridging human behavior, global collaboration, and business. I chose the Asia Campus specifically because I lived in Korea for three years and see this as a valuable opportunity to establish a potential path for a long-term stay. I enjoy traveling, good food, dessert wines, and volunteering. I am thrilled to join this community and learn alongside others.
Kisura King, MA Student
Hello! I'm Kisura King, and I use she/her pronouns. I'm from the sunny town of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Seven years ago, I graduated from New Mexico State University (NMSU), where I majored in studio art. For the past few years, I've been happily working at a cozy little bookstore that I just love. Right now, I'm feeling a strong desire for change and growth in my life. When I found out that Utah University has an American campus in South Korea and is launching a new communications program, I immediately thought it sounded like a perfect opportunity for me! I really believe this program could open up all kinds of exciting doors and experiences.
Outside of my professional life, I’m passionate about serving my local church on weekends, where I help with production and take photos for social media. In my free time, I love getting creative with photography and crafty projects. I'm also a big fan of music and enjoy playing games on my computer. Thank you so much for considering me! I'm really looking forward to the possibility of connecting and meeting you!
HesamRezaei, MS Student
I am Hesam( Everyone call me either Sam or Simba) and I am Persian (Iranian, from IRAN) I graduated from Korea University Business School (Bachelor's degree)/ Taekwondo Master. The UAC master’s program will lead me to reach academic, individual and social growth that would help me to serve the world society, Specifically University of Utah provides all the people, means and tools to develop myself. I enjoy doing sport, Taekwondo.
Osvaldo Rios-Cano, MS Student
Hello Everyone, my name is Osvaldo Rios-Cano, and I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. I graduated with my bachelor's in communications from the University of Utah in 2021. For the past three years, I have served as a Senior Admissions Counselor in the Office of Admissions at the University of Utah, where I have the privilege of building relationships with students and counselors. To share all the fantastic opportunities the University of Utah offers. I'm excited to go back to school and take the next step in my education. I'm thrilled to start a new chapter in Korea. As someone who has only lived in the Salt Lake Valley, I'm eager to see what opportunities await outside my home city. In my free time, I enjoy staying active by lifting weights, going on walks, and when I get the chance, playing video games.
Melanie Simmons, MA Student
My name is Melanie Simmons (pronouns: she/her) and I’m an in-coming graduate student at the University of Utah Asia Campus. I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. While obtaining my Bachelor's of Science in Fashion Design and Merchandising, I got to immerse myself in merchandising, branding, and fashion show production. During college and post-graduation, I’ve worked in journalism, event coordination, makeup artistry, and fashion buying in Hawaii and New York. Prior to university, I’ve had an interest in Asian media and cosmetics from childhood. This graduate program will help me pursue my professional goals while also aligning with my personal interests and past experience. So, I’mvery excited to learn and grow at UAC and its unique environment. Outside of work and school, my hobbies consist of testing beauty products, trying new matcha latte recipes, and going on adventures with my pets.
Hyeonsu Woo, MS Student
My name is Hyeonsu Woo, from South Korea. I graduated from Dongguk University in Korea and got bachelor's degrees in Korean language and in International Trade. The reason why I chose the Masters of Communication program at the Asia Campus is that the opportunities to get a high-quality education from prestigious university and faculties in Korea are so attractive to me. As I have a lot of interest in Communication and Media, I expect to get professional and valuable knowledge in this program. I usually spend my free time listening to music and doing some exercises such as cycling. I also like to find a lot of information about sports.
Yixuan Wang, MA Student
Originally from China, I’m excited to join the Department of Communication at the University of Utah. I earned my undergraduate degree from the Missouri School of Journalism and have since worked for several years as a video journalist and in brand content marketing. These hands-on experiences deepened my academic interest in how digital platforms influence the flow of information and shape public perception, which is why I was drawn to this department's strong emphasis on the intersection of media, technology, and society—an area I’m deeply passionate about. Outside of academics, I look forward to exploring Utah’s natural beauty through hiking and street photography, but I’m just as happy staying indoors with a good film and—admittedly—a healthy dose of cat videos.
BS, Journalism, University of Missouri
- Journalism and Media Studies
Marí Linares, MA Student
My name is Marí Linares and my pronouns are she/her. I am originally from Perú but have lived in the USA for quite some time now. I have a Bachelor's in English and Communication, and I bring with me a strong foundation in social impact, systems thinking, and intercultural communication (especially focused on Latino identity and storytelling as a tool for justice). I’m especially drawn to opportunities for collaboration in areas such as media systems, migration narratives, and communication policy that centers marginalized voices. Outside of academics, I enjoy writing poetry, exploring Latin American dance and music, and spending time caring for my indoor bunny. I love meaningful conversations about culture and identity.
BS English and Communication
- Critical/Cultural Studies
Casey Zukosky, MS Student
Hello everyone! I am thrilled to return to the U as a graduate student. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, I spent most of my formative years outside Denver, CO, before moving out to Utah in 2018. Just about a year ago, I completed my undergraduate studies in communication here at the University of Utah. It is through my undergraduate studies that I was drawn to this department for its wealth of knowledge among faculty and students alike. Salt Lake City originally drew me with its proximity to outdoor adventures. Biking, skiing, and rafting are among my passions outside of academia, though I'm always eager to explore new and fun activities!
BS Communication, University of Utah
- Critical/Cultural Studies
Christian Curtiss, MS Student
I grew up in Idaho and attended the College of Idaho for a bachelor’s degree in political economy. While at the College, I participated in competitive forensics for all four years, and helped coach the forensics team for the year after I graduated. Through debate, I became interested in exploring the intersections in the humanities disciplines, and the University of Utah’s critical/cultural studies emphasis seemed to be a perfect fit for the interdisciplinary work I wanted to engage in. Also, the University has a beautiful view of the mountains, which are very close to Salt Lake City - that location is something I’m very excited about living in SLC. Outside of academia, I like to read fiction, take walks and hikes, and catch up on my never-ending list of media that someone has told me to watch.
BA Political Economy, College of Idaho
- Forensics
- Critical/Cultural Studies
Aidan Craig Sundine, PhD Student
I’m originally from Seattle, Washington, and I earned both my B.S. in Speech Communication and M.S. in Communication from Oregon State University. I chose the University of Utah’s Department of Communication because of its strong faculty research in environmental, science, and risk communication as well as the collaborative academic community. My research focuses on how environmental identity shapes responses to environmental messages, particularly in the context of risk, sustainability, and pro-environmental decision-making. I’m especially interested in how message framing influences public engagement with climate change and sustainability, and how organizations can better communicate environmental issues. I’m excited to be back in a city setting after four years in a college town and look forward to exploring Salt Lake City’s mountains, food scene, and outdoor spaces. Outside of academia, I enjoy reading, cooking, rock climbing, backpacking, and gardening.
BS, Speech Communication, Oregon State University
MS, Communication, Oregon State University
- Environmental Communication
- Risk Communication
Jiayi Chen, PhD Student
My name is Jiayi Chen, you can also call me Jocelyn. I'm from China, where I completed both my undergraduate degree in English and my master’s degree in Journalism and Communication. I actively participated in British Parliamentary (BP) debates as an undergraduate student and was involved in coaching debaters and judging debates in tournaments from 2022 until recently. I chose the Department of Communication because of its strong faculty in critical and cultural studies, which closely aligns with my research interests in media culture and memory studies. I’ve heard that Salt Lake City is famous for its outdoor activities. Although I’m not really into sports, I do love exploring nature and trying new things, so I’m excited to experience the beautiful natural surroundings in SLC. Outside of academics, I enjoy singing, listening to music, and playing video games. Feel free to reach out!
Baoying Fu, PhD Student
I’m from Hainan, an island in southern China surrounded by the ocean. I completed my master’s degree in Journalism and Communication at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and my undergraduate degree in Digital Publishing at Central South University. I chose the Department of Communication because of its strong academic community and the faculty’s thoughtful, engaged approach to scholarship. In my spare time, I enjoy photography, especially nature photography. With its beautiful natural scenery, Salt Lake City seems like a perfect place to explore and take photos.
BS, Digital Publishing, Central South University
MS, Journalism and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Jake Garlock, PhD Student
I am from Omaha, Nebraska. I completed my undergraduate degree in Human Resource Management
with a minor in communication studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and
then attended the University of Alabama for my master's in communication studies.
I chose to attend the
University of Utah because of the welcoming culture during my visit and the clear
commitment to supporting student research interests. I am excited about moving to
Salt Lake City because I love outdoor recreation and getting to live in a new place.
Outside of school I love hiking, baking, and reading.
BS, Human Resource Management, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
MS, Communication Studies, University of Alabama
Gia Almuaili, PhD Student
BS, Strategic Communication, CU Boulder
MA Strategic Communication Design, CU Boulder
Jessie Chaplain, PhD Student
Profile | jchaplain14@gmail.com
MA Communication Studies, University of Georgia
BS Communication Studies, Appalachian State
- Rhetoric
Caitlin Walrath, PhD Student
I am from Salt Lake City, UT. I have a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a M.A. In Communication from Wake Forest. I have been a Debate coach at various high schools and universities (including University of Kentucky and Wake Forest) since 2015. I chose the Department of Communication at Utah because of its prestigious rhetoric faculty and its support of graduate students. I love snow sports (like skiing and snowboarding) so I'm excited to get back to the mountains. I like being outdoors, playing video games, and hanging out with my cat, Muffin.
BS Psychology, University of Michigan
MA Communication, Wake Forest
- Rhetoric
- Forensics
Emma Murdock, PhD Student
I am from northern BC, Canada. I received my undergraduate degree from Northern State University and my master's degree from the University of Montana. My area of study is women's health, specifically on menstrual (including menopausal) rhetoric.
BA, Northern State University
MA, University of Montana
- Women's Health
- Menstrual Rhetoric
- Menopausal Rhetoric
Collin Bright, PhD Student
Collin Bright is a PhD student and Graduate Teaching Assistant/Instructor in the Department of Communication at the University of Utah. Collin’s research focuses on contemporary Black expressions, specifically music and film, to better understand the performance and mediation of cultural authenticity in a post-Civil Rights U.S. America. He takes a critical, multimedia, and relational approach in his research in hopes of making it more accessible and inclusive to all. In Collin’s previous scholarship, he has used ethnographic methods (sensory, public, walking, and performance), theorized about vernacular technologies, constructed a cyberspace as an ethnographic transcription, and rhetorically analyzed the construction of Black masculinity in the superhero genre.
You can find some of his latest work on Liminalities Vol. 20, issues 1-2
MA Communication Advocacy, James Madison University
- Black Expressions
- Media Studies
- Music & Film
Elizabeth Giorgi, PhD Student
BS Journalism, Boston University
MFA Creative Writing and Environment, Iowa State University
- Science Communication
Jasim Uddin, PhD Student
My research interests include health, science, and environmental communication, risk and crisis communication within public health, mental health, and environmental issues, and media use and its effects. I earned my second master’s in communication from Missouri State University in 2023. I also received my Bachelor of Social Science and Master of Social Science degrees in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. I was a professional news reporter in Bangladesh for more than a decade.
BS Mass Communication, Univerity of Dhaka - Bangledesh
MS Journalism, Univerity of Dhaka - Bangledesh
MA Communication, Missouri State
- Health Science
- Environmental Communication
- Risk and Crisis Communication
- Mental Health
- Media Use and Effects
Aly Hill, PhD Student
BS, Political Science and Communication, University of Utah
MA, Political Communication, The Johns Hopkins University
Ashton Poindexter, PhD Student
My name is Ashton Poindexter (he/him). I've lived in Utah my entire life and am fortunate to have gotten my Bachelor and Master's degree from the University of Utah. I chose to pursue my doctoral education at the U's communication department because of its commitment to compassionate and rigorous research. Outside of my academic work I enjoy spending time with my dog, playing video games, and listening to podcasts.
MA University of Utah
BA Communication, University of Utah
- Forensics
Abby Jones, PhD Student
Profile | abbyjonesroswell@gmail.com
BA Theater, University of Georgia
BA Entertainment and Media Studies, University of Georgia
MA Media Studies, University of Texas at Austin
- Digital Media
Euni Kim, PhD Student
MS Communication, University of Utah
BA California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- Asian American Studies
- Rhetoric
- Critical/Cultural Studies
- Media and Film
Yi Liao, PhD Student
BA English, Qingdao University
M.S. Communication, University of Utah
Environmental, Science, and Health
Heather Meyer, MA Student
Hello! My name is Heather Meyer (she/her). I am originally from Southern California. I moved to South Korea to attend the University of Utah Asia Campus when I was 18 years old. When I first joined UAC, it was small, but now it has grown so much! I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Communication in 2020 during the pandemic. Shortly after graduating, I began to work at the International Student Scholar Center as a recruiting and marketing specialist at Weber State University. After a year I decided to move back to Korea! I chose the Master’s program at the UAC, because it is where I began my college career, and I believe UAC provides a lot of great opportunities for students! Also, I love all of the professors that work for UAC, and I am excited to meet all of the new professors as well! I love being creative and hanging out with my friends. I love doing art, taking photos, going to cafes, and traveling! I love meeting new people and making new friends!
BA, Communication, University of Utah Asia Campus
Manolo Gatmaitan, MA Student
Hello. My name is Manolo Gatmaitan (he/him) and I’m from Manila, Philippines. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Utah and will start my master's in communication at the university’s Asia campus in Songdo, South Korea. I chose the university’s master’s program at the Asia campus because I'm curious in synergizing my foundational knowledge in Psychology into the dynamics and theories between individuals and media through human and psychological behavior, and hopefully my academic intentions and curiosity will pave the way for a fulfilling career path in writing for magazine or news companies. My non-academic interests are writing songs/playing the guitar/singing, playing racquet sports, and some others if time persists - reading books, occasional shopping, eating good food, and sleeping
BA, Psychology, University of Utah
Kina Lee, MA Student
Hello all:) My name is Haein Lee (she/her), but you can call me Kina. I’m from Seoul, South Korea. I graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and have experience working as a Marketing Intern at Extra Space Storage in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, as well as a Business Development Assistant at OnTheList, a luxury retail company in Korea. I chose the master’s program at the Asia Campus because of the positive experiences I had as an undergraduate, and to further develop my practical skills at a higher level in the field. I believe this program will prepare me to take on more strategic roles in the communication industry. In my free time, I love exploring organic bakery cafes and am excited to discover new spots in Songdo!
BA, Communication, University of Utah
Karina Soto, MS Student
Hello Everyone, my name is Karina Soto (she/her). I grew up in North Hollywood, California and later moved to Salt Lake City Utah. For undergrad, I majored in Economics at the University of Utah, after completing my degree I joined Fidelity Investments as a financial associate for about 10 months. I chose the University of Utah Asia Campus for my Master's degree because of the wide range of opportunities that the campus has to offer. Some of my hobbies are cooking, exploring new musical artists, and Pilates.
BS, Economics, University of Utah
Camille Owens, PhD Student
BA, Public Relations, Brigham Young University
MA, Mass Communication, Brigham Young University
Ellie Estrada, PhD Student
Eleanor “Ellie” Estrada (Pelayo) is an activist and doctoral student in the Department of Communication at the University of Utah. Ellie's work operates from the interstices of Chicana feminism, critical rhetoric, and urbanism; however, much of her recent work has involved theorizing chismé [gossip] rhetorically and qualitatively. Methodologically, Ellie utilizes rhetorical field methods (RFM), performative writing, and rhetorical analysis to study race and identity. As a transgender Chicana, Ellie maintains that the most important scholarship is that which speaks truth to power; this especially holds true in issues related to Latinidad or Queerness. Indeed, Ellie's activist orientation is never "beyond" her scholarship, but always betwixt and between: she works with organizations like Mecha de U of U and University Neighborhood Partners (UNP). When her head is not buried in a book, Ellie enjoys cooking, making coffee, hanging out with her dog, Blueberry, and watching horror movies with her partner.
BA, Human Communication Studies, Cal State Fullerton
MA, Human Communication Studies, Cal State Fullerton
- Race and Identity
- Rhetoric
Yiqing Ran, PhD Student
I was born and raised in Chengdu, Sichuan, China—a place known for its spicy food, giant pandas, and as the birthplace of Daoism. My research focuses on Critical/Cultural studies, non-Western rhetorics, the intersection of rhetoric and poetry, and women and gender studies. Currently, I am deeply immersed in studying Chinese women's rhetoric, with a particular interest in exploring Chinese Indigenous Feminism free from Western intervention. Alongside this, I am also investigating the potential of poetry as a form of rhetoric, aiming to push the boundaries of rhetorical studies through the lens of traditional Chinese poetry. By combining these interests, I am keen to examine the cases of Chinese female poetry creation, understand how Chinese women interpret their unique epistemology through poetry creation in various situations, and thus show the potential for de-Westernization and resistance to patriarchy. Outside of academics, I enjoy cooking—especially spicy food, which I’ve mastered thanks to my Sichuan roots—vintage shopping, and cuddling with my two cats.
BA, Speech Communication and Rhetoric, University of Colorado Denver
MA, Communication and Rhetorical studies, Syracuse University
- Critcial/Cultural Studies
- Non-Western Rhetorics
Louie Jones, MA Student
My name is Louie Jones (he/him). I run a small English hakwon called Flower Crab English with my wife in Suwon. Additionally, I do bilingual emcee hosting for various international functions. Previously, I was a Korean Linguist in the US Air Force. I have degrees in Korean (AA) and US History (BA). My hobbies are martial arts and taking care of my cats. I have also worked as an instructor in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts. My hometown is Edmond, Oklahoma. Most importantly, my goals are to make money and make the world a better place. Please don't hesitate to contact me for collaboration!
AA, Korean
BA, US History
Kinny Torre, PhD Student
BA, Legal Studies, Western Washington University
MS, Communication Studies, University of North Texas
Allison Lawrence, MA Student
Hello! My name is Allison Lawrence and I am from Pleasant Grove, Utah, USA. I earned a Bachelor of European Studies from Brigham Young University, interned as a research assistant for a political think tank in Utah, also interned in Washington, D.C. in the Donor Relations sector for the Heritage Foundation, a national political think tank. I was originally planning on law school but decided to pivot. After considering what my interests and talents were, I discovered this program at the Asia Campus and thought it would fit perfectly with those interests and career goals. I competed in the Miss America Scholarship Organization for eight years. I am an opera singer. I love reading, traveling, and watching k-dramas in my free time. I also love exploring historical sights and museums.
BS, European Studies, Brigham Young University
Seungwoo Yeom, PhD Student
Profile | seungwoo_yeom1@baylor.edu
MA Journalism, PR, and New Media, Baylor University
BA Communication, Hankuk University
- Critical/Cultural Studies
- Digital Media
- Race and Gender Identity and Ethnicity
Darian Brown, MA Student
Hello, I’m Darian (she/her). I was born and raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and hold an A.A. in Journalism from Brookdale Community College (2021) and a B.A. in Strategic Communication from the Utah Asia Campus (2024). I have gained professional experience as a Social Media Intern at Say Speaking in Seoul and held various student leadership roles at UAC. These roles include being Student Lounge Manager and an intern at the Career & Internship Development Center and the Dean of Students Office. I chose the master's program at UAC to further my studies in communication and pursue my goal of obtaining the F-2 permanent residency visa, driven by my love for Songdo and positive experience at UAC during my undergraduate studies. Outside of academics, I enjoy cafe hopping, exploring tarot and astrology, getting tattoos, learning Korean, and creating content on social media.
A.A. Journalism, Brookdale Community College
B.A. Strategic Communication, University of Utah Asia Campus
Gabby Garza, PhD Student
Gabrielle (Gabby) Garza, M.A. is a doctoral student at the University of Utah in the communication department. Gabby does work in and at the intersections of multiple social justice frameworks including reproductive, environmental, and disability justice. Her work takes a critical and rhetorical approach to science, technology, and medicine with a focus on the physical, emotional, and environmental health of communities of color and people in detention. Beyond teaching for the department of communication, Gabby is also working on several research teams on projects ranging from open science practices to how sex educators relate infertility information in the classroom. She received her B.A and M.A in communication studies at Texas State University.
B.A. Communication, Texas State University
M.A. Communication, Texas State University
-
Environmental and Health Communication
- Reproductive and Disability Justice
Tanzia Khan, PhD Student
M.A. Communication, Washington State University
-
Environmental, Science, and Health, Digital Media
Marissa Medina, PhD Student
Marissa Medina is a third-year PhD student specializing in critical cultural communication and rhetoric. Her research interests include border rhetoric, identity, race, and immigration. Marissa earned both her BA and MA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and started her studies at the U in 2023.
Outside of her academic pursuits, Marissa enjoys spending time outdoors with her two dogs, Hannah and Willow. She also loves attending live music events and festivals. Having grown up in Wisconsin, she is a dedicated fan of the Green Bay Packers and cheers for all Wisconsin professional sports teams. (Go Pack Go!)
B.A. Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies, University of Wisconsin
M.A. Communication, University of Wisconsin
-
Critical Cultural Studies, Rhetoric
Damon Darling, PhD Student
Damon Mitchell Gage Darling (Lawson) is a Ph.D. Student and Graduate Teaching Instructor/Assistant in the Department of Communication at the University of Utah. Damon recieved his Master's Degree in Communication Studies with a research focus on Gender, Sex, and Media from San Diego State University. Damon has taught various courses, including Argumentation, Advanced Public Speaking, Gender Communication, and History of Propaganda and Persuasion at three different Universities over the last five years. At the University of Utah, Damon's current research focus is situated in Queer Ecologies and Art Based Research/Narrative Methodologies. He uses various forms of qualitative, rhetorical, and performative methods to examine how Queer folk relate to the environment around them. Damon's work has been recognized and awarded on both regional and national fronts, including Top Paper awards for Performance Studies, Intercultural Communication, LGBTQ studies, Organizational Communication, and Argumentation, as well as a President’s Spotlight for the Organization for Feminist Research on Gender Communication. Damon was also recognized as one of SDSU's top graduate students in 2022/2023. Outside of school Damon enjoys creating art (painting and ceramics), camping, hiking, reading, and cuddling his cat.
B.A. Communication Studies, Concordia University
M.A. Communication, San Diego State University
-
Critical Cultural Studies, Rhetoric
- Queer Ecologies
- Art Based Research/Narrative Methodologies
