Graduate Students
SLC Graduate Students
Casey Zukosky—MA Student
Christian Curtiss—MA Student
Jessie Chaplain—PhD Student
Caitlin Walrath—PhD Student
Ashton Poindexter—PhD Student
Jasim Uddin—PhD Student
Emma Murdock—PhD Student
Collin Bright—PhD Student
Gabby Garza—PhD Student
Aly Hill—PhD Student
Abby Jones—PhD Student
Tanzia Khan—PhD Student
Damon Darling—PhD Student
Yi Liao—PhD Student
Marissa Medina—PhD Student
Gia Almuaili—PhD Student
Camilla Owens—PhD Student
Ellie Estrada—PhD Student
Yiqing Ran—PhD Student
Euni Kim—PhD Student
Seungwoo Yeom—PhD Student
Liz Giorgi—PhD Student
UAC Graduate Students
Manolo Gatmaitan—MA Student
Heather Meyer—MA Student
Kina Lee—MA Student
Darian Brown—MA Student
Allison Lawrence—MA Student
Louie Jones—MA Student
Casey Zukosky, MA 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, MA 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
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
I am from Williamsburg, Virginia. I hold a M.A. in Communication & Advocacy from James Madison University and my research interests center around Black aesthetics, media studies, and music. I chose the Department of Communication at the UofU because of its rich history in the discipline and to learn from and work with some of the brightest scholars in the world. Since moving to SLC, I’ve been most interested in the pizza shops, vintage/antique stores, and the vast amount of public parks. My non-academic interests include: listening to music, thrifting, working out, hanging with my dog, watching movies and playing Mario Kart.
MA Communication Advocacy, James Madison University
- Black Aesthetics
- Media Studies
- Music
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
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
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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
My name is Marissa Medina and I'm a 2nd year PhD student studying critical cultural and rhetoric, more specifically race rhetoric, Latine migration and borders. I came to the U in 2023 from Wisconsin and received both my B.A. and M.A. at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. When I'm not studying, my partner and I enjoy the outdoors with our two dogs. Some of the activities we enjoy are kayaking, swimming, camping, hiking and road trips! Not only do we have our amazing two dogs but also have two sassy cats. I'm huge animal lover and plan to someday have more! Additionally, I bleed green and gold and truly believe the Green Bay Packers are the greatest NFL franchise in the country (nondebatable). Go pack go!!
B.A. Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies, University of Wisconsin
M.A. Communication, University of Wisconsin
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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
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Critical Cultural Studies, Rhetoric
- Queer Ecologies
- Art Based Research/Narrative Methodologies
