Meet the 2025-26 Graduate Student Cohort
The Department of Communication is excited to announce six new students joining the University of Utah Communication Department to pursue their Master's Degrees or PhDs. Please extend them a warm welcome!
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.
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.
Jocelyn 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!
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.
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.
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.
