Meet the 2025-26 UAC Graduate Student Cohort
The Department of Communication is excited to announce eight new students joining the University of Utah Communication Department at the Asia Campus to pursue their Master's Degrees. Please extend them a warm welcome!
Jiyea Ahn - MS Student
Hello, my name is Jiyea Ahn, 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 - MS 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’ve participated 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. I'm looking forward to being on campus
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'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 the University of Utah has an American campus in South Korea and is launching a new communication 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. I'm really looking forward to the possibility of connecting and meeting you!
Hesam Rezaei - 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 Rio-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 and I’m an incoming 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’m very 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.
