Introducing the Inaugural UAC Masters Student Cohort
The Department of Communication is thrilled to announce seven new students joining the Utah Asia Campus to pursue their Masters Degrees. Please extend them a warm welcome!
Kina Lee - MA Student
Hello all:) My name is Haein Lee, but you can call me Kina. I’m from Seoul, South Korea, and I use she/her pronouns. 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! You can reach me at: u1169014@umail.utah.edu.
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 communications 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. Graduate students, faculty and staff can contact me via my email: u1238537@umail.utah.edu.
Karina Soto - MS Student
Hello Everyone , my name is Karina Soto. 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. If you ever want need to reach out to me, feel free to email me at u0989405@utah.edu.
Louie Jones - MA Student
My name is Craig Jones (he/him), but please call me Louie. 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! You can reach me at u1551291@utah.edu.
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! If you need to reach me my student email is u1121801@utah.edu.
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. You can reach me at u1445852@utah.edu.
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. I can be reached at either lawralli97@gmail.com or u0926739@utah.edu.