I teach a variety of courses in the Strategic Communication and Social Media major, and occasionally Inquiry, as part of the first year program. My research interests include brand placement, public relations campaigns, advertising campaigns, and children's interaction with the media. I have presented research papers at a number of conferences including the National Communication Association conference, the Eastern Communication Association conference, the Pennsylvania Communication Association conference, and the Critical Studies in Media Conference.
In addition to my teaching and research activities, I serve as the adviser for Westminster's PRSSA chapter (Public Relations Student Society of America).
In 2016, I was awarded a Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations Summer Fellowship, which enabled me to work at a public relations agency in New Orleans. My expereince helped me to update what I'm doing in the classroom to make sure my students are prepared to be successful once they graduate.
Before I earned my Ph.D., I worked as a public relations professional at several nonprofit organizations in Erie and later in Pittsburgh. The assignments, projects, and activities I have incorporated into my classes are based on my experiences in the field. I'm also a firm believer in experiential learning, and I do my best to provide my students with opportunities to work with clients in the community and to work on projects that will help them to build a portfolio that will enable them to be competitive in the job market.