Instructor of Record, University of Massachusetts Amherst
DACSS 601 Data Science Fundamentals: This course provides students with an introduction to the R programming language that will be used in all core courses and many of the technical electives. There is a growing demand for students with a background in generalist data science languages such as R, as opposed to more limited software such as Excel or statistics packages such as SPSS or Stata. The course will also provide students with a solid grounding in general data management and data wrangling skills required in all advanced quantitative and data analysis courses. This course is a required core course for the graduate certificate and the master’s degree in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (DACSS). (Summer 2024, Summer 2025, Summer 2026)
COMM 121: Introduction to Media and Culture: Media play a central role in politics, economics, culture, and our everyday lives. Our key concern is to understand both the direct and subtle operations of media power in society today: How do media construct meaning? How do new communication technologies shape our most intimate and personal relationships? How and why do data-driven corporations track and monetize their users often without their consent or political accountability? This class introduces students to different media studies traditions including media theory, political economy, representation, media effects, and audience studies that examine media as technologies, institutions, narratives, and their audiences/users. (Fall 2025)
COMM 226 Social Impact of Mass Media: This course explores the influence of the mass media on the social world, particularly the media's impact on audiences. We will investigate various approaches utilized to determine if, when, and how media influence viewers, listeners, and readers. We will examine this issue from both scientific and cultural studies perspectives. Some of the questions we will consider include: How does television violence impact society and individuals? Can watching sex on television and film lead to teenage promiscuity? Are political advertisements and news coverage creating a more or less informed voter? How do people make sense of the media in their lives? The focus of this course is to understand how these questions are studied and what, if any, conclusions can be drawn from such research. (Spring 2025)
COMM 260 Public Speaking: This course blends theory and practice in exploring public speaking. The theory of speech composition, presentation, and evaluation is discussed in relation to public discourse, civic engagement, and the ethics of persuasion. Students also practice and develop their own skills by giving several formal and impromptu speeches. Requirements include frequent in-class speaking assignments and related practices, including written analyses of speeches. (Fall 2022, Spring 2023)
Teaching Assistant, University of Massachusetts Amherst
DACSS 601 Data Science Fundamentals (2021 - Present)
WGSS 187 Gender, Sexuality & Culture (Fall 2024)
COMM 118 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication and Culture (Fall 2024)
COMM 121 Introduction to Media & Culture (Fall 2023)
COMM 122 Introduction to Media Industries & Institutions (Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2026)
COMM 310 Social Influence & Persuasion (Fall 2021)
COMM 318 Comparative Communication Theory (Spring 2024)
COMM 338 Children, Teens, & Media (Spring 2022)
COMM 491TI Talk in the Media (Spring 2026)
Pedagogy
Teaching is my passion - I am committed to maintaining a classroom that welcomes and engages all students. I regularly attend training in order to maintain and update my pedagogical toolkit.
- Fall 2024 "Inclusive Teaching and Equity in Education," (3.75 hrs), Graduate School Teaching Academy, University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Fall 2024 "Dynamic Teaching Strategies for Engagement," (3 hrs), Graduate School Teaching Academy, University of Massachusetts Amherst
