About me.

As a media scholar, my research centers on cultures’ perception, representation and communication of science and scientists in various mediated texts. I am a doctoral candidate in the Department of Communication at the University of Pittsburgh. My dissertation examines television commercials to uncover what these ads convey about American ideas regarding science and scientists, especially regarding the representation of women, people of color, and other historically excluded populations.

Prior to pursuing my doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh, I worked in public relations in the Washington, D.C. area. During my tenure as a full-time PR practioner, I worked for a variety of organizations, including the National Academy of Science’s Koshland Science Museum, and Sightline Marketing, as well as consulted for Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, BCC & Associates, and ACLU Washington Legislative Office. However, I spent most of my career at JPA Health where I served as the day-to-day account lead for a wide variety of non-profit and pharmaceutical clients. My clients included the Coalition for Patients’ Rights, PhRMA’s Partnership for Safe Medicines, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Melanoma Research Foundation, Lamaze International, Sanofi, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals. I also managed the agency’s new business and marketing activities, helping JPA Health grow from a local, four-person boutique agency to an international, multimillion-dollar agency in five years. 

When I’m not at the computer, I enjoy baking, cross stitch, and playing with my dog, Atta Girl. You can also find me with curled up with the remote watching television, going to the movies, or listening to music. I also enjoy traveling both domestically and internationally. I’ve been lucky enough to have visited 15 countries to date, as well as about 25 states. A few of my favorite places to visit include Washington, D.C., New York, Costa Rica, and my family’s farm in North Dakota.