Passionate. Invested. Dedicated.

Teaching.

As an instructor, my aim is not to just teach students course concepts, but to provide students with the communication skills necessary to succeed in their career, regardless of their field of study. While nothing can replace on-the-job training and experience, my goal is to give my students a deeper and more practical understanding of the concepts they are learning in class with me. In the end, I hope that students leave my classroom more knowledgeable about communication, and a little more prepared for their future jobs.

I have nearly a decade of experience teaching in college courses in Communication. I am a visiting instructor at the University of Pittsburgh and have taught the following course: Communication & Society; Mass Communication & Society; Public Speaking; Small Group Communication; and Television & Society. While at the University of North Dakota, I taught Public Speaking, and Communication & the Human Community.

Honors.

2021 Donald B. Egolf Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, awarded by the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Communication.

2020 A&S GSO Elizabeth Baranger Excellence in Teaching Award recipient, awarded by the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Arts & Sciences’ Graduate Student Organization.

Student comments.

  • Flexible.

    I personally love Deborah's flexibility in her methods of instruction. She is very resourceful and easy to work with, especially when negotiating exceptions or alternative plans for assignment due dates. She is incredibly kind and fun to be around. – Communication & Society Student, Fall 2021

  • Pleasant.

    While I was nervous about on–the–spot speaking activities, I loved that the professor made it such a pleasant environment, and made it so we were able to get to know each other and get comfortable despite being online. – Public Speaking Student, Spring 2021

  • Eye-opening.

    I loved the articles and the guest speakers a lot. This course really opened my eyes to the way tv reflects and creates culture. The [reading responses] were definitely helpful in keeping me focused on the reading and weren't too much for a twice–weekly assignment. – Television & Society Student, Spring 2021

  • Helpful.

    The in–class activities were extremely helpful in both learning what it is like to speak in front of a class on a regular basis as well as getting comfortable with our peers. The amount of speeches and assignments are great and make it so the class isn't extremely overwhelming. Workshop days are very beneficial and help to make sure that we are on the right track. Also, the numerous opportunities for extra credit are great! – Public Speaking Student, Spring 2019

  • Consistent.

    I LOVED the organization and consistency of the course and assignments. I liked having a set schedule for each class period and how I was familiar with the schedule of assignments in that one was due before class and one was due at midnight. I also liked how it wasn't mandatory to remain in the session for the in–class activity and the students could take that on independently. – Mass Communication & Society Student, Summer 2021.

  • Engaged.

    The formatting of the course was very good. We were able to focus on specific subjects regarding television and its impact on societal issues. The accompanying articles were insightful and led me to do further research on my own. I also like the opportunity to discuss the assignments each class utilizing questions provided by classmates. This added to the level of participation and definitely kept me engaged in each class. – Television & Society Student, Fall 2020