“Curiosity” best defines me.  I am always asking questions and seeking knowledge.  This curiosity is both my blessing and my curse.  On the one hand, it drives me to succeed and makes me very passionate about research.   On the other hand, I often find it difficult to narrow my focus and I become obsessed with ideas (often forgetting to sleep or eat while pursuing my latest interest!).  My current research interests are:  1) the “dark side” of organizational and group communication—prejudice, stereotypes, stigmatism, ostracism, social exclusion, bullying, etc.  Despite humans’ potential for such acts of greatness, we are also prone to darkness; I want to understand why and help stop this.  Hence, my secondary interest, 2) social justice.  I view marginalized and under-resourced populations as products of this “dark side” of communication.   I am particularly interested in how marginalized populations manage and disclose their marginalized identity, how they interact with members of dominant social groups, and how they cope with their marginalized status.  Finally, my third interest is 3) communication technology, particularly as it relates to social justice and the “dark side”.  

On a personal note, I am originally from New Orleans (and as a consequence, have never adjusted to cold weather!).  I received my B.A in communication from Truman State University; I received my M.A. in communication from Missouri State University; and I have spent the last year teaching research methods as a lecturer at Eastern Illinois University.  My husband and I enjoy watching documentaries about random things (yes, it sounds boring, but I assure you it’s not!), playing with our dogs Seri and Lily, and competing against each other on our new Wii.

Ultimately, a few paragraphs cannot sum up a person, so I encourage you to get to know me!