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Graduate Students


Doctoral

Zachary Benjamin
Gordon Carlson
Maggie Griffith
Ginnifer Mastarone
Ishani Mukhergee
Kelly Quinn

Masters

Michele Aymold
Daniel Bennetsen
Chris Bodmann
Jill Caravelli
Dayna Earlene Chatman
Paul Duda
Nathan Earixson
Claire Elias
Dave Elfving
Ryan Henke
Korin Isotalo Hunt
Rashmi Jha
Roxane Lopez
Anahí Lazarte-Morales
Bryan McLaughlin
Sarah Millermaier
Tom Moss
Lingling Nie
Robyn A. Pocrnich
Jessica Schuler
Jordan Stalker
Wei Tang
Xiao Wen

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Graduate Students


Doctoral Students


Zachary Benjamin


Previous Institution(s): Northwestern University (B.S.); Columbia University (M.A.)
Degree(s) and Date(s): B.S.,Communication Studies/Chinese Language and Culture, '05; M.A., East Asian Regional Studies, '06
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Current Research Interests: My research interests are currently under development, although I am most interested in organizational communication applied to topics of education and globalization. My current interests include the rhetorical devices associated with competitive application processes. Specifically, I am interested in polite denial and face loss in academic admission processes and employment searches. I am also interested in rhetoric and new media as they apply to the Chinese education system and its preparation of select student demographics for political leadership.
Publications, presentations and awards: Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: I plan to either seek a professorship in global communication or to use my research skills to work as a political analyst. I may also pursue leadership roles in association management or the nonprofit sector.
What attracted you to UIC? The department's joint focus on culture and communication technology matches perfectly with my goals as a doctoral student. Additionally, the high quality of the master's students and their excellent track record, along with the robust research output of the faculty, will serve as a strong foundation for our program. I was also intrigued by the opportunity to be part of the department's first cohort of Ph.D students and the ability to help build a strong tradition of doctoral-level education in communication at UIC.


Gordon Carlson


Previous institution(s): Oregon State University
Degree(s) and date(s): B.S., 2004; M.A., '05
Hometown: Sandy, Ore.; or Cary, Ill.
Current research interests: Technological creation and mediation of communication and interaction.
Publications and presentations: Plans and ideas after receiving degree: Teach, research technology-mediated communication and computer-generated communication.
What attracted you to UIC? The openness and willingness to embrace so many viewpoints, willingness to incorporate many fields, and the sheer expertise of the department in a theoretical and technological sense.




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Maggie Griffith


Previous institution(s): Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., Temple University, Philadelphia, Pa.
Degree(s) and date(s):B.A., Religion, '02, M.A., Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Mass Media, '07
Hometown: Newtown, PA
Current research interests: At the moment I am interested in the Internet's impact on social life. I want to continue exploring the internet's impact on the way people communicate with each other as well as to investigate inter-cultural communication in an online context.
Publications and presentations: Plans and ideas after receiving the degree: After finishing my Ph.D. I would like to teach at a college/university as well as possibly develop study abroad programs that incorporate new media and intercultural communication into the curriculum.
What attracted you to UIC? The renowned Communication faculty and their interest in new media and intercultural communication. And the city of Chicago.


Ginnifer Mastarone


Previous institution(s): Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa.; Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Ill.
Degree(s) and date(s): B.A., English,’05,;M.S., Technical Communication and Information Design, ‘07
Hometown: Erie, PA.
Current research interests: Visual/Verbal interactions, computer-mediated communication, communication networks, rhetoric, technical communication.
Publications and presentations:

Proceedings Papers

Plans and ideas after receiving degree: I plan to be a research professor.
What attracted you to UIC? The academic interests of the faculty as well as the supportive academic environment. All of the graduate students I met were excited and knowledgeable about their research interests.

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Ishani Mukherjee


Previous institution(s): Jadavpur University (Calcutta, India); Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, Illinois.
Degree(s) and date(s): B.A., Comparative Literature '01; M.A., Comparative Literature '03; M.A., in Communication Studies '07.
Hometown: Calcutta, India; Chicago, Ill.
Current research interests: Gender concerns in Indian advertising/media.
Publications and presentations: None yet.
Plans and ideas after receiving degree? Not sure.
What attracted you to UIC? The faculty, the research publication output, the city of Chicago, among others.


Kelly Quinn


Previous institution(s): Dominican University, Northwestern University, University of Notre Dame
Degree(s) and date(s): M.LIS, Academic Libraries '07 - M.M., Finance and International Business '85 - B.B.A., Finance '81
Hometown: Hinsdale, Ill.
Current research interests: Computer-mediated communication, especially the use of social tools in collaborative work.
Publications and presentations: None yet
Plans and ideas after receiving degree? Teaching, research.
What attracted you to UIC? The focus on media technology, the faculty and research being done, and the flexibility to pursue my specific interests.

Master's Students


Michele Aymold


Previous Institution: Salisbury University
Degree and Date: B. A., Interpersonal and Organizational Communication; Minor in Sociology, '06
Hometown: Westminster, MD.
Current Research Interests: Group Communication and Decision Making in Student Organizations.
Publications, presentations and awards: Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: I hope to go into Higher Education and Student Affairs, using my group communication knowledge to advise student organizations.
What attracted you to UIC? The Communication program and the city!


Daniel Bennetsen


Previous Institution: University of Roskilde, Denmark
Degree and Date: B.A., Welfare Studies
Hometown: Copenhagen, Denmark
Current Research Interests: Political and Media Communication
What attracted you to UIC? Academically: Faculty focus on media; Personally: the city of Chicago.


Chris Bodmann


Previous Institution: Texas Lutheran University, Seguin, Texas.
Degree and Date: B.A., English Studies, '98.
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas.
Current Research Interests: Semiotics, culinary sociology, environmental communication.
Publications, presentations and awards: None yet.
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: Move on to doctorate.
What attracted you to UIC? Mostly the faculty. I liked the spread of interests.


Jill Caravelli


Previous Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree and Date: B. S., Media Studies, B.A., Spanish, '05
Hometown: Wheaton, Ill.
Current Research Interests: popular culture (music, visual culture), identity politics.
Publications and presentations:
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: Continuing life in academia either teaching or pursuing a PhD.
What attracted you to UIC? faculty with diverse backgrounds and a program flexible enough to accommodate my many academic interests.



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Dayna Earlene Chatman


Previous Institution: Saint Mary's College of California Moraga, CA
Degree and Date: BA in Communication 2005
Hometown: Oakland, CA
Current Research Interests: Political Communication, Media Criticism, Cultural Studies.
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: I plan to go on to receive a PhD in Communication Studies. I would like to teach in the field.
What attracted you to UIC? The small size of the department and the personalities of the faculty and staff. I felt welcomed.


Paul Duda


Previous Institution: University of Illinois at Chicago
Degree and Date: B.A. in Secondary Education (History), minor in Classical Civilizations, '01
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Current Research Interests: Power-distance relationships, cultural studies.
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: Continue teaching...possibly relocate and apply this degree.
What attracted you to UIC? The architecture (just kidding)...I liked the challenge UIC offered.


Nathan Earixson


Previous Institution: University of Colorado at Boulder
Degree and Date: B.A., Media Studies, '06
Hometown: Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; Arvada, Colo.
Current Research Interests: Globalization, electronic communication, economic aspects of communication, hermeneutics.
Publications and presentations:
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: Read some novels.
What attracted you to UIC? The faculty and their areas of expertise. Also, the architecture.



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Claire Elias


Previous Institution: University of Minnesota
Degree and Date: B.A., Communication Studies, B.A., Psychology, '03
Hometown: St. Paul, Minn.
Current Research Interests: Concepts of gender and power in professional communications industires.
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: Planner (marketing) or doctoral study.
What attracted you to UIC? Location, program size, program focus, faculty interests.


Dave Elfving


Previous Institution: University of Iowa
Degree and Date: B.A., '99, M.A., Communication, '07 (hopefully)
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Current Research Interests: Wikis and collaborative technologies.
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: I'll almost certainly be heading back to the working world. My goal, however, is to work in that area where online and face-to-face interactions begin to overlap. Interesting things are happening in social networking and collaborative work/play.
What attracted you to UIC? The delicate artistry of the architecture. It's really quite a beautiful place!


Ryan Henke


Previous Institution: Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Degree and Date: B.A., Philosophy, '03.
Hometown: Belleville, IL.
Current Research Interests: Political communication, particularly in news coverage; Media conglomerates.
Publications and presentations: None, except for a few letters to the editor of the Belleville News-Democrat.
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: Work for a few years as a roadie for Ashlee Simpson and then continue with doctoral work.
What attracted you to UIC? The department's focus on political communication and UIC's urban location; also, the campus' amazing post-post-Gothic architecture.



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Korin Isotalo Hunt


Previous Institution: Western Michigan University
Degree and Date: B.A., Media Studies, B.A., Women's Studies, '05
Hometown: South Lyon, MI.
Current Research Interests: Political rhetoric, framing.
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: Research position, perhaps a think tank.
What attracted you to UIC? Broad faculty interests, GWS concentration.


Rashmi Jha


Previous Institution: University of Delhi, India.
Degree and Date: M.A.,English Lit, '03; B.A., English Lit, '01 Hometown: New Delhi, India.
Current Research Interests: cultural studies, political communication.
Publications and presentations: None yet.
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: To utilize the degree in the best possible way!
What attracted you to UIC? The Communication program, the welcoming atmosphere at the department and that it was a Master's program.


Roxane Lopez


Previous Institution: Texas State University-San Marcos
Degree and Date: B.A. Communication Studies, '04
Hometown: Crystal City, Texas; Deckerville, Mich.
Current Research Interests: Political Communication, Social Networks, Civic & Political Engagement.
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: I plan on teaching basic communication courses at the college or secondary levels.
What attracted you to UIC? Besides the faculty, the fact that the program was M.A. only was very influential in my decision to attend UIC. (oh... and of course, location!)



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Anahí Lazarte-Morales


Previous Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras
Degree and Date: B.A., Public Communication, '02
Hometown: Santurce, Puerto Rico.
Current Research Interests: Community media, radio, Latino/a studies, participatory communication, and journalism.
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: Get involved in participatory media projects, work, prepare research projects related to Puerto Rico and study more. I am currently considering doctoral programs.
What attracted you to UIC? It was a combination of two things: the quality of the program and its members. First, the program’s description available online recognizes the openness and interdisciplinary character of the field that always attracted me to communication studies. My impression at the time (and I was right!) was that the Department valued and respected academic curiosity in a nurturing and inspiring way. Second, the faculty and the staff. All our initial interactions were candid and honest. I felt that, contrary to other programs I considered, they were really taking time to address my questions and figure out if and how the Department would be a good fit for me.


Bryan McLaughlin


Previous Institution: Bucknell University
Degree and Date: B.A., Religious Studies, B. A., Philosophy, May '04
Hometown: Woodside, Calif.
Current Research Interests: Religious rhetoric in Political Communication, Race, Social Cognition.
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: Go on to a doctoral program.
What attracted you to UIC? The interest of the faculty.


Sarah Millermaier


Previous Institution: University of Toronto
Degree and Date: B.A., English, B.A., Ibero-American Studies
Hometown: Kalamazoo, Mich.
Current Research Interests: Multiculturalism and social policy.
Publications and presentations: Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: Undecided.
What attracted you to UIC? Excellent faculty and small size. Research and funding opportunities.



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Tom Moss


Previous Institution: Ohio State University
Degree and Date: M.F.A. '98
Hometown: Clinton, Ill.
Current Research Interests: Rhetoric and media
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: No small plans, but no specific ones either.


Lingling Nie


Previous Institution: Wuhan University (Undergraduate), Peking University (Graduate)
Degree and Date: M. A., '05
Hometown: China
Current Research Interests: Digital media & popular culture.
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: Continue to a doctoral program.
What attracted you to UIC? Good program; Nice study and life enviroment; Nice teachers and students.


Robyn A. Pocrnich


Previous Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree and Date: B.S., Advertising, '03
Hometown: Skokie, IL
Current Research Interests: Socially constructed identity; Minority identity formation in the online space.
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: I currently work as an Interactive Account Manager at a digital advertising agency and plan to move into our Interactive Planning department after I complete the program.
What attracted you to UIC? The faculty's focus on new media as well as the location.


Jessica Schuler


Previous Institution: Western Illinois Univerisity
Degree and Date: B. A., Communication, B. S., Psychology '06
Hometown: Lisle, Ill.
Current Research Interests: Communication technology, including attitudes and uses towards ICT and changes in attitudes or uses of ICT.
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: After I get my master's, I'd ultimately like to become a professor.
What attracted you to UIC? I chose to attend UIC because UIC is a research focused univerisity, the communication dept's program focus, and the comm dept professors.



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Jordan Stalker


Previous Institution: University of Minnesota
Degree and Date: B. A., Studies in Cinema and Media Culture, '05
Hometown: Everett, Wash.
Current Research Interests: History and social construction of media technologies, specifically the automobile radio; mobile and Internet communications; computer and video games as media texts.
Publications and presentations: Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: Return to the journalism industry as a reporter/editor before pursuing a doctorate in journalism and mass communication; or working at an international economic development or domestic media research organization.
What attracted you to UIC? Emphasis on media technology, urban environment.


Wei Tang


Previous Institution: Shanghai International Studies University, China
Degree and Date: B.B.A., ( English), ‘07
Hometown: Hangzhou, China
Current Research Interests: The impact of new media on ads strategy, cross-cultural communication.
Publications and presentations: Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: Not yet decided, but hopefully becoming kind of analyst to provide consultancy service.
What attracted you to UIC? Its high-quality communication program, the nice people here and of course the great city of Chicago!


Xiao Wen


Previous Institution: Nanjing Normal University, China
Degree and Date: B.A., '07
Hometown: China
Current Research Interests: cultural studies.
Publications and presentations: None yet
Plans/ideas after receiving your master's degree: Going on for a PhD.
What attracted you to UIC? The great location and good academic environment attracted me to UIC.



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College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
University of Illinois at Chicago

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