Meet our Current Students

Tengku Siti Aisha [Ph.D. Program] atengku@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M.A. in Communication Technology, Putra University Malaysia, 2007. B.A. in Mass Communication, International Islamic University of Malaysia, 2002.
Research Interests: Computer-Mediated Communication, Communication Technology, Social Cognition
Teaching Experience: Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication, Basic Course, Psychology of Communication, Introduction to Organizational Communication, Computer-Mediated Communication

Kaitlin Banduch (M.A. Program) kbanduch@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: B.A. Communication Studies, Augustana College, Minor Biology and Psychology
Research Interests: Health Communication
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Human Communication

Jeffrey Bolt [Ph.D. Program] jbolt@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M.A. in Communication, Michigan State University, 2004. B.A. in Communication, SUNY Buffalo, 2002
Research Interests: Media psychology, Perceived Realism of Reality Television, Framing of Mediated Messages Focusing on Coverage of Protests and Areas of Dissent, Emotional Regulation Through New Media Technologies, Use of iPods to Alleviate Negative Emotional States
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Human Communication, Communication Theories, Business and Professional Communication, Public Communication in Society, Research Methods, Freedom of Speech, Audience Analysis

Sarah Christian (M.A. Program) Schris26@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: B.A. Communications, Minor Gerstacker Business and Management, Albion College
Research Interests: Health Communication
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Human Communication

Mary-Michelle Coleman-Walsh [Ph.D. Program] mcolem13@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: J.D. Law at Case Western Reserve School of Law, 2000. M.A. Non-Profit Management at John Carroll University, 2008. B.S. Psychology, John Carroll Univeristy, 1997.
Research Interests: Health Care Law, Health Communication in Medical Malpractice and Conflict of Interest
Teaching Experience: Interpersonal Communication, Public Speaking, Small Group Communication, Media Law

Glenda Dianne Crossman [Ph.D. Program] gcrossma@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M. A. in Liberal Studies, Rollins College, Winter Park, FL, 1997. B. A. in Communication Studies, Rollins College, Winter Park, FL, 1986.
Research Interests: Media Effects
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Communication; Public Speaking, Intercultural Communication, Enduring Questions for an Intercultural World, Interpersonal Communication, Organizational Communication, Mass Communication, Media Law & Ethics, Writing for the Media, Media and Diversity, Film Themes & Genres, Media Theory

Amy Dalessandro [Ph.D. Program] adaless1@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M.A. in Applied Communication Theory and Methodology, Cleveland State University, 2006. B.A. in Communication, Baldwin-Wallace College, 2004.
Research Interests: Mass Media Effects, New Media, Television and Film, Parasocial Interactions and Relationship, Dia Enjoyment
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Human Communication, Interviewing, Communication in Groups and Teams, Communication Theory

Lindsay Hahn [M.A. Program] lhahn@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: B.A. in New Media Communication from the University of Pittsburgh
Research Interests: New Media, Media Effects (Cultivation Theory), Political Communication
Teaching Experience: Undergraduate Tutor for political science, Journalism & Communication courses, Intro to Human Communication

Roxanne Hall [Ph.D. Program] rhall13@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M.A. in Fine Arts (Communication), The University of Akron, 2004. B.S. in Business Administration (Advertising/Marketing) , The University of Akron, 2002
Research Interests: Health and interpersonal communication, Provider-patient communication
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Human Communication, Gender Communication, Business & Professional Communication, Nonverbal Communication, Speech Communication, Survey of Mass Communication

Yubing HE [M.A. Program] yhe16@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: B.AJournalism Major, Ocean University of China, 2007
Research Interests: Media effects (Focusing on new media)
Teaching Experience: Intro to Human Communication

Vanessa Heeman [Ph.D. Program] vgette@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M.A. in Communication Studies, Kent State University, 2008, B.A. in Communication Studies, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, 2006
Research Interests: Interpersonal communication processes and effects among family members and psychological and behavioral outcomes for children. Parent-child communication about children’s use of media.
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Human Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Communication Theory

Samuel Homer [M.A. Program]shomer@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: B.A in Communication Arts and Sciences, Penn State
Research Interest: Health Communication
Teaching Experience: Intro to Human Communication

Ellison Joe (EJ) Horacek [M.A. Program] ehoracek@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: B.A. in Communication Studies at Rowan University, 2009
Research Interests: Media Richness
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Human Communication

Jaietta Jackson [Ph.D. Program] jjacks39@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M.A. in Communication Studies, New York University, 1998, B.A. in Radio and TV Production, Kent State University, 1993
Research Interests: Online social networking sites and relational satisfaction, Utilizing online social networking sites for grief management and support
Teaching Experience: Communication Theory and Practice, Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication, Presentational Speaking, Group Communication

Sarah J. Lane [Ph.D. Program] slane1@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M.A. in Communication, University of Akron, 2002, B.A. in Communication, University of Akron, 1997
Research Interests: Media Effects and Public Relations
Teaching Experience: Effective Oral Communication Interpersonal Communication

Sara Mersek [M.A. Program] smersek@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: B.A. Interpersonal Communication at KSU
Research Interests: Interpersonal Communication, Family Communication, Comforting nonverbal messages during tragic situations, Level of intent concerning nonverbal messages
Teaching Experience: Intern for the PSI program, Introduction to Human Communication

Kris Java Murniadi [Ph.D. Program] kmurniad@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M.A. in Organizational Communication, Western Kentucky University, 2008, B.A. in Advertising, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 2002
Research Interests: Social Identity, Group Cohesiveness, SIDE Model, Social Presence/Media Richness, Online support groups and health communication
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Human Communication, Small Group Communication

Brian Pattie [PH.D. Program] bpattie@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M.A. in Communication Studies, Wayne State University, 2007, B.A. in Communication, Oakland University, 2004
Research Interests: Interpersonal communication, Interpersonal conflict, Sports communication, Quantitative research methods
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Human Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Communication and Conflict

Jenny Rosenberg [Ph.D. Program] jrosenb8@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M.A. in Communication Studies, Kent State University, 2009, B.A. with Honors in Communication Studies, University of Iowa, 2007
Research Interests: Interpersonal Communication and Quantitative Methods
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Human Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Nonverbal Communication, Gender and Communication and Communication Research Methods

Carol A. Savery [Ph.D. Program] csavery@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M.A. in Communication Studies (Public Relations), University of Akron, 2005, B.F.A. in Theatre, University of Calgary, 1990
Research Interests: Interpersonal communication, Hospice Volunteers, Grief Communication, Human-pet bond, Communicating happiness, Instructional Communication and Canada, Non-Traditional Relationships
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Human Communication, Nonverbal Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Public Speaking, Public Relations Crisis Management, Public relations case study, Play Writing, Monologue Writing.

Rekha Sharma [Ph.D. Program] rsharma@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M.A. in Journalism, Kent State University, 2004, M.S. in Information Use, Kent State University, 2004, B.S. in Newspaper Journalism, Kent State University, 2002
Research Interests: News Media and Politics (e.g., CNN-YouTube debates, news coverage of terrorism, government conspiracy theories, journalism ethics), Popular Culture and Politics (e.g., infotainment, popular cinema, animated cartoons), South Asian Media (e.g., representations in Bollywood, Desi, and postcolonial films)
Teaching Experience: Public Communication in Society, Business and Professional Communication, Interviewing, Media Use and Effects, Introduction to Human Communication, High Impact Professional Speaking.

Yingyan Sheng [Ph.D. Program] ysheng@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M.Ed. in Educational technology, Shanghai International Studies University, 2005, B.A. in Advertising, Shanghai International Studies University, 2002
Research Interests: Interpersonal communication

Kristen Stachowiak [M.A. Program] Kstacho1@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: B.A. double major in English and Public Relations with a Minor in Communication from Baldwin Wallace College
Research Interests: Health Communication, Family Support Regarding Drug Addiction Rehabilitation
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Human Communication

Molly Beth Taggart [M.A., matriculating to Ph.D. Program]
mtaggar2@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: B.S. in Communication, Ohio University 2004
Research Interests: Mass, Mediated, and Political Communication, New Technologies, Persuasion, Online Meet and Dating, Love Styles
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Human Communication, Interpersonal Communication

Carrie Ann Tomko [Ph.D. Program] ctomko1@kent.edu
Previous Affiliation: M.A. in Communications from The University of Akron, 2007, B.S.; B.A., Accounting from The University of Akron, 1989
Research Interests: Health Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Communication in Caregivers to Stroke Survivors
Teaching Experience: Introduction to Human Communication, Interpersonal Communication

Bin Xing (Gloria) [Ph.D. Program] bxing@kent.edu
Previous affiliation: M.A. in Communication, Renmin University of China, P. R. China, B.A. in Journalism, Qingdao University, P. R. China
Research Interests: Interpersonal Communication, Media Psychology
Teaching Experience: Media Laws & Ethics

Kun Xu [M.A. Program] kxu2@kent.edu
Previous affiliation: BA - Journalism Major, Shanghai International Studies University, 2007
Research Interests: Interpersonal communication, New technology, Health communication