My name is Rebecca and I am a Doctoral Candidate (ABD, May 2011) in the Department of Communication at Purdue University. I study Computer-Mediated Communication in Communities and Organizations where I work with Professor Sorin Matei and Professor James L. Mohler, along with Professor Bart Collins. My research examines computer-mediated communication with spatial ability and spatial perception; and also in reference to media subjectivity, online interaction and facilitation, message effects and electronic health concepts. Moreover, my research examines how computer-mediated communication, particularly through new media, are used in campaigns, public relations programs, the creation of promotional messages and the evaluation of those messages.

I teach undergraduate classes in technical communication, science writing and presentation, small groups and technical problems (i.e., campaigns and message strategies), and basic and advanced presentational speaking curricula. I am a proud research assistant at the Center for Instructional Excellence at Purdue University.

In addition to my scholarly pursuits, I am a graphic artist in the areas of web site design and development, and I am a self-taught artist. I take great pride in creating clean and well-thought designs for web and print that are meticulously developed. I strive to create designs that, at their core, communicate the information they’re meant to convey. I value organization, simplicity and elegance. These concepts aid in my teaching and research programs by providing real-world examples of good -and bad- examples of visual communication design.

I’m from northern Ohio, but I presently spend much of my time in Lafayette, Indiana as I complete my PhD (anticipated graduation, May 2012). I feel very privileged to study at Purdue University, where I am so fortunate to conduct research and teach classes to groups of excellent, hard-working students. I view my scholarly work and design projects as inherently creative processes where I strive to find meaningful and relevant connections. I am excited to connect with you, whether for the opportunity to collaborate, share interesting articles and texts, or to simply network.

Thank you so much for taking a visit!

Photograph by Nathaniel Edmunds Photography.