PROFESSIONAL BIO
I'm an Assistant Professor in Communication at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and adviser to the Cal Poly Pomona Chapter of SPJ (Society of Professional Journalists). I teach introductory and advanced courses in journalism, mass communication, public opinion and propaganda, and political communication. Prior, I spent four years as a doctoral fellow and instructor at Louisiana State University. I hold a Ph.D. in Media & Public Affairs from Louisiana State University (2014); an M.A. in Media, Culture, and Communication with an emphasis in political and persuasive communication from New York University (2010); and a B.A. in Communication and Political Science from Roger Williams University (2004). I previously worked as a journalist covering public affairs, information technology, and real estate and development. My research broadly concerns news and democracy. I examine how the news media cover campaigns and elections, and explore the implications of news coverage for knowledge, citizenship, and political engagement. My research agenda is also focused on news trust in the digital era and unpacking how news norms and processes shape key campaign events including electoral debates and polling. My work has appeared in Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, Mass Communication & Society, Journalism Practice, PS: Political Science & Politics, Political Research Quarterly, Communication Research Reports, and the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication.