My scholarly interests lie in the areas of health communication, political communication, gender and racial issues, and media entertainment.  Broadly speaking, I am interested in examining the role “voice” and other audio plays in shaping public opinion and political behavior as well as influencing behavioral change.  The primary aim of my research is to produce theoretical and practical knowledge regarding ways to communicate effectively in politics and health as well as benefit under-represented groups and to question hegemony in society.

During my time as a graduate student at the University of Oklahoma, my research niche has focused primarily on under-represented groups within popular culture, particularly within heavy metal music culture.  My thesis examines the language women heavy metal lyricists and vocalists use to reject or reinforce the hegemony and misogyny inherent of the genre.  Specifically, I examine the lyrics written and performed by women heavy metal artists using Rakow and Wackwitz’s (2004) feminist communication theory framework.

As our society continues to modernize and technology makes it easier to disseminate new and unique content, research in this area has become increasingly more important.  The global prevalence of the internet has changed the way gender is discussed in the media and in public institutions such as the United Nations.  It allows casual remarks to go global in minutes and generate responses that cannot always be predicted, à la social movements like #MeToo and #NoMore.  Considering recent sexual improprieties and harassment allegations against prominent media moguls, entertainment executives and actors, as well as politicians, one can argue that the study of gender equality is more important now than it has ever been.  Feminism and gender studies have changed and evolved over the last decade and issues relating to gender identity, sexuality, and feminism MUST always remain current (Pilcher & Whelehan, 2016).

I believe effective instructional strategies are key for ALL students to take ownership of their learning and their comprehension of ideas.  Through my years, I have seen the pendulum swing in the expectations of education, yet effective instruction has remained consistent.  I strive to convey to my students the knowledge and skills, as well as avoid the pitfalls, that I have gleaned over the years.  I aspire for my instruction to help students assess and react to the ever-changing nature of technology and digital media.  I focus on engaging in-class discussions, sharing of ideas, and encourage students to experiment with new technology and ideas. I encourage students to go above and beyond and avoid the mediocrity that is so common among DIY filmmakers and musicians.  I seek to help students feel more confident in their abilities and to learn from their mistakes.  Learning from their mistakes is one of the most important things a student can do to improve their abilities.  While the means and delivery of the learning experience tends to vary currently, I still strive to be consistent in the style and structure of my classes; every discussion, every lesson, and every assignment should add knowledge to the student’s skill set and should be current with industry standards.  My research and teaching areas are also intertwined.  When assigning synchronous sound design assignments, I incorporate themes of my research into the content that I choose to engage undergraduate students with.

Other than media, I am interested in exploring communication strategies used in health communication for diabetes management and prevention.  I am also interested in exploring the appeals used in those healthcare advertisements and the effects they have on viewers.  While I have approached my prior studies peering through a qualitative methodological lens, as I have progressed as a social scientist, I have come to understand the value of applying quantitative research methods in the study of social phenomenon.

Generally, as a former musician in a band with a woman vocalist, my interests in entertainment media are primarily driven by a personal desire to understand why heavy metal bands with vocalists who are women or are a minority are continually ignored and marginalized.  Music is an important cultural and communicative medium.  Music plays a central role in people’s lives (Lull, 1985).  It plays a variety of roles as an agent as both a social utility and a source of entertainment (Bryson, 1996).  Finally, I want to understand how using media, specifically audio, affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.