Research

Statement of Research Interests for Doctoral Study at Iowa State University

My purpose for starting graduate study is two-fold. One, I would like to research the issues that make it difficult for developing writers to effectively communicate in written, oral, visual, and electronic platforms. I have a particular interest in studying ways to help students from multi-cultural backgrounds. I would like to find ways, through study at Iowa State University, particularly within their multi-modal WOVE (written, oral, visual, electronic) curriculum, to help underrepresented students achieve better communication skills. I want to be able to provide this diverse group of writers, in particular, with the tools they need to sharpen their writing skills in order to communicate in their academic and professional lives. In my research, I will be exploring pedagogical theory in addressing the skills and challenges of Native and Non-Native English Language learners. I would like to learn better ways to serve these student groups. I will be studying composition theory and pedagogy as well as rhetoric and professional communication to better meet the needs of students who are emerging in an ever-increasing technological society.

I want to engage in and work to bridge the gap in the scholarly literature about how WOVE composition curricula does not significantly address African American students. Literature in composition pedagogy and communication history discusses African American students within the context of written composition practices. However, since we live in a multimedia, technology-driven era, it is important to bring every student's experiences, strengths, skill sets, and challenges into the conversation. Once we do that, we are better able to evaluate pedagogy, curricula, and administration efforts to maximize the potential of African-American college students, ensuring their success in multi-modal classrooms. It is these classrooms that provide a communicative foundation for interdisciplinary work in students' undergraduate majors, in graduate school, in the community, and in the workplace.

The second reason I am pursuing a doctoral degree at Iowa State University is to become a skilled practitioner who is able to provide comprehensive training about WOVE curricula as it relates to the African-American students at schools, colleges, and universities. My coursework has given me experience in the practice of technical communication; web design; web development; social media strategy; student development; and multicultural education. With each course I have or will take, I always point back to the literature and examine how it relates to my research and professional goals.