Digital Media & Web Content Specialist

Hi, I'm Kristena Merritt, M.A., UXC!

Technical Communicator & Web Content Specialist

I consider myself a technical communicator because what I do goes beyond words. Technical communication encompasses writing, design, usability, and accessibility. I'm fascinated with the intersection of communication and digital media, and how language and technology shapes our reality.

Let Me Help You Tell Your Story!

A clear message and a compelling story can transform your brand and create meaningful connections with your audience. I’m passionate about user experience—making information accessible, intuitive, and actionable so people can achieve their goals.

Experience in Extension & Digital Media

In July 2019, I joined the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service (UAEX) as a part-time technical writer, assisting with website content. By 2021, I transitioned to a full-time role, becoming the Digital Media Manager’s right-hand person. In this role, I played a key part in content strategy, web governance, and digital accessibility, helping streamline online resources for a statewide audience. I also gained insight into the agricultural way of life in Arkansas.

Moving Forward in Tech & Communication!

As of January 2025, I stepped down from my full-time role as a Web Content Specialist to focus on completing the IT Technical Certification program at UALR. I will complete the program in Dec 2025.

This decision allows me to deepen my technical expertise, particularly in:

web development best practices
database and spreadsheet literacy
project management
digital communication

What is technical communication?

Technical communication is a broad field that includes working with subject matter experts to break down often scientific or technical information to make it more comprehensible and accessible to a wider audience.

Part of this process is rhetorical because you have to understand your audience's knowledge level, attitudes, and goals. This is especially important for web content since users are often coming to a website to complete a goal and they need to be able to find answers quickly.

Design and information architecture is also an important component of technical communication. Something as simple as properly formatting your web content to include headers, white space, bulleted lists, and well-styled text, can make it more effective and efficient.

My Education

In December 2018, I received my master's degree in Professional and Technical Writing (PTW) from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The MA program provided me with a well-rounded education in technical writing, research, editing, usability, and design.

The program is unique to English programs because it focuses on nonfiction writing and the theories behind persuasive rhetoric and effective technical communication.

I gained hands-on technical writing experience in many areas of technical communication like web writing and editing, social media writing for business, document design, software documentation, teaching strategies, and usability. The program helped me discover my passion for web design and content development and where I fit into the technical writing industry.

Other Websites & Profiles

https://meritpages.com/klmerritt

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristena-merritt/

Google Sites

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