Biography
I grew up in Milwaukee, and I’m a graduate of UW-Milwaukee’s communication department. I earned my BA and my MA there, and then moved to Austin where I earned my doctorate from the University of Texas. I loved living in Austin, but was also excited to return home after earning my PhD, when I was magically reunited with my family, friends, and UWM. After spending 17 years back in Milwaukee, I have once again made the cross-country trek to Texas! I started my new position at Texas State University in Fall 2017, and I'm enjoying this new adventure.
Research Interests
Close Relationships (couples, families, friendships); Difficult, Taboo, or Stigmatized Self-Disclosure; Under-Studied Relationships; Long-Distance Relationships; Dark Side (e.g., hurtful messages, hazing, jealousy)
Teaching Interests
Relational Communication, Family Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Dark Side of Communication, Communication & Emotion, Under-Studied Close Relationships