Working professionals in communication who want to advance their careers.
Recent graduates and working professionals in other fields who wish to pursue a communication career.
Those interested in pursuing higher level academic work, such as obtaining a doctorate, conducting research or teaching at the college level.
An undergraduate degree in journalism or communication is not required for our M.S. in Public Communication & Technology. However, students without experience may be advised to complete writing, editing or production skills courses in addition to the regular degree requirements.
Graduate Student Profiles
Rebecca Anderson's primary research interest is computer-mediated visual communication with an emphasis in gender and web site design. She comes to the Technical Communication program with a Bachelor's degree in English from The Colorado College and an extensive graphic design background with studies at both the School of Visual Concepts in Seattle and the Rhode Island School of Design. Prior to graduate school, Rebecca worked as a technical writer for an environmental consulting firm, and as a communications director for both non-profit and political organizations.
Darren Bau-Madsen came to CSU to pursue his interest in technical writing and editing. Darren and his wife, Angela, are natives of Pennsylvania. Darren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in English and Cognitive Science. In his spare time, Darren enjoys cooking and taking advantage of his Netflix subscription.
Christopher Berner came to CSU from Wisconsin to pursue his interest in medical and scientific communication. He received his B.A. in English Writing and Rhetoric studies with minors in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Prior to graduate school, Chris spent two years working for a Mayo Clinic affiliated hospital as a communications specialist. In addition to his graduate studies, Chris is working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for JTC 300. Outside of the classroom, Chris enjoys hockey, his guitars, and spending time outdoors.
Ashley Blickenstaff came to CSU from Nebraska to pursue her interests in technical writing and public relations. She received a B.A. in English Literature from Missouri Western State University and works as a special projects coordinator for GROW Nebraska. Ashley enjoys playing volleyball, singing karaoke with friends and hanging out with her nephews.
Elizabeth Buczynski’s research within the program has focused on environmental messaging and public relations practices in area of natural resources management. Elizabeth graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a B.A. in English, and has been published in several literary journals as well as The Hellbender Press, an environmental newspaper based in the Smoky Mountains. Elizabeth currently holds a Research Assistantship at CSU’s Center for Research on Communication and Technology, as well as a Communications Internship with the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. When not buried in work, Elizabeth enjoys hiking, skiing, music and zombie movies.
My mane is Chen Chen. My primary research interest is the affection of appearing of Internet on traditional media. I am originally from China and receive my B.A. in Broadcasting Journalism at Shanghai Tongji University in 2006. Prior to be a graduate student, I worked in CCTV (China Central Television) as a reporter. I have edited sever science programs such as “Artificial Intelligence”, “The Trail of the Polar Bear in China” and etc. Now, I came to the JTC Department to further my study. It is my first time being in a foreign country, and I think it would be a valuable experience in my life. In my spare time, I like reading and listening classic music, and I also interested in recital and playing piano.
Michele Crockett has bachelor's degrees in journalism and English from the University of Kansas and has been a contract writer for science organizations and editor and publisher for computer trade publications for 15 years. Her focus of study at CSU is the effect of children's outdoor experience on their ability to understand and critically evaluate science coverage in the media. She and her family (husband Harry, an aquatic biologist for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, and children Audrey and John) enjoy outdoor trips rafting, skiing, hiking, and snorkeling. In her spare time, Michele appears in dive bars across the Front Range as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for a classic honky-tonk band called Trucker's Daughter.
Jamie Davis graduated from CSU in 2005 with a computer science honors degree focused in software engineering, and a minor in English. She enrolled in the M.S. program in Technical Communication to learn how to design usable computer interfaces. While in the program, she developed an interest in technical editing and communicating science to the public. She writes user's guides and implements embedded Help menus for Heiberg Consulting, Inc., a company that develops software for TRIO grants nationwide. She is also the editor for Nutrition Science News, which is a section of the trade magazine The Natural Foods Merchandiser.
Jamie Folsom is a part-time graduate student focusing on community-based media. She is currently reporting and producing for News OnThe Range and Live@Lunch shows at KRFC 88.9 FM in Fort Collins. First Nations Radio News, a news and music segment featuring information for and about Native Americans, is her latest project. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Colorado Broadcasters Association. All of these projects take a back seat to family, and as a result, Jamie keeps her cell phone on all the time.
Mike Gaede comes to the JTC after a successful and award-winning 30-year career in broadcast journalism. He is particularly interested in research of the TV news professional-audience connection in the new world of convergence in multi-platform news delivery and hopes to teach broadcast journalism upon the completion of his Masters degree. He has served as a News Director in Green Bay, WI, an Executive Producer in both Minneapolis, MN and Honolulu, HI, as Managing Editor in Minneapolis, and as a Producer in all of the markets when a producer was needed. His awards include; a regional EMMY award, Minneapolis chapter, for the news magazine, “On the Money”; the same program was honored as a finalist in the Gerald R. Loeb Awards for distinguished business and financial journalism in the network and large market TV category from the UCLA Andersen School of Business (the winner was the CBS newsmagazine, 60 Minutes); he has also won the Associated Press Newscast of the Year, Wisconsin, 1991; and numerous other awards from the Northwest Broadcast News Association, United Press International and the GLOBE awards for outstanding television writing. Just prior to joining JTC, Mike was appointed by the Governor of Hawaii to the position of Communications Director for the Hawaii Department of Public Safety. Mike received his B.A. from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, a long time ago. He is a Vietnam Era Veteran. When he's not researching or writing, he can be found enjoying his wife of 29 years, playing with his two dogs or strumming folk-rock songs on one of his 11 guitars.
Brendan Gallagher teaches English Language Arts at Berthoud High School, where he also coaches the forensics team. He earned a B.A. in English and completed his teacher licensure at CSU. Brendan is a part-time graduate student who is studying ways to incorporate 21st-century communication into the classroom. He is primarily interested in using technology to help students become better critical thinkers, "readers" of digital and visual information. Brendan's goal (perhaps the goal of every teacher) is to prepare students for the unknown future of modern information communication. Before becoming a teacher, Brendan worked in Video and Film production and managed a local cable TV station. He has freelanced with ESPN and Walt Disney, and has worked on numerous independent films.
Joe Giordano received his B.A. from Miami University with a double major in journalism and political science. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Joe's research interest is in crisis communication. In his spare time, he likes to play softball and is working on the great American novel. He has two cats, one named Barry, the other named Lola.
Jessica Gu came to the JTC Department in 2006. She is originally from China, where she worked as a public relations practitioner for six years after she graduated from East China University of Science and Technology in 1998. In 2001, Jessica opened her own public relations company in Shanghai, China. Jessica is active in the area of international culture exchange. She has been Aggie Manager of Apartment Life at CSU for one and a half years, and she is a committee member of the Fort Collins International Center. In 2005, Jessica came to the United States with her husband, Jian Zhang. They have a 3-year-old daughter. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys reading and writing.
Sarah Hamilton is interested in new communication technology and the role it plays in adolescent lives and primary education. She graduated with a degree from CSU in Journalism & Technical Communication with an emphasis in public relations in 2004, and has since worked in the field of communication, public relations, and fundraising. Her goal is to teach communication at the college level. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys skiing, snowboarding, swimming, reading and relaxing in front of a good movie.
Raquel Harper is a Ph.D. student interested in science communication. She has
an MS in technical communication from CSU and a BS in pre-physical therapy
from Western Washington University. Before entering the Ph.D. program, Raquel
wrote clinical and biotech-related articles for a science publication and
taught technical communication and science writing classes at the University
of Colorado in Denver. She loves distance trail running, cycling, skiing, and
kayaking and can’t get enough of the outdoors in Colorado.
Jeri Humphries is interested in health communication. She received her B.S. in Biology at the University of Georgia in 2002 and is currently finishing up her M.S. in Technical Communication. Currently, Jeri is a program manager at the Colorado Medical Society, where she coordinating efforts statewide to educate private practicing physicians on creating disaster plans for their offices and to become more involved with their local public health agency. She is currently working on a project focused on creative ways to involve medical office staff to enhance preparedness activities across the state.
Jessica Larsen's current research focuses on nutrition information-seeking among adolescents, with special attention to the role of digital technologies. She is from Spring Grove, Illinois, and graduated in 2006 from Augustana College with a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Biology. When she's not doing research, Jes enjoys hiking and snowboarding and also trains for and runs marathons.
Kristen Lenhardt is interested in intergroup conflict communication research, specifically from a public relations practitioner standpoint. She received a B.A. in Communication and Journalism from the University of Wyoming. Kristen currently work for the Bureau of Land Management as a Public Affairs Specialist and have been chosen for the BLM Student Career Experience Program to attend graduate school. Kristen loves sports, so she spends her time outside of school and work playing intramural sports for CSU.
Steve Lovaas comes to communication research from the world of information security, convinced that many of the most important problems involve human communication issues rather than technical solutions. He is currently the IT Security Manager for CSU. Steve grew up in Fort Collins, “escaping” to New England for a variety of schools and employment: chemistry & marine bio at the US Coast Guard Academy, philosophy & opera at UConn, and several years singing and working in Boston. Returning home to Colorado, he moved into the computer field, pursuing further degrees in computer networking (Regis) and information assurance (Norwich University’s online MSIA program). He figures that makes about 16 years of college before even starting the JTC’s new PhD program. Steve and his wife Heidi continue to renovate a 1902 farmhouse in old town Fort Collins, and will probably start raising chickens now that they’re legal!
Catherine Lundy is a full-time graduate student with a B.A. in Biology from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. She was born and raised in northeastern Wisconsin, near the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She is interested in public relations, as well as technical and science writing. She enjoys skiing, running, yoga, reading, and doing artwork in her free time, and she loves the mountains of Colorado.
Nick Mechikoff's goal is to earn a master's degree in health care public relations, primarily focusing on tobacco-related issues. He is working on starting a joint project with the Larimer County Health Department on public health issues, including tobacco prevention and reaching unserved and underserved populations. His undergraduate degree is in Health Education from Western Oregon University and he earned an MBA degree from Marylhurst University. He has been married for 11 years and has three children and two cats. He enjoys playing bass guitar (a Schecter five-string) at church and going for walks, bike rides and road trips with the family.
Jefferie Mitchell joins the Technical Communication program with a strong interest in health information campaigns. Jefferie attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she received her B.A. in Technical and Scientific Communications with a minor in Spanish. When she's not at school, Jefferie enjoys hiking with her dog, reading and cooking.
Heather Otto came to CSU for a change in pace. She graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2006 with a B.A. in Communication Studies and Journalism. Heather's main focus through her undergraduate career was broadcasting. She helped launch the student radio at NIU and continued to work as both an on-air personality and news director for over 2 years. Heather has interned for WUSA, 9 news in Washington, D.C. and Walt Disney World in Orlando. After graduating, she worked as a reporter and producer for WIFR, Channel 23 news in Rockford, IL. Heather is continuing her education in the JTC department to get a broader knowledge in the field of communications, specifically public relations, advertising, and new technologies. Her research interests include computer-mediated communication in organizations, with a further focus on the adoption of new technologies. Heather's ultimate career goal is to teach at the collegiate level.
I, Heather Richardson, am originally from Texas, but have lived in Louisiana the majority of my
life. I also lived in Venezuela for three years when I was in junior high and
my freshman year in high school. When I lived in Venezuela, I was able to
learn to speak Spanish and travel along the Amazon River. I moved to Colorado
to escape the southern heat and to complete my Master's in Public Relations in
Colorado State University's competitive program. My hobbies include reading,
writing poetry, traveling, and eating lots of crawfish when I visit Louisiana.
I am hoping to pursue a career in International Public Relations
Peggy Roberts came to CSU’s M.S. program in Technical Communication as a part-time student to pursue her interest in public involvement/stakeholder engagement. She currently works full time as a NEPA compliance project manager and public participation specialist for ENSR Corporation, an environmental consulting firm in Fort Collins. Peggy earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism/Public Relations at the University of Texas at Austin. Her hobbies include playing the Native American flute, traveling, and reading.
Paul Ronto is interested in the changes in Media Technology and how those changes affect how we receive and understand information. He holds a B.A. in Technical Journalism with a concentration in Specialized Communication from Colorado State University. During his undergraduate program, Paul spent a year abroad, which allowed him to travel and see the world. After completing his B.A., Paul became a licensed Realtor in Colorado and for the past year and a half has been enjoying a successful career. Recently, Paul decided to slow down with his Real Estate goals to return to CSU, seeking an M.S. in Technical Communication. As for personal interests, Paul likes to do just about anything fun, spending most of his free time outside, whether it be kayaking, skiing, biking or just jogging with his dog Jack.
Kathy Schnider is a second-year M.S. student focused on strategic communication, specifically on how to facilitate meaningful communication between organizations outside educational systems and the teachers and students who are their target audiences. Before coming to CSU, Kathy worked as a teacher and career-related learning coordinator for six years in an urban high school in Portland, Oregon. After graduation, Kathy intends to combine her previous experience as an educator with her increased knowledge about communication theory and application to work for an organization engaged in education outreach aimed at K-12 teachers and youth. Kathy is currently researching a sustainable delivery model for the Fire in Pacific Northwest Ecosystems curriculum, which was recently revised by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon and Washington.
Megan Stewart's undergraduate degree and some postgraduate study are in Computer Science, where her areas of interest were operating systems and network security. She worked in the field of Information Technology for 13 years. Her graduate research takes her away from computers into climate, with a comparative discourse analysis between U.S. and U.K. magazine coverage of global warming. She also taught technical writing courses and participated in an NSF content analysis of television portrayals of scientists. When she isn't engaged in coursework or hanging out with her family, this Renaissance woman can be found taking medieval history classes, or researching and polishing up her second novel.
Ian Storey earned a bachelor’s degree in both English and Philosophy from Central Michigan University in 1997 and a Master of Arts degree in English in 1999. Before coming to Colorado State University to work on his Ph.D. in Public Communication and Technology, Ian was assistant professor of Journalism and English at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo. Ian began work as a full-time journalist in 2000 when he was hired as a sports writer with Advance Newspapers in Grand Rapids, Mich., a chain of weekly newspapers covering Kent and Ottawa counties. Mr. Storey was promoted soon to the position of news editor, overseeing five reporters and editing stories for five editions with a total circulation of 60,000 per week. Ian has also worked at a number of daily newspapers in Michigan, including the Monroe Evening News in southeastern Michigan; the Grand Rapids Press in Grand Rapids; and the Traverse City Record-Eagle in Traverse City, Mich. Ian has received several journalism awards, including awards in 2005 from the Michigan Press Association for news writing while with the Traverse City Record-Eagle. The Record-Eagle also won the MPA’s Public Service Award in 2004 and was named Newspaper of the Year in 2005 while Ian was a staff writer.
Dana Strongin joined the Technical Communication program with a career change in mind. She is a former newspaper reporter, with experience at The Kansas City Star, The Wichita Eagle and the Steamboat Pilot & Today. While in Wichita, she covered the arrest of the elusive BTK serial killer. Dana now plans to enter the field of public relations/development, with a possible interest in non-profit health communication. She graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Mass Communication. Since joining CSU's program, she has started consulting and doing freelance public relations work. Strongin thrives in the Colorado setting, with a yen for snowshoeing and hiking.
Gina Tinnin is originally from middle Tennessee, where she graduated with an AAS degree in Horticulture before coming to CSU. At CSU, Gina earned with a BS in Soil & Crop Science (emphasis agronomic production). She is currently working with the USDA – Agricultural Research Service with a unit that develops agricultural systems computer models and risk management tools. After finishing her M.S. in Technical Communication, Gina wants to be involved with technology transfer from researchers to agricultural producers. When not at school or work, she enjoys traveling, food, culture, outdoors, gardening, reading, music, etc.
Anne Waite graduated from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs in 2004 with a B.A. in English, concentrating on technical and professional writing. Her thesis research examines the relationship between nominalized sentence constructions and comprehension of health-related information in older adults. Her primary interests are in technical writing and editing, and in user interface design. She is currently employed as an Information Developer at IBM-Denver. When she isn't busy with work or school, Anne enjoys spending time with her kids, hiking and camping, along with any other outdoor activity she can find.
Amber Walters received a B.A. in Geography with a supplemental focus in Media Studies from the University of Northern Colorado. She is a native of Colorado and came to CSU to pursue an interest in public information and technical writing. Her research interest is in health and environmental communication. In her spare time, Amber enjoys racquetball, movies, and spending time with her fellow graduate classmates.
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