Institute of Communications Research (UIUC) | Doctoral Researcher

Urbana, IL., Aug. 2022 - Present

• Implement over 8 years’ experience in qualitative research methods to investigate 5 content creators’ creative digital resistance on social media sites, asked and answered 2 research questions pertaining to their digital experience

• Utilize discourse analysis as a qualitative research method to draw insights on affordances, digital micro storytelling, & self-presentations of digital content creators

• Craft compelling stories to present findings in academia conferences of over 100 members, particularly as stated by Society of Cinema and Social Media conference 2023 respondent Dr. Beltran from University of Texas at Austin

• Synthesize complex findings (verbally/orally) to different sectors of the University focusing on target audiences

 

WIN Recovery, Nonprofit Organization | Communication Manager

Chicago, IL., June 2022 - Present

• Advance WIN Recovery’s communications strategy across media & press relations, event planning, social media, websites (WordPress/Wix)

• Collaborate with staff, managers, and board of directors to implement communication strategies by articulating complex issues from a variety of audiences

• Develop, manage, and deliver social media/websites strategies through weekly in-depth research, design, scheduling, posting, Search Engine Optimization, and community management

• Interview ~2 women a month, research insights (topics and trends), edit, and develop posts on a weekly basis using digital metrics

 

Spurlock Museum (UIUC) | Research Assistance

Urbana, IL., June 2022 - December 2022         

• Researched over 50 artifacts/materials, conducted 5 interviews, wrote text for artifacts, grouped materials according to themes, and created media (zine, website) to accompany a Quinceanera exhibition, a research project that lasted over a year

• Planed and conducted research in close collaboration with education staff, graduate students, advisers to develop exhibition and public educational materials and programs, stayed within $2,000 monthly budget for materials/events

• Presented research findings in a clear/engaging narrative to+200 attendees, the largest audience opening at Spurlock

 

Quantitative Methods (UIUC) | Seminar Researcher

Urbana, IL., August 2021 - December 2021

• Conducted a quantitative study designed to gain a better understanding on how Women of Color self-present online through avatar creation supporting my hypothesis relating to race/gender

• Based on the gaps within the literature/past studies developed 3 relevant research questions which were proven correct

• Collected data from approximately 100 participants using Qualtrics (survey design) then analyzed data using SPSS (inferential statistical analyses using correlation and Chi-square test)

• Met a 5-week time frame to conduct a mixed method approach, quantitative methods (a content analysis to quantify key words) and qualitative methods (a thematic analysis to provide context of 5 responses

 

California State University of San Bernardino | Graduate Researcher 

September 2017

• Analyzed three Latina social media celebrities’ self-presentations on Instagram

• Focused on whether or not the content they published potentially challenges or simply perpetuates stereotypical tropes of Latinas found in mainstream media

• A qualitative study taking an Ideological Critical approach through a textual analysis that was informed by Feminist Theory

• Asked and answered through study meaningful and impactful research questions

 

California State University of San Bernardino | Research Assistant 

March 2015

• Examined the experiences of Communication Studies students completing internships

• Arranged and helped conduct focus groups/group interviews

• Transcribe focus group discussion and discussed emergent themes

• Completed Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training program