Academic Service
As a PhD candidate specializing in Rhetoric and Media Studies, my work has been guided by a dedication to fostering student growth and creating meaningful learning experiences that bridge academic theory and practical application. One of my most meaningful contributions has been designing and facilitating workshops—co-developed with AD Alston—focused on enhancing the public speaking skills of undergraduate students. These workshops, set to take place in the Spring of 2025 and developed in collaboration with the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship and the Center for Writing and Communication (CWC), will provide students with the tools necessary to communicate their business ideas effectively, bridging the gap between academic departments.
Workshop Series and Departmental Collaboration
This workshop series is designed to equip students with critical public speaking skills as they prepare to compete in Tiger Tank, a high-stakes pitch competition at the University of Memphis, where participants will present their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges for a share of the $10,000 prize pool. The first workshop, “Craft Your Dream Getaway: Explore and Apply Lean Model Techniques,” scheduled for February 18, 2025, guides participants to identify their target market’s needs and interests. The session introduces the Lean Business Model as a strategic framework for enhancing business ideas and integrates SWOT analysis to help participants assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of their pitches.
The second workshop, focused on storytelling and scheduled for March 2025, equips participants with essential techniques for designing professional, visually compelling slideshows that strengthen the impact of their business pitches. Students will learn how to strategically organize visuals, including charts, images, and graphs, to reinforce their narratives and make complex ideas more digestible for investors and judges.
The third workshop, focused on speech delivery, is scheduled for April 2025 and is designed to elevate participants’ public speaking skills by integrating storytelling strategies and delivery techniques. Participants will actively rehearse their speeches, applying key verbal and nonverbal communication tactics to strengthen audience engagement. They will practice vocal variety by adjusting their pitch, pace, and volume to add emphasis and maintain listener interest. Through movement, they will learn how to reinforce their message without distracting from their content. By integrating these techniques, participants will develop a more confident delivery.
Collectively, these workshops will equip over 15 undergraduate students with the skills needed to navigate high-stakes presentations and excel in professional speaking environments.
Desk Lead and Consultant at the CWC
Beyond the workshops, my service extends to curriculum development and academic leadership. As a desk lead and consultant at the Center for Writing and Communication (CWC), I have provided individualized support to students, focusing on improving their public speaking and writing skills. Recognizing the challenges faced by multilingual students, I have contributed to the development of specialized training modules to ensure equitable support (e.g., ESL Canvas Quizzes and Praxis Tips for Working with ESL Students).
I have also helped expand the CWC’s outreach by representing its services at events such as Parent and Family Weekend and the Study Abroad Fair, ensuring that students are aware of the resources available to support their success. Furthermore, my contributions to the CWC’s leadership initiatives, such as helping establish mission and value statements, have strengthened its role as a center for academic and professional development.
Vision for Continued Service
Looking forward, I am committed to advancing initiatives that integrate communication with practical application, particularly for underserved and underrepresented student populations. Building on my experience designing workshops, I aim to develop additional training opportunities that address emerging needs in public speaking and professional communication (e.g., Multilingual Workshops). Additionally, my ongoing work to establish the Memphis chapter of the Rhetoric Society of America will also provide a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, fostering an academic community that prioritizes inclusivity and engagement.