Samantha Guajardo, PhD Candidate

Rhetoric and Media, University of Memphis

CV

Samantha Guajardo

113 Arts & Communication Building                                                                       (956) 355-7559

University of Memphis                                                                               smgjardo@memphis.edu
Memphis, TN 38152                                                                                sguajardo385@gmail.com

I am a researcher, educator, and community advocate specializing in rhetorical studies, communication pedagogy, and cross-disciplinary engagement. My research examines how Latiné leaders craft counter-narratives to resist dominant discourses, while my teaching and service initiatives focus on equipping multilingual and underrepresented students with the rhetorical competencies essential for success in professional, academic, and civic spaces.

Education

University of Memphis

  • PhD in Communication (August 2022 – May 2026)
  • Specialization: Rhetoric and Media

The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

  • MA in Communication (July 2020 – May 2022)
  • Professional Project: “Synchronous Speech Labs and their Effects on Students’ Public Speaking Skills”

St. Mary’s University

  • BA in Communication Studies (August 2018 – May 2020)
  • Minor: English

South Texas College

  • AA in English (August 2014 – May 2018)

Certifications

The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

  • Training and Consulting Certification (2022)

Academic Work Experience

Instructor, Oral Communication
University of Memphis | 2022 – Present

  • Guided students in developing communication skills to critically engage with social issues.
  • Updated syllabi to incorporate contemporary social, political, and academic trends.
  • Employed a critical approach to teaching, encouraging students to examine and question societal narratives through effective communication practices.
  • Integrated experiential learning activities and case studies, enabling students to apply communication theories to real-world scenarios.

Assistant Instructor, Rhetoric and Civic Controversy
University of Memphis | August 2023 – December 2023

  • Led students in exploring community-based issues through rhetorical methods, including stasis theory.
  • Developed and implemented lesson plans that encouraged critical thinking and analysis of civic controversies.
  • Facilitated collaborative group discussions and activities to enhance student engagement and understanding of rhetorical strategies.

Communication and Writing Consultant, Center for Writing and Communication
University of Memphis | 2022 – Present

  • Delivered individualized coaching to students to enhance their writing and speech skills.
  • Supported ESL students by focusing on clarity, structure, and audience adaptation in their academic and professional communication.
  • Managed and expanded the Center for Writing and Communication’s (CWC) TikTok presence.
  • Represented the CWC at university events to promote its resources and services.

Desk Lead, Center for Writing and Communication

University of Memphis | 2024 – Present

  • Created ESL Canvas Quizzes to support multilingual students.
  • Developed Praxis Tips for Working with ESL Students to help consultants better assist ESL learners.
  • Currently designing a specialized public speaking training program in partnership with the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship and the CWC.

Graduate Teaching Assistant
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 2021 – 2022

  • Taught standalone Introduction to Communication (COMM 1311) courses.
  • Designed interactive activities to encourage reflection on modern social issues.
  • Created and delivered weekly lectures, assignments, and classroom activities.
  • Assessed student work, including speech outlines, presentations, and journal activities.
  • Collaborated with Dr. Wan-Lin Chang to co-teach Interpersonal Communication (COMM 1318).

Public Speaking Coach
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 2020 – 2021

  • Provided tailored coaching to enhance students’ public speaking and presentation skills.
  • Designed promotional materials to increase awareness of the Hauser Speech Lab’s services.
  • Conducted research on the effectiveness of speech coaching interventions, contributing to program development.

Graduate Research Assistant
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 2020 – 2021

  • Conducted statistical analyses on survey data collected from students enrolled in Introduction to Communication (COMM 1311) at a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).
  • Utilized SPSS to perform multivariate regression, bivariate correlations, and t-tests for data analysis.
  • Supported research focused on communication competence within the context of HSIs by compiling materials for publication.

Research

Publications

Guajardo, S. M. (in press). Prophetic Resistance at the U.S.-Mexico Border: Sr. Norma    Pimentel’s Campaign Against Anti-Immigrant Media Narratives. Journal of Communication and Religion.

Alston, A. D., & Guajardo, S. M. (in progress). Perfecting your business pitch: Business communication training manual. University of Memphis.

Cook, J. H., & Roberson, S. (Eds.). (in press). Radical transparency: Perspectives on graduate education in writing studies. [Collaborator].

Conference Presentations

Guajardo, S. M. (2025, April). Surveilling Borders: Rhetoric, Fear, and Immigrant Criminalization during the Trump Administration [Poster presentation]. University of Memphis English Graduate Student Conference 2025, Memphis, TN.

Guajardo, S. M. (2025, April). Is Rhetoric a Dying Discipline? Fear, Disciplinary Tensions, and the Future of Rhetorical Studies [Roundtable]. University of Memphis English Graduate Student Conference 2025, Memphis, TN.

Guajardo, S. M. (2025, February). SWCA boundaries & gaps: Identifying our leadership role within the landscape of the university [Panel presentation]. Southwestern Writing Center Association Conference, Florence, AL.

Guajardo, S. M. (2025, February). Coalition rhetorics as a form of multilingual, praxis-oriented consulting [Paper presentation]. Southwestern Writing Center Association Conference, Florence, AL.

Guajardo, S. M. (2025, April). Toward a liberation-modeled pedagogy: Reimagining the oral communication classroom [Paper presentation]. Southern States Communication Association Conference, Norfolk, VA.

Guajardo, S. M. (2025, April). Anchoring Burke in critical rhetoric: Identification and consubstantiality in the United We Dream social movement [Paper presentation]. Southern States Communication Association Conference, Norfolk, VA.

Guajardo, S. M. (2025, April). Anchors aweigh: Rhetoric with(out) identification [Panel presentation]. Southern States Communication Association Conference, Norfolk, VA.

Guajardo, S. M. (2024, May). Creating a just and equitable society through a praxis of reconstructionism: Dr. Juliet García’s promotion of cultural citizenship and democracy within the classroom [Paper presentation]. Rhetoric Society of America Conference, Denver, CO.

Guajardo, S. M. (2024, May). A nun honors the sacredness of life on the southern border: Sr. Norma Pimentel’s campaign to destigmatize far-right media narratives against immigrants [Paper presentation]. Rhetoric Society of America Conference, Denver, CO.

Boulden, M., Guajardo, S. M., Panameño, C., & Radtke, A. (2024, April). We matter too: Self-accommodations & recommendations for writing center consultants with disabilities [Panel presentation]. Southern States Communication Association Conference, Frisco, TX.

Goswami, S., & Guajardo, S. M. (2023, March). Demystifying Brown Southern counterpublics in the U.S.: Validating the immigrant experience [Paper presentation]. Graduate Research Forum, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN.

Fisher, E., Guajardo, S. M., & Miller, J. (2023, November). God and guns [Roundtable discussion]. Religious Communication Association Conference, Washington, DC.

Guajardo, S. M. (2023, April). Collective identity building on Reddit: Analyzing Latinx discourse under r/Conservative [Paper presentation]. Popular Culture Association Conference, San Antonio, TX.

Guajardo, S. M. (2023, February). Establishing advocacy for writing and communication centers [Paper presentation]. Southeastern Writing Center Association Conference, Memphis, TN.

Goswami, S., & Guajardo, S. M. (2022, October). The infographics of COVID-19: An analytical study of visual rhetoric in the Global South [Paper presentation]. CCFA Research Forum, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN.

Guajardo, S. M., & Chang, W. L. (2022, November). Synchronous speech labs and their effects on university students’ public speaking skills [Paper presentation]. National Communication Association Conference, New Orleans, LA.

Guajardo, S. M., & Chang, W. L. (2022, February). Designing & maintaining a fruitful garden for students as GTAs [Facilitator]. Western States Communication Association Conference, Portland, OR.

Guajardo, S. M., & Chang, W. L. (2022, May). Synchronous speech labs and their effects on university students’ public speaking skills [Poster presentation]. Excellence in Online   Learning Conference, Brownsville, TX.

Guajardo, S. M., & Chang, W. L. (2022, March). The efficiency of online-based flipped classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic [Paper presentation]. Innovations in Teaching Conference, Edinburg, TX.

Academic Service Work

Multilingual Communication Trainer
Crews Center for Entrepreneurship (Spring 2025)

  • Developed and facilitated workshops, including Public Speaking for Business Owners, as part of the Multicultural Business Accelerator program.
  • Conducted interactive sessions to improve public speaking and pitching skills through various activities.

Business Communication Trainer
Crews Center for Entrepreneurship (Spring 2025)

  • Designed and led three workshops per semester to enhance public speaking and elevator pitch skills for entrepreneurial students.
  • Delivered training on audience analysis, persuasion tactics, slide design, storytelling strategies, and public speaking techniques.

Tigers Talk Facilitator
University of Memphis (Spring 2025 – Present)

  • Guided ESL students in developing public speaking skills tailored to their unique linguistic and cultural needs.
  • Conducted workshops and one-on-one sessions focused on building confidence, improving speech clarity, and adapting messages for diverse audiences.

Volunteer
Study Abroad Fair, University of Memphis (Spring 2025)

  • Promoted CWC resources to students preparing for international academic programs, emphasizing writing and communication support services.

Quiz Modifications
Basic Course: Oral Communication, University of Memphis (June 2024)

  • Updated quizzes to align with textbook content and evaluate students’ oral communication skills.
  • Focused on designing assessments that reflect real-world communication challenges and application.

Desk Lead
Center for Writing and Communication (CWC), University of Memphis (Fall 2024 – Present)

  • Managed front-desk operations, creating a welcoming and resourceful environment for students seeking academic support.
  • Provided guidance and information about the CWC’s services to students and visitors.

Secretary
Kenneth Burke Society, Southern States Communication Association (February 2024 – Present)

  • Recorded meeting minutes and documented audience questions during sessions to ensure accurate and comprehensive records.
  • Coordinated communication and logistical tasks for the society’s events and meetings.

Volunteer Presenter
A Seat at the Table and Hooks African American Male Initiative (February 2024)

  • Delivered presentations highlighting the role of CWC consultants in supporting student academic success.
  • Discussed strategies for improving communication skills to achieve educational goals.

Chapter President
University of Memphis Student Chapter, Rhetoric Society of America (February 2024)

  • In the process of developing a mission statement fostering collaboration between English and Communication departments.
  • Currently engaged in organizing events and initiatives to promote interdisciplinary research and dialogue on rhetorical practices.

Panel Chair Volunteer
Religious Communication Association, Washington, D.C. (November 2023).

Rhetoric and Religious Traditions Conference, University of Memphis (October 2023).

  • Panel chair volunteer ensuring smooth proceedings and active engagement.
  • Provided constructive feedback and guidance to presenters to enhance their delivery and content.

Tigers Speak Facilitator
University of Memphis (2022 – Present)

  • Supported students in enhancing their public speaking abilities through structured practice and constructive feedback.
  • Facilitated sessions on speech organization, delivery techniques, and audience engagement to prepare students for academic and professional presentations.

Tigers Write Facilitator
University of Memphis (2022 – Present)

  • Assisted students in improving their academic and professional writing skills through workshops and individualized consultations.
  • Focused on areas such as thesis development, organization, clarity, and grammatical precision to enhance the quality of written work.
  • Provided tailored feedback to help students effectively articulate their ideas and meet assignment requirements.

Volunteer Presenter
CLAW Conference, University of Memphis (November 2022)

  • Presented on CWC resources to undergraduate students, focusing on tools for improving academic writing and communication.
  • Engaged with attendees to address questions and highlight specific CWC programs.

Kendall Hunt Volunteer
National Communication Association (November 2022)

  • Contributed to community education initiatives by distributing donated school supplies to local schools in New Orleans.
  • Assisted in organizing and setting up donation events during the conference.

Fall Preview Day
University of Memphis (November 2022)

  • Introduced prospective students to CWC resources, emphasizing their role in supporting academic success and communication skill development.
  • Shared examples of how the CWC has helped students achieve success in their academic journeys.

Parent and Family Weekend
University of Memphis (September 2022)

  • Highlighted CWC services to incoming students and their families, fostering connections to academic support resources.
  • Shared examples of how the CWC has helped students achieve success in their academic journeys.

Book Club Host
Madison Elementary (January–May 2019)

  • Organized literacy-focused sessions and designed weekly assignments to enhance student comprehension.
  • Guided students in creating and presenting literary projects to staff, faculty, and parents.

Editor
Pecan Grove Review, St. Mary’s University (August–December 2018)

  • Provided constructive feedback on student submissions, focusing on areas for improvement.
  • Curated and managed the selection of literary works for annual publication

Awards and Grants

  • John Angus Campbell Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award (Spring, 2025).
  • Graduate Student Association (GSA) Awards: GSA 20 Under 35 Award (Spring, 2024).
  • Graduate Student Association (GSA) Awards: Recognition of Student Success (Spring, 2024).
  • Department of Communication & Film Research/Creative Work Grant (2023–2024) (Spring, 2024).

Professional Memberships

National Communication Association

  • Promotes the development of inclusive practices that amplify underrepresented voices and dismantle systemic inequities within the field.
  • Provides a platform to align personal research with broader academic discussions, focusing on amplifying marginalized perspectives and advancing equity in communication scholarship.

Rhetoric Society of America

  • Participates in interdisciplinary scholarship that emphasizes the transformative power of rhetoric in addressing societal challenges.
  • Supports research on grassroots Latiné leadership and their rhetorical contributions to community mobilization and advocacy efforts.

Southern States Communication Association

  • Advances scholarship on Latinidad within Communication and Rhetoric through collaborative and community-centered initiatives.
  • Advocates for critical issues, including agricultural labor rights, education access, and immigration reform, affecting Latiné communities.

Southeastern Writing Center Association

  • Contributes to the development of scholarship and discussions focused on writing and communication centers’ praxis.
  • Promotes inclusive initiatives and practices that prioritize the voices and needs of underrepresented and marginalized students.

United Campus Workers

  • Advocates for securing fair wages, benefits, and equitable treatment for all campus workers.