About

Samantha Guajardo joined the Communication and Film program in 2022 as a doctoral candidate and graduate teaching assistant (GTA). Guajardo gained experience as a speech coach and GTA at her alma mater: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. There, she taught Introductory to Communication and recorded lectures for Interpersonal Communication.

Guajardo is actively conducting research and has been a basic course facilitator for Western States Communication Association, an oral presenter at Innovations in Teaching located in Edinburg, Texas, and conducted a poster presentation for Excellence in Online Learning in Brownsville, Texas. Guajardo will also be presenting at the National Communication Association’s 2022 conference on “Synchronous Speech Labs and Their Effects on University Students’ Public Speaking Skills.”

Guajardo’s specialization is in media and rhetoric studies. Her research interests lie at the intersection of pedagogy, race, and rhetoric. On a personal note, Guajardo enjoys traveling and hopes to one day teach and study abroad.

Education

Ph.D. in Communication (forthcoming) - The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN

M.A. in Communication and certified in Training and Consulting - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX

B.A. in Communication Studies and a minor in English - St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX

A.A. in English - South Texas College, McAllen, TX