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Comm Speaker Series Events: Spring 2021

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Each semester, the UConn Department of Communication welcomes expert guest lecturers to share insights and research from across the field of communication.

Learn More About the Comm Speaker Series

COMM COVID-19 Panel – Thursday, April 8th, 2021  

Watch the COVID-19 Panel Recording

Talk Description 

Questions from quarantine and lessons in lockdown: Examining the COVID-19 pandemic from a communication perspective 

The panel will feature three projects that received funding from InCHIP last spring:  

My president, but not my governor: Understanding perceptions of blame during the COVID-19 outbreak in Connecticut 
Christine Gilbert, Kenneth Lachlan, and Stephen Stifano 
Presented by: Christine Gilbert 

Exploring the effects of social isolation, relational quality, and communication on couples’ relational and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic 
Amanda Denes, Talea Cornelius, Katrina Webber, Chelsea Guest, Julia A. Ellis, and Amy A. Gorin 
Presented by: Chelsea Guest 

Unmasking racial disparities amidst dual pandemics: Examining social identity threat and emotion within the health belief model to understand mask-wearing intentions among Black, Latinx, and Asian individuals in the U.S. 
Katrina Webber, Sara Stifano, Stephen Stifano, and Shardé Davis 
Presented by: Katrina Webber 

Dr. Meryl Alper – Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 

Talk Description 

The benefits of “accessible” media and technology for people with disabilities are rarely questioned, nor considered within broader critical/cultural frameworks. In this talk, based on an article recently published in the International Journal of Communication, I make a contribution to the field of communication by proposing critical media access studies to further define a growing area of inquiry into contested notions of mediated access, drawing on work from disability media studies and critical access studies in architectural design. My proposal for critical media access studies is furthered through a case study of physical spaces designed for media engagement for young people (e.g., gaming arcades, movie theaters) that provide “autism-friendly” programming. Qualitative analysis of interviews and observations with autistic children and their families, as well as participant observation in such sites, reveals ideological assumptions, frictions, and contradictions underpinning cultural accessibility. Critical media access studies can offer communication scholars valuable theoretical and conceptual tools for deconstructing power, visibility, and marginality in mediated space. 

Bio 

Meryl Alper is an Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at Northeastern University, where she researches the social and cultural implications of communication technologies, with a focus on disability and digital media, children and families’ technology use, and mobile communication. Dr. Alper is the author of Digital Youth with Disabilities (MIT Press, 2014) and Giving Voice: Mobile Communication, Disability, and Inequality (MIT Press, 2017), which was awarded a 2018 PROSE Award Honorable Mention from the Association of American Publishers and the 2018 Outstanding Publication in the Sociology of Disability Award from the American Sociological Association. In her research and teaching, Dr. Alper draws on over 15 years of professional experience in educational children’s media as a researcher, strategist, and consultant with Sesame Workshop, PBS KIDS, Nickelodeon, and Disney. Prior to joining the faculty at Northeastern, Dr. Alper earned her doctoral and master’s degrees from the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and History from Northwestern University, as well as a certificate in Early Childhood Education from UCLA. 

 Dr. Stacie Powers – Tuesday, March 16th, 2021  

Talk Description 

A solid background in research methods can take you places you never imagined. In this talk I will describe the field of program evaluation, how I stumbled into it (and how you can be more strategic!), and some of the surprising and rewarding connections between what I do now and what I did in my time at UConn. 

Bio 

Stacie R. Powers, PhD, is the founder and CEO of REVA Group, an independent firm specializing in program evaluation. She has worked in this field since 2013, primarily with clients in education, healthcare, and the arts. She has led evaluations for Cleveland Play House, Women’s Sports Foundation, Girls Inc. of New York City, Atlantic Philanthropies, Up2Us Sports, and Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, among many others. 

Stacie received a PhD in Communication from the University of Connecticut in 2009. Prior to becoming an evaluator, she held a variety of other research-related roles for over 20 years—from reference librarian to university writing coach to assistant professor—each offering a valuable perspective on teaching others how to address complex, real-world data challenges. Through these varied experiences, Stacie developed an approach to communicating about research that is both evidence-based and human-centered. She regularly presents at the American Evaluation Association conference and is frequently invited to speak about evaluation to professionals supporting the nonprofit sector. 

UConn Juniors and Seniors — Why earn your MA in Communication at UConn?

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Our MA in Communication program provides students with a solid foundation in communication theory and research, preparing them to pursue a doctoral degree or apply their expertise in professional and commercial settings. Our students learn alongside dedicated, knowledgeable, and supportive faculty and peers, creating an engaging and collaborative academic environment. The program isn’t just ideal for communication majors; it’s also an excellent opportunity open to students in other fields!

The program offers the flexibility to explore a range of focus areas, including Computer-Mediated Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Marketing Communication, Mass Communication, Persuasion, and more. You can tailor the program to match your interests and ultimate career or academic goals.

The best part—through our Fast-Track Master of Arts (MA) in Communication, eligible undergraduates can begin taking graduate-level courses before completing their bachelor’s degree. Students admitted to the Fast-Track program may apply up to 12 graduate credits earned as undergraduates toward their MA degree—saving both time and money!

For questions about our graduate program, please contact Kirstie Farrar, Associate Professor of Communication and Director of Graduate Studies.

Lindsay Ciulla, 2020 Distinguished Alumna Award Recipient

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Lindsay Ciulla Headshot

Lindsay Ciulla ’08 (CLAS)

Strategy & Planning Lead for Global Communications at Cisco

Recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Alumna Recipient Award

Lindsay is currently Strategy & Planning Lead for Global Communications at Cisco.  At UConn, Lindsay studied Spanish and Communication; through a UConn connection, Lindsay secured her first job as a Marketing Assistant at Pitney Bowes.  From there, Lindsay launched a successful career in Public Relations and Marketing, working for many industry leaders: among them, OutCast Communications, Finn Partners, Highwire, and most recently, Weber Shandwick.

While she was at Weber Shandwick, Lindsay organized a COMM Careers Event that brought together senior-level executives to talk to our students about the state of the industry and to offer career advice.

Lindsay is a founding member of the UConn Alumni Association New York City Chapter and has been an instrumental part of the success of the alumni network in NYC.  She has also been a long time mentor for the School of Business.

Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn.

Martin Horn, 2019 Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient

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Martin Horn Headshot

Martin Horn ’73 (CLAS)

Consumer Insights & Research

Recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Alumnus Award

A veteran in advertising and market research, Marty retired after a fruitful career spanning over four decades. His expertise led him to found Horn Research & Consulting, specializing in qualitative and quantitative research across various industries. Prior to retirement, Marty served as Director of Consumer Insights & Research at SPM Marketing & Communications, contributing to strategic brand positioning. Marty’s early tenure as Group Planning Director at DDB Chicago saw him crafting communication strategies for renowned clients such as Anheuser-Busch and McDonald’s, while also overseeing innovative research initiatives. Beyond his corporate endeavors, Marty remains an active board member at the Center for Jewish Genetics, a role in which continues to serve.  Marty leaves a legacy and an enduring impact on the advertising landscape, built on uncovering consumer insights and driving brand growth.

In 2010 Marty Horn established an endowed scholarship, the Martin Horn Scholarship, within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.  It is awarded annually to an undergraduate student majoring in Communication who demonstrates academic achievement.

Connect with Marty on LinkedIn.

Adam Cormier, 2018 Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient

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Adam Cormier Headshot

Adam Cormier ’97 (CLAS)

JAC Comm, Founder

Recipient of the 2018 Distinguished Alumnus Award

Before founding JAC Comm, Adam built an impressive career in the world of public relations and integrated marketing communications, holding senior and executive leadership roles at some of the industry’s most respected and award-winning agencies—including Weber Shandwick, FleishmanHillard, and PAN Communications. In these roles, Adam developed and executed strategic campaigns for a wide range of clients, from global powerhouses to emerging startups, gaining a reputation for his ability to turn bold ideas into measurable impact.

Throughout his career, Adam has served as a trusted strategic advisor to C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders across industries. His portfolio includes work with both legacy brands and next-generation innovators—leaders and challengers alike. Adam has been instrumental in shaping the public image of countless organizations, playing key roles in the successful launch of new companies and products, including high-profile initiatives such as the release of Apple’s groundbreaking iPhone.

In addition to his work in brand storytelling and campaign development, Adam has led teams through complex crisis communications and reputation management scenarios. His ability to maintain brand integrity during times of uncertainty has earned him multiple accolades within the PR industry. His award-winning work is recognized for its creativity, effectiveness, and long-term brand-building power.

Adam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences from the University of Connecticut, where he developed his foundational knowledge in media, messaging, and audience behavior. He later earned a Master’s degree in Communication from Lasell University, further strengthening his expertise in strategic communication, leadership, and digital media.

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn.