Department of Communication

The dual pandemics of COVID-19 and the racial reckoning after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 changed us. While we may be ready to move on, bearing witness for one another can teach us about ourselves, our resilience and our communities. Timeka Tounsel, assistant professor of Black studies in communication at the UW, is quoted.

Where do you seek information about politics and elections? In this roundtable, three faculty in the UW Department of Communication discuss the role of media in creating an informed public.

Kay was and remains the ultimate role model for all of her children. Making her way through four years at the UW, graduating, and finding work in journalism in the late 40s and early 50s, only a few years after the end of WWII, were huge accomplishments and showed a lot of grit and determination. For her kids, what was most inspiring was that she never complained about the hurdles she encountered, but faced each day with positive focus.

"The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has reported that 2023 is already the most expensive year on record for weather and climate disasters in the U.S., with 23 separate disasters that have caused at least $1 billion each in estimated damages," writes Adrienne Russell, professor of communication and co-director of the UW Center for Journalism, Media and Democracy.

"Stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the challenges of being a first-generation college student allowed me to leave a strong mark in the Husky community. I am grateful for the experiences and people I encountered along the way. I look forward to continuing my journey in the world of journalism – uncovering and sharing the stories that matter the most." – Reneé Diaz (B.A. Communication: Journalism and Public Interest Communication, 2023)

"Having to pay for my college education also felt like I should always prioritize saving every penny for future mishaps. However, the UW experience is more than immersing yourself in textbooks; it is about connecting with others on campus and learning more about yourself through attending the institution. Obtaining a degree should be a joyful experience. Know that it's okay to take care of yourself and your health. Yes, you can definitely plan out that trip abroad and go to that concert after clocking out from your part-time job—it's all about balance. Enjoy being a UW student and pursue your wildest dreams." - Fani Medel Martinez (B.A. Communication, 2024)

"Having navigated applying to college, transferring to a different four-year school to finish my undergraduate degree, and then earning multiple graduate degrees, all by myself with no family knowledge to guide me, I became very skilled at learning and negotiating the ins and outs of university policies and procedures. This segued perfectly into a career in student affairs, where I use those skills and knowledge to help students on their own educational journeys every day. I don’t want other students to have to 'figure it out as they go' like I did and suffer some of the same mistakes I made, so I try to build in as much support as I can to make sure they don’t get tripped up by complex processes."  - Heather Werckle, Assistant Director of Academic Services for Communication Leadership, Department of Communication 

"Being a first-generation graduate is meaningful to me because it represents an accomplishment in my life that was once not attainable for my ancestors. My college experience gave me an opportunity to find my voice and understand the ways that I can cast my influence to positively impact and uplift others. I believe that first-generation college students and graduates bring unique insight that can transform our communities to become stronger, healthier, and more equitable. It is rewarding to be a part of a community that is creating pathways for others to follow behind, while also contributing to inspiring others that adversity can lead to unveiling our innate qualities and passions." - Tiana Cole (B.A., Journalism and Public Interest Communications, 2021), Program Administrator for UW Continuum College

"Knowing someone is first-gen brings an important point of connection that even after all these years alleviates isolation. This connection may be with a fellow faculty or staff person, but also first-gen undergraduate and first-gen graduate students. (Being a first-gen graduate student was particularly challenging for me.) I always mention my first-gen identity on the first day of class so that students might feel more comfortable approaching me." - Andrea Otáñez, Teaching Professor, Department of Communication

Generative AI is changing how people work, complete assignments, date, and create. But the massive computer systems powering AI consume vast amounts of water and emit tons of carbon. Even with green initiatives by big companies, the scale of the impact is expected to increase. Adrienne Russell, professor of communication and co-director of the UW Center for Journalism, Media and Democracy, is quoted.

Adrienne Russell, professor of communication at the University of Washington, examines in her new book how journalism, activism, corporations and Big Tech battle to influence the public about climate change.

All women and girls are susceptible to eating disorders and poor body image, but because of misleading medical terminology, popular-media images, and a lack of overall awareness and training, the issue and remedies are framed almost exclusively around white women. But individuals and organizations are working to shift the discussion and unveil the true complexities of eating disorders, particularly in relation to minoritized communities. Timeka Tounsel, assistant professor of Black studies in communication at the UW, is quoted.

The Husky 100 recognizes 100 UW undergraduate and graduate students who are making the most of their time at the UW.

This week, attend the annual Schiedel Lecture, learn about the transactional relationship between mental health research and care, enjoy the Improvised Music Project Festival held by UW students and faculty and more.

Katy Pearce, an associate professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Washington (UW), is dedicated to advancing research in the field of social and political uses of technology, while also supporting students and colleagues. With a focus on digital divides and inequalities and the use of information and communication technologies for marginalized people and social movements in non-democratic states, Pearce is passionate about bridging the gap between the theoretical and lived experiences of people around the world.