RESEARCH
“Isn’t every human being both a scientist and an artist; and in writing of human experience, isn’t there a good deal to be said for recognizing that fact and for using both methods?”
-James Agee, Let Us Now Praise Famous Men
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Stories – Media – Visual culture – Interaction rituals – Identity – Narrative – Improv – Art for science communication – Mediated impression management – Memory – Dramaturgy – Sociology of time – semiotics
(SOME) PREVIOUS PROJECTS
"Emotional Energy Charging Stations: An Application and Extension of Randall Collins' Interaction Ritual Theory."
Click these links to request access to the abstract or full manuscript of my undergraduate honors thesis.
"Improvisational Training and Communication In and Out of Natural Science:"
About: The goal of this project was to develop a research-based and use-inspired educational program that attempts to reorient/innovate instruction in undergraduate “common core” natural science classes. The final result is a three day “master class” for natural science faculty, graduate students, TAs, and undergraduate students that is informed by improvisational theatre (improv) techniques for communication and public speaking. The class is informed by four literature reviews that relate to improvisational theatre, applied improv, natural science pedagogy (and PowerPoint) and symbolic convergence theory. The master class includes interactive lectures, group discussions, improv exercises, and most importantly, games that help build improv skills and exemplify how the principles of the art form are applicable in a classroom environment. The “final” for the course is a presentation on a complicated and field specific concept made accessible to the public while maintaining accuracy.
I presented this as a poster presentation at the 2019 National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in New Orleans. Click this link to request a copy of the poster and this link to access a manuscript copy.
“The Greatest Impression Management Game: A Dramaturgical Analysis of Drama."
About: This essay is the product of a course enrichment class for my senior year social psychology class (sociological perspectives) with Dr. Michael Katovich. It is an exploration of the complicated group and individual impression management processes involved in contemporary live theatre. Click here to request the manuscript.
"Sunday at the Kimbell:"
About: My final project for my "Qualitative Methods in Sociology: Ethnography" class with Dr. Jeff Ferrell, I conducted an ethnographic study of a museum in Fort Worth, Texas. I paid particular attention to interactions across perceived age and socioeconomic gaps. This was a highly phenomenological project. Click here to request the manuscript.