Bio:
My educational journey has included a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of California, Davis where I focused my research on social movements, specifically, within marginalized groups in addition to studying the role of gender. During my Bachelor's degree, I also competed in Speech and Debate, focusing mostly on debate. After graduating from Davis, I found myself assisting coaching debate and really drawn to the idea of teaching at a Community College thanks to my Master's program. I earned a master's degree in Communication from the University of the Pacific with an emphasis in Political communication where I coached national competitors in both IE events and debate. During my master's program, I shifted my focus to the roles of pop culture as passive rhetoric and focused my research on Political communication within comics. After publishing, rather than pursuing a PhD, I decided that my love for the classroom was more prevalent and decided to begin teaching. Currently, I teach at a few colleges in and around the Inland Empire including RCC, Palomar, and of course MSJC! Currently, at MSJC I work with the Forensics (Speech and Debate) team as the lead coach for debate. Additionally, I work as a co-advisor for the Communication Club, one of the speech coaches for MSJC TEDx, and am part of the Honors Committee to serve our students.
On a more personal note, I am politically/socially active being involved with BLM, LGBTQ+, and the Feminist movement. In addition, I have been with my high school sweetheart, Christine Baney, since 2013 who also works in the Library at MSJC as an associate Librarian. Together, we have a stubborn mini schnauzer and two spoiled cats. In my spare time, I enjoy watching the Anaheim Ducks, LA Dodgers, or the Chiefs while grilling in the backyard. If a game is not on, you can catch me in the gym, taking the motorcycle out for a spin, or at the local car show.