Teaching
As an educator, I approach the classroom as a space for inquiry, reflection, and dialogue. I encourage students to critically examine how communication shapes individual identity, community relationships, and broader political and cultural structures. Whether teaching media theory or public speaking, I emphasize engaged pedagogy—drawing connections between academic content and the lived experiences of students, especially those from historically underrepresented communities.
I have taught at a range of institutions—public and private, in the United States and Ethiopia—working with diverse student populations including first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and international students. Across these contexts, I aim to foster inclusive and participatory learning environments where students not only analyze media and communication but also practice them as tools for civic engagement and social change.
Institutions & Roles
- Assistant Professor, Hamline University (2018–2022)
- Graduate Teaching Fellow, University of Oregon (2013–2018)
- Lecturer, Arba Minch University, Ethiopia (2005–2012)
Courses Taught
📘 At Hamline University
- COMM 1100: Introduction to Communication
- COMM 1110: Public Speaking
- COMM 1750: Small Group Communication
- COMM 1320: Introduction to Critical Media Studies
- COMM 3320: Media in the Digital Age
- COMM 3460: Intercultural Communication
- COMM 3300: Communication Research Methods
- COMM 3420: Media in Global Perspective
📰 At University of Oregon
- J100: Media Professions
- J201: Media and Society
- J207: Gateway to Media
- J340: Principles of Advertising
- J396: International Communication
- J385: Communications Law
- J320: Gender, Media & Diversity
- J408: Advertising and Culture
🎓 At Arba Minch University
- FLEn 201: Sophomore English
- FLEn 221: Introduction to Linguistics
- FLEn 211: Composition & Grammar
- FLEn 220: Research Methods
- FLEn 205: Argumentation and Debate
- FLEn 301: Principles of Journalism
- FLEn 311: Media Law & Ethics
- FLEn 305: Technical Report Writing
- FLEn 401: Business Writing
- FLEn 404: Public Speaking
- FLEn 405: Senior Capstone Project
- FLEn 421: Sociolinguistics