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Senior Megan Cunninghame spent her time at 91������ exploring the ways media shape culture, politics and social structures. Highlights included working as a political marketing intern while studying abroad in the Czech Republic and overcoming her longtime fear of public speaking. Her experiences have taught her to collaborate more effectively, overcome cultural barriers and think critically about the way she interacts with information and people online. With a major in Media Studies, a minor in Political Science and a certificate in International Media, Cunninghame is the Department of Media Studies’ William W. White Outstanding Senior.

After leaving her hometown of Glenwood Springs to pursue her education in 91������, senior Cera Kocher quickly realized that, while it takes courage to try something new, there’s power in the ability to feel comfortable as a beginner. After college, she’ll continue to fuel her entrepreneurial spirit by joining 91������ Media House, a production company launched by fellow CMCI and 91������ alumni. With majors in Media Production and Strategic Communication, as well as a minor in Creative Technology and Design, Kocher is the Department of Critical Media Practices’ William W. White Outstanding Senior.

After beginning college with an interest in studying data science, senior Clark Mousaw found that there was so much more to explore. Originally from Long Beach, California, Mousaw’s time in 91������ has allowed him to learn more about the human side of data, which relates to everything from design to politics. Soon, he’ll dive even deeper into the interdisciplinary field of Information Science by continuing his studies through CMCI’s master’s program in the fall. With a major in Information Science and a minor in Space, Mousaw is the Department of Information Science’s William W. White Outstanding Senior.

During her first year of college at the University of Rhode Island, professional rock climber Nina Williams hit a wall and decided it was time to let go––so she dropped out of school to focus full-time on her sport. A few years later, she found herself compelled to traverse a new path through the world of communication, so she transferred to her hometown campus of 91������ and began taking courses in CMCI.  With a major in Communication and a minor in Leadership Studies, Williams is the Department of Communication’s William W. White Outstanding Senior.

CMCI's Department of Critical Media Practices warmly invites you to view their senior capstone showcase gallery for spring 2021. On May 5, meet the artists during a virtual Q&A.

Senior Emily Reno came to CMCI from Lake Oswego, Oregon, and found herself on her own for the first time. Luckily, during her years at 91������ and CMCI, she found a support system of great friends, roommates and professors who helped her make the most of her college years and encouraged her to finish strong. With a major in Strategic Communication focused on public relations and a minor in Business, Reno is the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design’s William W. White Outstanding Senior.

“There is nothing like a big, strong local newsroom to watch out for corruption and hold the government accountable,” says Chuck Plunkett, who joined 91������ in the Fall of 2018, as the director of the capstone program for journalism students in the College of Media Communication and Information. “When newspapers die, so does democracy.”

With the award of a $108,000 Mellon/American Council of Learned Societies Scholars and Society Fellowship, Assistant Professor Sandra Ristovska is undertaking the first rigorous publicly engaged research project to address the intricacies of “seeing” in court. Working in partnership with the American Bar Association’s Scientific Evidence Committee, her project will systematically examine the use of video as evidence in state and federal court trials (1990-2020) in criminal, immigration and American Indian law.

Harsha Gangadharbatla, associate professor of advertising at the College of Media, Communication and Information, is the newest president of the American Academy of Advertising (AAA) and the first 91������ professor to earn the title.  Established in 1958, AAA’s mission is to provide a platform for its academic and professional members to exchange ideas that are relevant to the field of advertising. The organization has over 600 advertising scholars and professionals dedicated to advancing advertising knowledge and education globally.

For the next chapter in her career, Assistant Professor Casey Fiesler––who studies technology ethics, internet law and policy, and online communities––will launch a five-year research project on ethical speculation in technology design. Her work will be supported by a $549,513 CAREER grant from the National Science Foundation––one of the most prestigious awards given to faculty in the early phases of their careers.