Vita
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS
2018 - Present
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF COMMUNICATION STUDIES
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - LA CROSSE
La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
Dr. Edwards teaches across multiple areas of student experience, including a required general education course (CST110), a core course for an interdisciplinary leadership minor (CST280), and within multiple areas of communication studies. She is currently the interim basic course director, supervising 50 sections of a foundational communication course. Additionally, she serves on multiple committees related to curriculum and equity. Dr. Edwards has been a vocal leader on campus regarding future directions for post-pandemic pedagogy by advocating for research-informed technology use and compassionate course policies.
​
Courses taught:
-
CST 110: Communicating Effectively
-
CST 230: Interpersonal Communication
-
CST 280: Introduction to Communication & Leadership
-
CST 351: Interviewing Principles & Processes
-
CST 480: Advanced Topics in Interpersonal Communication
2014 - 2018
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF COMMUNICATION
THE COLLEGE AT BROCKPORT, SUNY
Brockport, New York, USA
Dr. Edwards taught a wide array of courses within the undergraduate core curriculum and interpersonal/organizational communication concentration, as well as at the graduate level. She served as the departmental assistant director of graduate studies, mentoring two graduate teaching assistants per year and advising two graduate projects (advisees: Heather Matthys & Darren Plunkett), as well as serving the College President on a strategic planning committee for community engagement. During her time at The College at Brockport, the Communication Department underwent massive restructuring due to a departmental split, so Dr. Edwards gained experience revising curriculum & updating departmental bylaws and promotion standards.
​
Courses taught:
-
CMC 201: Public Speaking
-
CMC 202: Principles of Communication
-
CMC 273: Interpersonal Communication
-
CMC 317: Interviewing
-
CMC 418/518: Intercultural Communication
-
CMC 472/572: Group Leadership
-
CMC 430: Advanced Interpersonal Communication
-
CMC 601: Seminar in Quantitative Methods in Communication
-
CMC 697: Seminar in Interpersonal Communication
EDUCATION
2014
DOCTORATE OF PHILOSOPHY in COMMUNICATION
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
East Lansing, Michigan, USA
A theory of polite support seeking (TOPSS)
Chair: Amanda J. Holmstrom, PhD
DISSERTATION:
2010
MASTER OF ARTS in SPEECH (now COMMUNICOLOGY)
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I AT MANOA
Honolulu (Oahu), Hawai'i
The consequences of kvetching: Co-rumination about one's romantic relationship with a friend and perceptions of inequity and satisfaction
Advisor: Krystyna Strzyzewski Aune, PhD
THESIS:
2007
BACHELOR OF ARTS in COMMUNICATION
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - DULUTH
Duluth, Minnesota, USA
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ORDAINED MINISTER TO OFFICIATE WEDDINGS
COMMUNICATION CONSULTANT
Intercultural communication
Interpersonal communication, including social support
Interviewing and resume consultation
Public speaking
Quantitative research methods & analysis
FORMER BANKER
DAIRY PRINCESS JUDGE
FACILITATE WORKSHOPS IN CROSS-CULTURAL SPACES
Presentational speaking skills for United Nations policymakers
Conversational speaking skills for Korean schoolchildren