The National Communication Association conference took place last month in National Harbor, Maryland and celebrated its 109th annual convention. This conference is dedicated to communication experts to showcase their professional interests in research and teaching. Graduate students from the Nicholson School of Communication and Media had the opportunity to attend the NCA conferences and shared their experiences at the event.
Taleb Adbah: “It was a fantastic experience as a PhD student, and I engaged in meaningful conversations with many renowned scholars.”
Taleb Adbah
Alex Colon
Alex Colon
Alex Colon: “I had the incredible opportunity to attend the National Communication Association Conference held in National Harbor, Maryland, just on the outskirts of Washington D.C. Being selected to present my research on online education in the Instructional Communication division was a significant honor for me as a budding scholar and researcher within the field. Participating in the graduate open house was a highlight, allowing me to connect with potential doctoral students interested in on our program and proudly representing the University of Central Florida. Given the recent media attention surrounding Florida’s legislative landscape, it was crucial for me to showcase our state in a scholarly light, challenging stereotypes and fostering positive conversations.
The conference provided an excellent platform for networking, exposing me to a wealth of research conducted nationwide in the field of communication. Engaging with scholars from different universities was truly inspiring. Attending business meetings for divisions representing sub-disciplines within the broader communication field further expanded my understanding of the diverse perspectives within our academic community. The connections forged during the event have fueled my enthusiasm to continue dedicating myself to both my career and service in this field.
Beyond the academic benefits, the experience was personally enriching. This marked my inaugural visit to Washington D.C., allowing me to explore the nation’s capital. I seized the opportunity to visit historical monuments and museums, fulfilling a childhood dream. Undoubtedly, this entire experience will remain etched in my memory, serving as a constant source of inspiration. For anyone considering a major in communication or aspiring to become a communication professional or researcher, I wholeheartedly recommend embracing the NCA Conference—it’s an experience that transcends academia, offering insights, connections, and memories that last a lifetime.”
Rachel Mattingly: “Carson and I presented a paper we wrote last Fall in our Rhetorical Criticism class called “No Names: A Narrative Criticism of 11 Minutes.” We used Foss’ narrative criticism to analyze the docu-series 11 minutes which uses storytelling of survivors, performs and first responders of the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas in 2017. The documentary intentionally excludes the shooter’s name and perspective from the film. We extend Seeger and Sellnow’s (2017) discussion of blame narratives to examine the impact of giving notoriety to mass shooters through these films, as copycat crimes are very common with mass shooters. We presented in the Rhetorical Theory division at NCA. I attended the conference to network with other scholars in the field and to present Carson and I’s research paper. I’m very grateful to be part of such a talented, hardworking and supportive PhD cohort.”
Carson Mann: “My partner and I presented on crisis narratives and mass shootings. I went to the National Communication Association Conference to learn, network, and grow as a scholar. The conference was fantastic and worthwhile!”
By Majdulina Hamed.
Published to Nicholson News on December 6th, 2023.
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