Deborah Pappoe

Deborah Aku Shika Pappoe is a PhD student with a concentration in communication studies in the College of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Tennessee. Her research is situated at the intersection of interpersonal and instructional communication. She is particularly interested in authentic communication and the patterns that emerge through everyday human interaction, with an emphasis on how communication shapes relationships, identity, meaning-making, and interpersonal experiences.

Her work examines how people communicate in natural and relational contexts and how recurring patterns of interaction influence the ways individuals understand themselves, others, and their relationships. She is interested in communication as it unfolds in real-life contexts, including how individuals navigate connection, support, conflict, face, identity, and cultural differences. Her broader goal is to understand what authentic communication looks like, how it develops, and how interpersonal communication patterns shape relational outcomes in diverse settings.

Beyond research, Deborah is passionate about teaching and mentoring. She is an instructor of record who strives to create classroom environments grounded in respect, connection, and authentic interaction. Her teaching philosophy reflects her belief that effective communication extends beyond the transmission of information; it involves building relationships and creating environments in which students feel valued, supported, and empowered to participate. Deborah seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of how people communicate authentically, how patterns of interaction develop, and how those patterns influence relationships and experiences across interpersonal and educational contexts.