PhD
Q&A with PhD Graduate Scott Sikes
After being inspired by his wife simultaneously working and earning her Master’s degree, Scott Sikes looked to Rocky Top for his return to higher education. He earned his Master’s degree in Information Sciences in 2018 and recently completed his PhD with a concentration in Information Sciences in 2021.
He successfully defended his dissertation, “In Out Very Blood: The Use of Social Media in the 2018 West Virginia Teachers’ Strike.”
What made you decide to pursue your masters degree and PhD at UT? What made you decide to go back to school?
When I was looking at graduate programs, the … Read more “Q&A with PhD Graduate Scott Sikes”
Q&A with Jason Stamm
The College of Communications and Information offers students the opportunity to receive a Ph.D. with the five separate concentrations, which include advertising, journalism and electronic media, public relations, information sciences, and communications studies. Students are ensured a well-rounded education, as they must complete a core curriculum before progressing on to their chosen concentration. The Ph.D. program is designed for students who anticipate pursuing a career with a research-intensive establishment.
Jason Stamm is working towards a Ph.D. with a concentration in journalism. When he is not completing coursework, he dedicates his time as a Graduate Student Assistant in the School of … Read more “Q&A with Jason Stamm”
After Whitewater Canoeing, Kerns Finds Grad School Smooth Sailing
Journalism PhD student Charli Kerns has fought her way through whitewater rapids and cascaded over waterfalls in her canoe. Knowing that adrenaline rush, she doesn’t get too stressed out over research, writing, or teaching a class.
Kerns been an action sports enthusiast since being introduced to kayaking through UT’s Outdoor Pursuits during her undergraduate days on Rocky Top. She later picked up canoeing and now considers whitewater canoeing her main sport. She’s traversed waterways across the United States as well as in Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, Germany, France, and India.
She’s managed to translate her love for action sports—the preferred … Read more “After Whitewater Canoeing, Kerns Finds Grad School Smooth Sailing”