Current Graduate Students

MS in Communication

Current Graduate Students


Dominque Chen

Dominique Chen is a second-year graduate student in the Communication department at Portland State University, holding a BA in Film and Communication Studies from PSU. Dom has been actively involved in various campus activities and currently works for Student Activities and Leadership Programs, contributing to student engagement and leadership development. Their interests revolve around media studies, entertainment education, as well as mass communication. After getting their Master’s, they hope to use their knowledge to help find better ways to reach audiences through film and/or social media.

elisabeth greene


elisabeth came to PSU as a PCC transfer student. As her undergraduate communication studies come to a close, she is excited to begin work in the accelerated master's program. elisabeth is curious about culture and feminism. To unwind, she enjoys jigsaw puzzles and visiting the coast. 

Alley Henrici

Alley Henrici is a first year graduate student at Portland State University. She earned an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree at Texas State University in 2021, allowing her to take course work in Communication Studies, Psychology, and Theatre. Her research interests are in interpersonal and family communication, self-disclosure, and communication of identity. She is a cat person, a hiker (in training), and a creative.


Maria Jaiyeola


Maria Jaiyeola is a first-year graduate student at Portland State University. She got her BA in Communication with a focus on Broadcast Journalism from the University of North Georgia. During her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, content creating, and having fun. 

Alianna Land

Alianna Land is a first-generation college student focusing on Communication and Psychology. As part of the 4+1 degree program, her first year of Master's studies will complete her undergraduate degree. Alianna looks forward to applying her background and knowledge to enrich the discipline and further her research.

Lillian Mantel

Lillian is a second-year master’s student who is interested in health communication. Her current research explores COVID-19 public health messages, message fatigue and behavioral intentions. She is passionate about her role as a teaching assistant for undergraduate communication courses, where she supports student learning and engagement. Upon completing her degree, Lillian plans to continue her education and aspires to pursue a career in higher education.

Yasamin Mehdian Rad

Yasamin Mehdian Rad earned her B.A. double majoring in Marketing and Advertising while being part of the Honors College at Portland State University. In 2024 she had the chance to intern at NPR's Live Wire radio show. She enjoys music, literature, poetry, and creative writing.

Jake Moore

Jake grew up in Vancouver, and he worked odd jobs until age 30. He has worked in mental health and social services since graduating in 2015.

Danielle Murray

Danielle Murray is starting her first year of graduate school while also finishing her final year of undergrad. She is currently an Honors student who is majoring in Communication.

Isaac Odai

Isaac Odai is a second year graduate student. He graduated from Portland State in 2024 with a BA in Communication Studies and a certificate in Comics Studies. He is a member of the 4+1 accelerated Master's program. He is interested in many aspects of the field, especially those dealing with media. Isaac works as the Events and Rentals Coordinator at the 5th Avenue Cinema, and in his free time he enjoys cartooning, and reading in a park with his partner and their three cats.

Cameron Rodriguez

Cameron Rodriguez is mainly interested in the interdisciplinary power of Communication Studies. Communication is essential for understanding other people and framing a society. They are now a second-year graduate student and last year graduated at PSU with a Bachelor's in Science and participated in the 4+1 program.  They’re interested in advocacy, rural/ urban, and multimedia communication. They are also interested in counterculture movements, ecological public engagement, and memes. 

Meghan Serceki

Meghan graduated from UC San Diego with a double major in Writing and Spanish Literature. After working in a few marketing roles, she decided to pursue her graduate degree in Communication. Upon completion, she aspires to create content for nonprofits or companies with a strong base in social responsibility. When not working, learning videography, or in class, she loves to go on hikes with her dog, Oliver.

Marilyn Shawe

Marilyn Shawe is a second year part-time Communication graduate student at Portland State University, working towards more diverse and equitable initiative learning. She graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design. Marilyn has 15 years of experience working with non-profit organizations and programs around the Pacific Northwest as an artist, designer, and educator. You can find Marilyn creating instructional learning resources to communicate and educate the community.

Josi Struck

Josi Struck is a first-generation university student. She is working on her final year of undergrad to receive her BS in Communication with a minor in Advertising Management, while also beginning graduate school as part of the 4+1 accelerated bachelor’s and master’s in communication. Josi is the mother of a recent high school graduate. She enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and going to see musicals. She is interested in strategic and mass communication. 

Elliot Wiley

Elliot Wiley is is in his second year of the graduate program. He earned his BA in Communication at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota. He is interested in analyzing the qualities and ethics if media, especially comics. Elliot is also a participant in the Comic Studies program at PSU. He loves Steve Ditko and black olives. 

Tyler Williams

Tyler Williams is a second-year graduate student at Portland State University, where he is diligently developing his thesis. Tyler has been focusing his studies on science communication, public understanding of science, and decision research. These interests have led to many insightful and fascinating discoveries. Additionally, Tyler works with the Department of Communication as a graduate teaching assistant. Although his coursework occupies much of his time, Tyler enjoys playing bass, bouldering in PSU's Rec Center, and exploring the vibrant restaurant and bar scene in the Portland Metro Area.