Jason Ashcraft
Jason Ashcraft is a first year graduate student and graduate teaching assistant in the Communication Department at Portland State University. Jason earned his BA in History from the University of Oregon in December of 2021 and worked professionally in media monitoring from 2022 to 2025. During his free time, Jason enjoys film photography, collecting vinyl, watching football and gaming with friends.
Eloisa de Farias
Eloisa de Farias earned her B.S. in Journalism from Emerson College in 2022 and is now pursuing her Master's in Communication at Portland State University. Her professional interests often center on culture, media, and creative expression, shaped in part by her Brazilian background. In her free time, she enjoys reading, modeling, baking, and exploring fashion.
elisabeth greene
elisabeth came to PSU as a PCC transfer student. Having just graduated with undergraduate communication studies, she is excited to continue work in the accelerated master's program. elisabeth is curious about culture and feminism. To unwind, she enjoys jigsaw puzzles and visiting the coast.
Maria Jaiyeola
Maria Jaiyeola is a second-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.
Matthew Kessler
Matthew Kessler (he/they) graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a Bachelors in Broadcast Journalism in 2018. After moving to the area in 2020, Matthew taught at a high school, before deciding to pursue a Master's degree in Communication. In his free time, Matthew enjoys taking long walks in the wilderness, traveling, and contemplating the nature of existence. Dislikes include double dipping and traffic. What motivates him the most is, "Coffee"!
Mason Lux
Mason is a first-year graduate student, who is also in the senior year of his undergrad via the departments 4+1 program. Mason will graduate this spring with a BS in Communications Studies and a minor in History. Mason is intrigued by studies of media and power dynamics and hopes to apply his knowledge to the field. In his free time, Mason enjoys spending time with his partner and family and is also an avid golfer.
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.
Sage Mendre
Sage Mendre is a first-year graduate student and graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Communication. Sage graduated from Portland State University with a BA in Communication Studies with a published thesis through the University Honors College. Sage is interested in studying the role of gender in everyday communication. In her free time she loves to read and can be seen drinking lots of coffee.
Danielle Murray
Danielle Murray is starting her second year of graduate school. She completed her first year while also finishing her final year of undergrad as an Honors student who majored in Communication.
Taylor Schnell
Taylor is a first-year student in the graduate program and a new student at PSU. He attained his BA in English Literature at Western Oregon University in 2015 after growing up in Sandy, Oregon. Taylor is excited to be a student again after many years away from the classroom and to become familiar with the diverse culture of Portland State. In his free time, he enjoys weightlifting, reading (mostly science fiction), a little Xbox here and there, and he plays guitar in a band.
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.
Kyra Stillman
Kyra Stillman earned her BS in Philosophy from Portland State University. She works as an RYT 500 trained yoga instructor and is a first year student in the MS Communication graduate program.
Josi Struck
Josi Struck is a first-generation university student. 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.
Joshua Thorne
Joshua Thorne is a first-year graduate student who received his BS in Communication from Portland State University in 2020. He is passionate about exploring the dynamics of communication between individuals and governmental bodies within society. In his free time, he enjoys golf, nature, and Dungeons & Dragons.