At long last this lengthy semester draws to a close and I turn my full attention to drafting dissertation content.

On 4/22/26 I was awarded the Outstanding TA Award by the Graduate School and GSA (yay!). I have also secured a teaching appointment for next Fall with two sections of COM-110, not the most exciting course, perhaps, but one I genuinely enjoy teaching.

With those things settled and my grading responsibilities largely settled for the semester, I can reflect on all the additional work I’ve done over the last few months (not just planning events and traveling for conferences, but also composing my thoughts on each dissertation chapter for presentations). As MK casually noted today “each time [I] speak about my project, it becomes increasingly clear and well-defined”. I couldn’t ask for a greater endorsement.

My goal over these closing week’s has been to compose something like an introduction/outline for my project, and also Chapter 1 as a demonstration of my approach and goals for the project. Currently, the making phase is still in process because it simply requires time and energy that teaching and service obligations have a tendency to eat up. Updates coming via email soon.