ABOUT ME

Hello! My name is Cate (she/her) and I am a Communication Studies PhD candidate at the University of Minnesota, where I study environmental communication. I am also a communication researcher at the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP), where I support a National Science Foundation collaborative called the Center for Oldest Ice Exploration (COLDEX). My dissertation explores climate adaptation in the Andalucía wine region of southern Spain, but my larger research agenda examines media coverage of water scarcity. I believe that investigating cases of communication "gone wrong" is key to identifying better strategies to make it "go right," and that embracing diverse forms of knowledge is central if we are to motivate publics to adapt to a changing global climate.

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In addition to research, I am also a passionate educator. Over the years, I have taught classes ranging from first-year public speaking to senior capstone seminars, and the recent COVID era provided me the opportunity to try teaching online (spoiler: I adore it!) I am an avid proponent of open-educational resources and universal design principles and attend pedagogical trainings and workshops whenever possible.

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The only thing I love more than research and teaching is service. I am currently a research team member for the Media and Climate Change Observatory (MeCCO) and a member of the United States Global Leadership Coalition's Minnesota State Advisory Council. I've also recently completed terms on the UMN Water Council and the International Environmental Communication Association (IECA) Board of Directors. I am also a proud initiate of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, for which I have served terms on the Student Advisory Board and National Advisory Council.

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In my free time, I like to garden, cook, and take barre classes. I also enjoy listening to podcasts while walking on the trails near my house. I currently live in the Twin Cities with my partner and our two cats.