Steven is a doctoral student in the Department of Communication at UCSB. He received a B.S. in Sport Management from Bowling Green State University in 2016 and an M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Kent State University in 2019. Steven's research interests are in the fields of political and mass communication, with a focus on media effects and political tolerance. Steven also focuses on the intersection of professional sports and politics.

Kyungin is an M.A./Ph.D. student in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. After receiving her BA in 2017, she began working at Airbnb as a risk management specialist, then as a market researcher. With a passion for teaching, she eventually transitioned into a new role as a bilingual kindergarten teacher for ~4-5-year-olds. In 2021, she received an M.Ed. in Prevention Science and Practice from Harvard University and worked as a researcher at the Center for Trends and Data Analysis at a government laboratory in Korea. At UCSB, she is currently pursuing research that can serve the diverse needs of different international, migratory populations – drawing from research in interpersonal, health, and organizational communication.

Qing Huang is currently studying in the communication PhD program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In 2021, she got her communication MA at the University of Texas at Austin. She used to work as a Communication Trainee at the United Nations University Institute on Computing and Society (UNU-CS) in 2019. She graduated from Huazhong University of Science and Technology with a dual degree in Communication and Computer science in 2018.

Chengyu Fang (MA, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) is a PhD candidate in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is a first-generation college student who graduated with a BA degree in Communication and Sociology as well as a BS in Psychology. Chengyu's research focuses on how the use and adoption of emerging technologies such as algorithmic technologies, exoskeletons, and, most recently, generative AI impact our existing collaborative relationships, work practices, teams, organizations, and institutions. His work utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods and takes a grounded, constitutive approach to understanding technology and organizing. Chengyu has taught several organizational communication and introductory communication classes. His work has been presented in national and international conferences and has been published in journals such as Management, Communication Quarterly, Communication Research, and Human-Machine Communication. Chengyu is also a co-chair of Beyond Academic conference at UCSB.

Carmen's research seeks to understand ways to improve individuals' mental health and well-being outcomes. She came to UCSB with a history of studying technological interventions for enhancing mental health treatment. More recently, she has begun to look at the impacts of trauma and uncertainty on individuals' social behaviors and psychological health.

Casey is a Santa Barbara native who has worked at UCSB since 2009. She has experience as an undergraduate advisor and student affairs manager from the Psychological & Brain Sciences Department, and academic programs manager at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management. Most recently, she has been a policy analyst in the Academic Senate, serving both the Council on Faculty Welfare, Academic Freedom and Awards, as well as the Council on Research and Instructional Resources. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Columbia University. Her hobbies include cooking (and being a foodie in general), gardening, going on walks, and lap swimming.

As Business Officer, Casey provides management support to the Chair, and establishes and implements administrative objectives and policies for the department. Her responsibilities include academic administration and support, purchasing and financial management, staff oversight, and facilities management. She works closely with the Chair and student affairs staff on department curriculum planning.

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Sal is a UCSB alum from the class of 2021. He graduated with B.A.s in Sociology and Chicano/a Studies and minors in LGBTQ+ Studies and Applied Psychology. He is honored to return to UCSB as an Undergraduate Academic Advisor for the Communication Department. He was a transfer student from Santa Barbara City College (SBCC). While studying at SBCC and working as a Peer Mentor for incoming students, Sal became passionate in advocating for underrepresented and marginalized college students. After transferring to UCSB, he was part of the Transfer Student Center and the Educational Opportunity Program, volunteered for CALPIRG and gained research experience working with elementary school students for the department of Counseling, Clinical and School Psychology. Sal is a proud son to a single, immigrant mother from Michoacan, Mexico. He moved to the U.S. in 2014 in hopes of achieving a better life and better educational opportunities. He enjoys painting, exercising, exploring new cultures, traveling to new places, and listening to Latin music and female Hip-Hop. He hopes to pursue and attain a Masters in School Counseling for Higher Education. He is particularly interested in helping first-gen students overcome some of the many challenges he experienced navigating the complex higher education system. 

One of two undergraduate advisors, Sal provides individual academic advising to 1800+ pre- and full- majors in Communication. He advises students and faculty on all aspects of undergraduate affairs (i.e. major requirements, academic planning, course requirements, academic problems, transfer coursework, independent studies, internship opportunities and graduation, etc.). He processes student petitions as needed, interfaces with
other advising offices, and works as a leading team member with student peer advisors. He communicate colleges policies to students and provides input to the Student Affairs Manager, Department Chair, and the Undergraduate Affairs Committee regarding a wide variety of issues affecting students.