Bedlam has a background in engineering, receiving their B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and working in semiconductor manufacturing research at IBM before coming to UCSB to study Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Fall of 2020. While studying protein engineering in the Theogarajan lab, they became enmeshed in graduate student community, organizing and activism, helping them realize their passion for community organizing. Bedlam is so excited to be switching into the Communication Department, and looks forward to researching the role played by narratives and professional identities in the 2022 UAW Academic Worker Strike. In their free time, Bedlam enjoys rock climbing, running, pottery, gardening and baking teeny little cupcakes.

Linyi Chen is a third-year student majoring in Communication and Theater hailing from Shanghai, China. She is deeply passionate about harnessing the potential of digital platforms to forge connections, foster engagement, and inspire audiences. With a keen enthusiasm for cultivating vibrant online communities, she is eager to channel her creative energy and communication skills towards driving innovation in the realm of social media. Her goal is to support the department in effectively sharing impactful stories and initiatives while actively seeking new learning opportunities within this dynamic field.

Carley Palmer is a third-year Communication and Economics double-major student from Orange County, California, with plans to graduate in 2025. In addition to her role as the Communication Department Office Assistant, she’s an intern with UCSB’s Office of Public Affairs & Communications where she helps to run the university’s social media channels. Her favorite Communication class she’s taken so far has been Power Comm with Professor Abra. In her free time, Carley enjoys running, art, yoga, and exploring new areas of Santa Barbara. 

As a 4th-year Communication Major at UCSB, Sammy is excited to leverage her academic journey towards the peer advisor role. Having transferred to the university in her third year, she brings a unique perspective to the community and hopes to take this experience into guiding students. Beyond a passion for helping others, Sammy values her creative interests and spends her time making jewelry and painting, among other things. When not on campus, you can find her unwinding at the beach or exploring the scenic hiking trails and waterfalls in the Santa Barbara mountains. She looks forward to making a meaningful impact as a peer advisor, supporting and guiding future students on their own paths to success and personal growth. 

Emily is a third year student pursuing a Communication degree with a Technology Management certificate, expecting to graduate June 2024. Emily is also pursuing a Digital Marketing certificate through the UCSB extension program. In fall of 2022, Emily went abroad through the UCEAP Communications program in Rome, Italy. There, she fell in love with traveling and experiencing new cultures and hopes to work internationally after graduation. Emily also works as a Research Assistant for the communications department studying couples and resilience. She is also an active member of the American Marketing Association club, helping on various marketing projects for local Santa Barbara businesses. In her free time, Emily loves spending time outdoors paddle boarding, surfing, and hiking, and has been enjoying taking pottery through the recreation center. Emily looks forward to helping advise students through their journey in the Department of Communication at UCSB and meeting her fellow peers!