News
Faculty Spotlight: Samatha Shorey on the Human Side of Automated Technology
Assistant Professor Samantha Shorey’s fascination with technology began not in a research lab, but on Tumblr. In the wake of the 2008 recession, she watched as women turned to blogging to share stories, build community, and find creative ways to navigate a shifting economy. That experience sparked a lasting interest in how people use technology to innovate—not just in technical terms, but socially and emotionally.
Keepin’ It Hot: WPDU continues their streak in debate wins
The William Pitt Debating Union (WPDU) kept the momentum blazing last weekend, earning multiple titles at the DeMouget Debates hosted online by the University of North Texas. The team continued its early season surge, taking home top awards and division championships for the 4th tournament in a row.
Fürsich and Galarza Discuss Media, Identity, and Representation on Cultural Studies Podcast
Two faculty members from our department—Associate Professor Elfriede Fürsich and Assistant Professor Litzy Galarza—were recently interviewed in separate episodes of the Culturalstudies Podcast, hosted by internationally renowned cultural and media studies scholar Toby Miller.Early Bird Gets the Gold: WPDU Dominates for the Second Weekend in a Row
The William Pitt Debating Union (WPDU) continued its 2025 season with standout showings during the second weekend of competition, conquering both the Sunshine Series Part 1 Tournament hosted by the University of West Florida and the East Coast Early Bird Tournament hosted by Baruch College.
Bringing Humanity to Science and Technology: Abigail Kosmalski '26
Abigail Kosmalski, a senior studying Communication Rhetoric and Public and Professional Writing, with a minor in Information Sciences and certificate in Communication of Science and Technology, exemplifies how students can use communication coursework to bridge the gap between STEM and the public.Pitt Department of Communication Affiliated Scholars Recognized at National Communications Association 111th Annual Conference
Two scholars affiliated with Pitt’s Department of Communications–Dr. Caitlin Bruce, Professor of Communication at Pitt, and Dr. Charles Athanasopoulos, an alumnus of the MA and PhD programs– have been recognized with major awards for respective recent publications from the National Communications Association (NCA).Graduate student Amina Akbar receives Waterhouse Family Institute Research Grant
Amina Akbar, a graduate student in Pitt’s Department of Communication, has been awarded the prestigious Waterhouse Family Institute Research Grant for the Study of Communication and Society from Villanova University.
Krillin’ It: WPDU Opens Debate Season with Big Wins in Debates about Antarctic Sea Life
The William Pitt Debating Union (WPDU) opened its 2025 season with standout performances at the NFA-LD Washburn Warm Up, held online by Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.
2025 COMMRC Graduation Reception
Celebrating the Class of 2025: A Day of Pride, Reflection, and Communication ExcellenceDuring Pitt’s graduation weekend, the Department of Communication hosted its annual Commencement Recognition Ceremony at the O’Hara Student Center. Friends, family, faculty and staff gathered in celebration of the 104 graduates earning their B.A. in Communication and Rhetoric—an impressive cohort whose achievements go far beyond the classroom.
Daniel K. and Amy L. Jenkins 2025 Endowed Fund for Student Resources
The Department of Communication proudly announces that Sofia Marretta has received The Daniel K. and Amy L. Jenkins Endowed Fund for Student Resources for 2025.
The purpose of this endowment is to establish an award for educational expenses for students in the Department of Communication in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh.
DisInformation Studies Chair Sam Woolley in the News
Dr. Samuel Woolley, the William S. Dietrich II Chair of Disinformation Studies and Associate Professor in the Department of Communications has recently been featured in several major media outlets for his expertise in misinformation, disinformation, and the manipulation of communication technologies.Graduate Student, Amina Akbar, Receives 2025 Egolf Award
Amina Akbar, a graduate student in the Communication Department, is the recipient of the 2025 Donald B. Egolf Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.Winners of the 28th Annual Oratory Competition
The 28th Annual Oratory Contest had another great turnout of competitors. A special thanks goes to all who competed and all who judged.
Graduation/Commencement category winners:
Leyla Akselioglu, "A Timely Departure"
Julia Ochroch, "Applying Aristotle"
Grace O'Connor, "Communication: Innovation in Every Field"
