Master’s Student: Mariam Elgafy, Communication, University of Cincinnati
Master’s Student
Mariam Elgafy is a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati, where she is currently pursuing her master’s degree in communication. As a graduate teaching assistant at UC’s Department of Communication, Mariam has taught over 300 students in her Public Speaking and Business Communication sections, as well as in a TA role for a Public Relations seminar. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in empowering students to engage in dialogues that pertain to their identity, giving students the platform to voice their opinions, and equipping students with the tools to effectively influence others and enact change in their professional fields and interpersonal relationships. Mariam emphasizes the role of educators and higher education institutions in creating a space for students to embrace their authentic identities while prioritizing accessibility of technology and mental health resources. Mariam currently serves as the graduate assistant for UC’s Office of Government Relations and attends to volunteer work in faith-based professional networks in Cincinnati. Mariam received UC’s 2020 university-wide Graduate Assistant MA Excellence in Teaching award.
Mariam’s thesis project, chaired by Dr. Ronald Jackson III, focuses on media representations and framings of state legislation that impact marginalized communities. Mariam’s research focuses on intercultural and identity communication, media representation, and faith/race-based identities. Graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Cincinnati, Mariam earned her B.S. in Education, B.A. in Communication, and a minor in Political Science. As an undergraduate, Mariam engaged with student government, mentored students, and worked at a tutoring center teaching Arabic, later earning UC’s Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence in 2019. Post-master’s, Mariam plans to work for 1-2 years before pursuing a law degree and allowing her passion for educational reform and policymaking to flourish.
Honorable Mention: Paul Myers, Communication, Wichita State University