Communication Studies Teaching Assistants 2026-2027
Michael A. Castillo
Michael holds a BS in Communication Studies with a concentration in Diversity and Public Culture, and a minor in Journalism from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Now pursuing an MA in Communication and Media, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Gender and Women's Studies, he’s focused on leadership development. Originally from San Diego, Michael has mentored students through AmeriCorps and worked in broadcasting with MavRadio, iHeartMedia, and MAV-FM. His love for punk and indie rock continues to shape his perspective—and yes, he still plays guitar and sings.
Jawad ul Karim Chowdhury
jawadulkarim.chowdhury@mnsu.edu
Jawad completed his undergraduate studies in English Language and Literature at Jahangirnagar University and is now enrolled in the Communication and Media graduate program. His interests span communication, language and media studies. He’s a fan of Messi, pizza and Coke—classic trio.
Adeeb Kasem
Adeeb holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, Irvine and is currently pursuing an MA in Communication and Media. His scholarly interests include the political economy of media and communication in social movements.
Nazifa Khatun
Nazifa earned her Bachelor of Journalism from Stamford University Bangladesh and is now pursuing an MA in Communications and Media. Her academic interests center on communication theory and practice. Outside of academia, she enjoys volleyball, basketball, and cheering on hockey games.
Nana Akua Owusu-Kumah
Nana Akua Owusu-Kumah holds a BA in French, Classics, Philosophy and Theatre Studies from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana and is currently pursuing an MA in Communication and Media at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is especially interested in public relations, crisis communication, and how A.I. and social media are changing the way people and organizations connect. Nana serves as President of the university's Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter and is also a Graduate Assistant with the Speech and Debate Team. Outside of academia, she enjoys watching movies, cooking, learning new things, and practicing sign language. Fun fact: she can sign the entire alphabet with her non-dominant hand!
Abdur Razzak Sarker
Abdur earned both B.S.S and M.S.S degrees in Journalism and Mass Communication from Daffodil International University, Bangladesh. Now pursuing an MA in Communication and Media, he’s passionate about political communication, health communication policy, and organizational culture. With a decade of journalism experience—including award-winning work at The Daily Prothom Alo—Abdur brings deep professional insight to his academic journey.
Baylie Viland
Baylie earned a BS in Communication with a minor in Psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and is currently pursuing a certificate in College Student Affairs. Outside of academia, Baylie is a devoted animal lover and rescuer. She rescued her cat, Gizmo, from a difficult situation and hopes to continue helping more animals in the future when she has a larger residence.
Emma Andries
Emma completed BS in Communication and Media with a minor in Marketing from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and is now pursuing an MA in Communication and Media. She studied abroad in London during her undergrad years and traveled to eight countries. She is passionate about sports communication and women’s sports. After graduation, Emma aims to build a career in sports communication. Besides her academics, Emma enjoys sports, live entertainment and traveling. She has attended around 15 professional sporting events in the past year and more than 30 concerts.
Habiba Naznin
Habiba Naznin holds B.S.S. and M.S.S. degrees in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. She also has Post Graduate Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism in Chennai, India, as a South Asian Foundation scholar and is now enrolled in the Communication and Media graduate program. She is interested in mass media, strategic communication, and new media. She brings more than a decade of journalism experience across print, online, digital and multimedia platforms, including 10 years as a Broadcast Journalist at Channel i, one of Bangladesh’s leading television networks. Habiba also enjoys traveling and discovering new places, having visited destinations across India, Nepal and Saudi Arabia.
Janice Halm
Janice holds a B.Sc. in Marketing from the University of Professional Studies, Accra, and is now enrolled in the Communication and Media graduate program. Her academic interests include media research, business communication and interpersonal relationships. Besides her academic work, Janice is a confident public speaker, yet surprisingly shy around her friends, a little irony, she wonders.
Joshua Benumanson
Joshua completed his undergraduate studies in Theatre Studies from the University of Ghana and is now enrolled in the Communication and Media graduate program. He has a strong interest in public speaking. Besides his academic work, Joshua enjoys the thrill of car racing.
Mahmuda Haque Shovona
Mahmuda holds BS and MS degrees from Bangladesh and is now enrolled in the Communication and Media graduate program. Her interests span science communication, organizational communication and crisis communication. With professional experience in strategic communication for USAID-funded nonprofit organizations, Mahmuda brings insight into climate resilience, livelihood development, and community-based initiatives. She is also a Cambridge University Press and Assessment–certified language trainer and has conducted training programs for several government organizations in Bangladesh. Outside of academia, Mahmuda enjoys hiking, poetry and of course, a good cup of tea.
Md. Saidur Rahman
Saidur holds a BBA in Marketing and an MBA in Finance from Khulna University in Bangladesh and is currently pursuing an MA in Communication and Media. His research interests span environmental communication and social media. He is also interested in advertising and strategic communication. Saidur likes teaching and encourages students to reach out whenever they need support.
Nitiben Parekh
Nitiben earned a BA in Mass Communication with minors in Technical Communication and Communication Studies and is now pursuing an MA in Communication and Media. She hopes to study and build a strong foundation in areas including intercultural, interpersonal, organizational communication, rhetoric and communication pedagogy. Niti grew up traveling and moving between different places and cultures. Mankato has also become a meaningful part of her journey where she has grown into adulthood and gradually come to feel at home.
Ollie Stansbery-Dobbs
olivia.stansbery-dobbs@mnsu.edu
Ollie holds a BA in Communication Studies and Sociology from Coe College and is now pursuing graduate studies in Communication and Media. Her academic interests center on language use and suicide. Beyond her studies, Ollie is passionate about suicide prevention advocacy.
Selwyn Ofori
Selwyn earned a BA in Theatre Studies from the University of Cape Coast and an MFA in Acting from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He is currently pursuing an MA in Communication and Media, with a particular interest in content creation, SEO optimization and the evolving landscape of new media. Outside of academia, Selwyn enjoys both playing and watching soccer.
Tasnimul Zannah
Tasnimul earned an MSS in Journalism and Media Studies from Jahangirnagar University and is currently pursuing an MA in Communication and Media. Her interests span gender, race and media. Besides, Tasnimul enjoys discovering new music and traveling to new places.
