Meet the Students

Biography

Talia Chavez was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in political science. After living in Washington, D.C. for a few years, she decided to head back to Texas to earn her Master's in Technical Communication from Texas State University. Talia enjoys riding her bike, going hiking, traveling, trying new recipes, and spending time with her dog, Charlie.

Biography

Jeranda is a first-generation college student from East Texas, and she is the middle child of five sisters and one brother. During her undergrad, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Osaka, Japan where she studied education and Japanese language and literature. Her hobbies are creative writing, video games, figure drawing, and she is an avid anime fan. In 2020 she returned to the U.S.A. after teaching English in Yachiyo, Japan as an assistant language teacher (ALT) for junior high and elementary school students in the Chiba prefecture. She has ambitions for traveling abroad to Italy, Spain, Britain, and Ghana. She is attending the MATC program to become a document designer and technical editor.

Biography

I am a proud first-generation student who earned a college degree after raising my three children. I feel honored and privileged to be working on my Master of Art in Technical Communication degree. Having lived in three countries (Trinidad & Tobago, Canada, and United States), and a few cities, it would be difficult for me to choose my favorite hometown. My dedication and perseverance have afforded me many opportunities. My past experiences span over 30 years in several varied industries, film & television makeup artist, administrative assistant, law office manager, founder/president/event planning of PREF (an education non-profit), owner of a Bed & Breakfast, owner of a catering company in California wine country, and entrepreneur. I have the ability to adapt to diverse cultures, overcome obstacles, and learn a variety of life skills to elevate myself. At the risk of sounding cliché, I am a Jack of all Trades, and I have a deep desire to continue learning. In pursuant of the American dream, I diverted my survival skills in determination to be good at whatever I do.

Currently, as an entrepreneur/owner, I am in the process of rebranding my company’s image and marketing handcrafted artisanal products to specialty stores. I have been married for 34 years to the love of my life and we have three beautiful and accomplished daughters. I currently reside in Texas with my husband. Personally, I am going to complete my MATC degree and graduate in December 2022. Professionally, I would like to work as a Technical Communicator, and I will continue to grow and operate my private company.

My hobbies: Traveling, cooking, painting, reading, writing, and bird watching.

Awards & Distinctions

Entrepreneurial Boot Camp Workshop, National Society of Leadership and Success, NSLS Chapter at Texas State University

3 x California Wine Country Cooking contest winner 

Biography

Born and raised on the Texas Gulf Coast, I currently reside in the beautiful Texas hill country with my wife and son. I have always been a nature enthusiast, so you can find me outdoors when I’m not working. And sometimes when I am working.

Biography

Hi, my name is Grace! I am currently pursuing a M.A. in Technical Communication at Texas State University and I will graduate in the spring of 2022. I truly love learning, gaining new experiences, and connecting with students and professors in academia. In addition to my education, I keep myself busy interning as a digital content writer and working as a computer lab assistant. My hobbies outside of school include reading, playing the clarinet, and hiking with my dog. In the future, I am excited to continue exploring my passion in technical writing/communication and I am very grateful for everything I have learned about this field.

Biography

While completing my undergraduate degree, I developed an interest in strategic communication, content writing/editing, marketing strategy, and research. My copywriting role requires both creative and technical writing skills to reach the target audience effectively and consistently. I am passionate about digital marketing and advertising, but I am thrilled to expand my knowledge of technical communications across various professional fields.

Biography

Originally born in San Antonio, I moved up to San Marcos for my undergrad and never left. Texas State became my home so quickly, which is why I decided to pursue my M.A. in Technical Communication after graduating in 2017. I currently work for Undergraduate Admissions as a Welcome Center Admissions Counselor. This position allows me to utilize the skills I’ve learned in the Tech Comm program while recruiting students to Texas State.

Biography

Since birth, I have traveled and lived throughout various regions of the world alongside my military-serving family. Cross-cultural communication has been a constant during my upbringing and operates as the foundation for my interest in cultural, linguistic, and technical communication studies. I currently work as an aviation professional for an international-serving air carrier, a Texas State realtor, and the MATC Program Graduate Assistant. Ten years ago, I bought my first home in East Austin, which I now share with my two rambunctious cats and incredibly supportive partner. I love learning languages. I’m fluent in American Sign Language and operating at an intermediate (working on advanced) proficiency in Italian. I enjoy keeping Austin weird by participating in local theater/comedy/writing/art scenes when I can find the time. I plan to utilize my diverse education and work background to serve a community larger than myself, and hopefully, improve the world.

Awards & Distinctions

Presentations

“Teaching the History of the Afroitalian Woman and Fascism.” SCMLA 78th Annual Conference, Houston, TX, October 9, 2021

“Breaking Through the Distance.” Gallery of the Common Experience, Curator, Spring-Fall 2021.

Publications

Soran, Laura. “Art and Propaganda: The Problem with Idealized Colonialism.” Texas State Undergraduate Research Journal, vol. ix, iss. i, Spring 2021, www.txstate.edu/undergraduateresearch/txstur.html.

Soran, Laura. "They Say You Can't Get Fat on Love." Undergraduate Thesis, Texas State University, Spring 2021.

Biography

My name is Nikki Uzzel, and I am currently seeking two master’s degrees from Texas State University in Technical Communication and Public Health Education and Promotion. I plan on using my background in public health, communication, and customer service to pursue grant writing, technical writing, or program coordinating for a community health organization in or around San Antonio, Texas. I received my B.A. in Health Communication from Coastal Carolina University in 2017 outside of my hometown, Myrtle Beach, S.C. I will always be a lover of the ocean and a fan of the Chanticleers. I am a proud fur parent to my two cats, Cooper Lin and Murphy Lee, and my Pitbull puppy, Grayson James. I love watching UT volleyball and walking down trails with my animals in my free time, as I am a full-time student and travel quite often for work. I have a passion for public service, and I have learned to do so with a smile over the years I have spent in the service industry. I enjoy creating new cocktails and sharing my knowledge and experiences with anyone who is willing to listen. I have been truly enjoying my experiences thus far at Texas State University, and I cannot wait to see what my future has in store for me as I continue my education at such a great school!

Biography

Erica took a circuitous path to Technical Communication. With an arts background, she became interested in ethnography and oral history during her previous masters degree and went on to work as an oral historian for nine years at the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History while freelance writing and copywriting as well. Her arts journalism has appeared in The New York Times, Vulture, and Bust Magazine.

Erica’s especially interested in UX research, UX writing, and accessibility. She hasn’t given up the arts, though. She’s studied and performed improv comedy for over a decade and is very much a comedy nerd.