I'm a communications academic and good-design enthusiast living in Austin, Texas. If I can mix data-driven theory with powerful narratives and engaging and creative presentations, I'm a happy camper.
I prefer warm weather, wine, and my sports teams winning.
"I’m the thing that monsters have nightmares about. And right now, you and me are gonna show ‘em why." - Buffy on BtVS
If my Buffy quote above gave any indication, I'm a huge TV nerd and I have always been drawn to strong female characters. I always wanted to emulate them, I wanted to be tough and strong and witty but still enjoy being a typical "woman." Buffy as a character and fictional universe has really influenced me, as well as Veronica Mars, Sydney Bristow on Alias, Lara Croft Tomb Raider (I've been her every year for Halloween!), every AHS Jessica Lange role, and Sarah Connor.
In real life? My mom, of course. And some truly wonderful teachers and mentors.
Dozens of TV shows, horror movies, and the occasional award-winning documentary.
...Yes, and I don't care who knows! (For reference....) Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, I'm still waiting for the day a C-town team wins a national championship. Growing up in a basketball house, I have never quite taken to football like most Texans - but I'll watch when forced and enjoy it.
I support the PAC-12 and my Arizona Wildcats. Bear Down!
Arielle was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up supporting the Lake Erie sports teams. At 14, she moved with her two parents and older brother to San Antonio, Texas, attending Douglas MacArthur High School. There, she excelled in theatre and video technology while also beginning the seeds of leadership in student organizations.
Arielle attended the University of Arizona in Tucson on a full academic scholarship. During her four years in the desert city, her numerous passions and wide skill set made it difficult to choose a major – jumping from theatre to anthropology, before finally settling on communications. As a communications student, Arielle interned at the University of Arizona Medical Center as a BioCommunications intern, and was inducted into the prestigious national Phi Kappa Beta Society. It was during her time as a member of the communication honor society Lambda Pi Eta – an organization in which Arielle was Public Relations Officer, Vice President, and President during her membership – that she began to feel the pull towards political communication. She graduated in 2013 magna cum laude with a major in communications and a minor in creative writing.
Arielle was accepted to the University of Texas at Austin Department of the Communication Studies Masters program in 2013. As a student, she focused her research on women in politics and online political communication. Arielle’s debut conference submission – Having it All? A Narrative Analysis of Negotiating the Double Binds on Candidate Websites – won her a top student paper in the political communication division at the 2014 National Communication Association. While studying political communication, she worked as program manager for the UT/TX Votes initiative at the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, and as a research associate for the Engaging News Project.
Arielle’s Masters thesis – Vitriolic Voices: Political Candidates and the Incivility Gender Gap Online – was completed in May of 2015. In June, she accepted a full time research position with the Engaging News Project. There, she does all things research (quantitative and qualitative), and supports communication efforts as needed. She currently lives in Austin, but finds herself visiting San Antonio and Houston on a regular basis. Currently, Arielle is looking to adopt a rescue dog who will join her in her binge watching seasons of Buffy.