I am currently working on a project that extends the history of 911 in communication. Looking at the second decade of 911’s implementation, I trace how the work of 911 operators were first constituted as feminine in public discourse. Ultimately, the gendered associations with telephonic technology and carework aided the femininization of the role.

I analyze newspaper articles throughout the decade to understand how women became the target hires for 911 operators. Men, but specifically uniformed police officers, were the intended laborers for 911 because of the technical nature of the work, but they did not demonstrate the necessary emotional intelligence to interact with the public in crisis. Civilians, particularly women, were brought in as the care work took precedence.

My immediate future research will continues focusing on the history of 911 and white caller crime. The history of 911 extends over five decades, with scholarship mostly only engaging the late 1990s and early 2000s. White caller crime has become a proliferate topic throughout public discourse since BBQ Becky emerged in 2018. Specifically, the white femininity of white caller criminals undergirds the renaissance of Karen in digital public discourse. These areas offer a rich ground for research and inquiry.

Beyond the realm of white caller crime, I hope to turn to other practices of digital vigilantism, especially on specific platforms of engagement. For example, TikTok algorithms are regularly regarded as some of the most discriminating, in every sense of the word. “The Algorithm” became an omnipresent monitor creators and users of the app navigated in inventive ways.

I have had a consistent presence in national and regional conferences within the Communication discipline, including organizing timely panels for conferences. I have been awarded top paper at both regional and national conferences.

My work has appeared in top communication, rhetoric, and gender studies journals both domestic and international.