Membership Spotlight is a feature designed to highlight CGSA members doing interesting things in our department and across the field of communication. This month, we are highlighting Prateik and Brooke, our new Members-At-Large on the CGSA Board!
Prateik Sarma, MA in Org com
Hi, I’m Prateik. Although born in India I spent the majority of my childhood in the Middle East, finally moving to Canada during high school. I came to the USA to pursue my higher education – I received my undergraduate degree at Purdue. I am currently a Master’s student in Organizational Communication and am interested in studying dual minority identities. I’m very excited to work with Kurtis and Kai to put together the Ph.D. Conference in the spring semester. Also, I look forward to getting to know the entire CGSA board during my time as Masters-At-Large!
What I like most about studying communication at Purdue is how close everybody seems to be. Everyone has a positive attitude and we all seem to help each other out – regardless of what position one holds (whether Tenured Professors or first year Master’s students).
I look forward to getting to know the entire Brian Lamb School of Communication and to doing the best I can to further the missions of Purdue University, our School and the CGSA.
Brooke Friley, PhD in Health com
Hey, I am Brooke. I am a first year PhD student in the Health Communication unit. I came to Purdue from Louisville, Kentucky, where I completed my BA and MA in Communication at the University of Louisville. My research interests are primarily focused on health campaigns, especially preventive campaigns targeting adolescent substance abuse. When I have free time, I love to cook, read for enjoyment, run, and spend time with my two cats.
I am very excited to be helping out with the CGSA Conference in the spring. I think it is a great opportunity for both myself and my fellow students to showcase the hard work we have been doing in the School of Communication!
My favorite thing about studying communication at Purdue is the supportive learning environment. It’s great to belong to a cohort where everyone supports each other’s academic endeavors and where there is always someone available to talk to – whether it’s to discuss ideas for research, or just to continue interesting conversations that started in the classroom. BOILER UP!!
