Graduate Student Researchers

Amanda Gyesi, MA
University of Kentucky, PhD Student

Amanda Efua Gyesi is a doctoral student at the University of Kentucky whose research focuses on interpersonal communication, family communication, and identity. She holds a master’s degree in communication, where her work focused on identity and self-presentation. Amanda is currently pursuing her PhD in Communication at the University of Kentucky. Her research explores how individuals navigate relational dynamics across different phases of life, with particular focus on couples’ communication and mother–daughter relationships. She is passionate about advancing communication research within African contexts, with the goal of producing work that is both culturally meaningful and practically valuable for families. 

Katherine Johnson, MA
West Virginia University, PhD Student

Katherine Johnson is a doctoral student at West Virginia University whose research interests lie in interpersonal and instructional communication. She has a Bachelor and Master’s degrees in communication from the University of Kentucky. Her current research is exploring students’ intentions to misuse AI resources within the classroom. She is passionate about learning how emerging technological tools are changing communication landscapes. 

Anyiah Chambers
University of Kentucky, MA Student

Anyiah Chambers is an emerging researcher focused on the crucial intersection of communication and social equity. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Kentucky State University and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Communication at the University of Kentucky. With a commitment to social justice, Anyiah actively participates in initiatives that address systemic inequities and promote equitable access to opportunities. Through her advocacy and outreach efforts, she empowers future leaders and amplifies the voices of underrepresented communities. Dedicated to fostering an inclusive society, Anyiah’s work aims to create transformative change through effective communication and collaboration. 

Abigal Heuton
University of Kentucky, MA Student

Abigail Heuton is an emerging scholar in the field of communication, with research focused on identity, interpersonal communication, and gender communication. Abigail has a Bachelor’s in both Communication Studies and Political Science from the University of Montevallo. She currently attends the University of Kentucky studying for her master’s in the Communication and Information Science program. During her undergraduate studies, she did undergraduate research titled, Sense of Belonging in the LGBTQ+ Community. In the future, she hopes to continue to be an advocate for others through her research and providing different lenses to view communication from. Her next project will be exploring neurodivergent individuals and their interactions with others. Drawing from her past and current programs, Abigail holds a passion for exploring new perspectives and engaging in innovative approaches to communication.