Mr. Umair Rasool | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award
PhD Candidate at Communication, Purdue University, United States
๐จโ๐He remarkable academic journey, extensive research contributions, and dedication to the field of psychology are truly commendable. Your wealth of knowledge and diverse skill set reflect a deep commitment to understanding and addressing critical issues such as bullying, inclusion, and socialization.
๐ฌ He successful completion of a PhD in Psychology, along with the numerous advanced courses and workshops, showcases your continuous pursuit of excellence and expertise in your field.
๐ The awards and recognitions, including the First Place in the Poster Award at the University of Stavanger, underscore the impact of your research and the high regard it holds in the academic community.
Professional Profiles:
Education:
Nicholas Lacy is a Ph.D. candidate in Communication at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, with an anticipated graduation in Spring 2025. His major area of study is Organizational Communication, and he has minors in Cross-cultural Communication Studies and Black Studies in Communication. His dissertation is yet to be determined, and his committee includes Dr. Stacey Connaughton (Advisor & Co-Chair), Dr. Theon Hill (Co-Chair), Dr. Stephanie Masta, Dr. Amber Neal-Stanley, and Dr. Damion Waymer. Prior to his Ph.D., Nicholas earned his MA in Communication from San Diego State University and his BA in Communication with Honors from California State University San Marcos. He also holds an AA in Communication Studies from Mount San Jacinto College, Menifee Valley Campus.
Certificate:
In April 2023, Nicholas Lacy presented on “Mitigating Bias in Hiring Committees” at Ivy Tech Community College in Lafayette, IN. Prior to this, he served as a Crisis Response Advocate for the Economic Crisis Response Team at San Diego State University in October 2020. In February 2020, Nicholas completed a program on Evidence-Based Teaching at the Center for Teaching & Learning at San Diego State University. These experiences demonstrate his commitment to academic and professional development, as well as his interest in addressing issues related to bias and crisis response in educational and institutional settings.
Research/Theory Interest:
Nicholas Lacy’s research and theory interests encompass a diverse range of topics within the field of communication studies. His focus includes areas such as racial microaggressions, racial battle fatigue, and race lighting, examining their impact on interpersonal and organizational dynamics. Additionally, he explores concepts like racial microaffirmations, racial communication, Afropessimism, Afrocentricity, Afrofuturism, Critical Race Theory, Post-Colonial Theory, and Intersectionality, seeking to understand their implications for contemporary society. Nicholas also engages with critical cultural theory, emphasizing dialogue and engagement as essential tools for analyzing and addressing complex cultural and social issues.
Teaching Interest:
Nicholas Lacy’s teaching interests lie in the intersection of critical cultural/intercultural communication, organizational communication, and communication theory. He emphasizes inclusive and critical pedagogical strategies that integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into the classroom environment. By focusing on these areas, Nicholas aims to foster an environment that promotes understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives while encouraging critical thinking and analysis within the field of communication studies.
Activism:
Nicholas Lacy is actively engaged in activism and praxis focused on ethical and equitable policies, leadership, and decision-making within organizations. He is dedicated to creating equitable preparation and development programs that benefit Black marginalized students. Nicholas is also committed to improving urban communal relations, addressing issues related to gentrification and improper displacement. Additionally, he advocates for effective recruitment, retention, and supportive initiatives for Black faculty members, aiming to create a more inclusive and diverse academic environment. His work reflects a dedication to social justice and equity within educational and organizational settings.