School of Communication Announces Outstanding Students
Ektarina Pavlova: Outstanding Undergraduate Student of Communication
At SDSU, Ekaterina Pavlova has been part of the Research Apprenticeship program with Dr. Rachel Record, Lambda Pi Eta, the SDSU Student Symposium, and the Western States Communication Association conference.
Currently, she interns with the San Diego County Office, where she attends local events and networks while presenting on what work the county is doing. Pavlova hopes to become a director of communication in crisis communication or diplomacy.
“I am driven by a desire to make meaningful contributions to the field by addressing real-world challenges,” Pavlova said.
Pavlov shared that Dr. Kathleen Czech especially helped her during her time at SDSU. In Dr. Czech’s Qualitative Methods of Communication course saw Pavlov write a paper that won Top Paper at the WSCA conference!
Pavlova is excited to share that she has been accepted into the SDSU graduate communication program starting in Fall 2025.
Noelle Bunce: Outstanding Undergraduate Student of Health Communication
Noelle Bunce currently works in the reproductive health field, with a company that helps same sex parents and those facing infertility.
Bunce participated in the Health Communications Student Organization, the Peer Health Education program, and Lambda Pi Eta while at SDSU.
“Being a part of the Peer Health Education program exposed me to the world of public health and the challenges of overcoming stigmatized conversations, translating academic language for diverse audiences, and devoting time and energy toward something larger than a grade or participation award. I found the connection between the people I intended to serve and the skills that I had been practicing, without even realizing, in each and every academic experience,” said Bunce.
She highlighted Dr. Rebecca DeSouza for helping shape a memorable, critical, and passionate experience at SDSU. Dr. DeSouza’s introductory health communication course made Bunce want to become part of the field.
“If it weren’t for her contagious passion and unrelenting support in my development as a student, researcher, and teacher of others, I may not have had the opportunity to meet the rest of the department,” Bunce said.
Danielle Gonzales: Outstanding Graduate Student, School of Communication
“I always joke that I love SDSU so much, of course I had to come back and get my master’s here!”
In her research at SDSU, Danielle Gonzales explored potential strategies to correct the disinformation around COVID-19 vaccinations. Upon graduation, Gonzales hopes to become an instructor or work in medical corporate sales.
Gonzales grew her love for teaching as a graduate student associate, leading a section of COMM: 103: Oral Communication. “Without this program, I would have never realized my passion for teaching. I’m secure in my ability to effectively transfer knowledge and relay complex ideas in ways that resonate with my audience. … these have been crucial transferable skills that are also helpful in other medical sales opportunities where I am in the position to relay complex information to physicians, nurses, and medical staff that is relevant to their practice and patients,” Gonzales said.
“There is no more rewarding feeling than watching my students grow from being fearful and insecure to confident and knowledgeable public speakers,” Gonzales said.
