Where did you go to college, and what did you study?
- Simmons University, BA in communications with a focus in writing.
- Emerson College, MA in broadcast journalism with a focus in TV.
As a graduate of Simmons, what's it like being on the other side of the classroom?
It’s WEIRD and incredibly fulfilling to be in front of the classroom.
Tell us about your roles at Simmons.
Erica Moura (on left) covering an emmy-nominated story on robots in the operating room. Professor
- PLAN Advisor
- Major Advisor
- Advisor to the Simmons Voice
- Advisor to Simmons Radio, the Shark!
- Faculty Director of Student-Driven Media
Basically, I talk to students about their goals and encourage them to dream bigger. It’s my favorite part of my job!
Is there anything you hope to achieve as the Faculty Director of Student-Driven Media?
I want to hear and read more stories from and about our community. Maybe it’s via a playlist, a creative story, an article, or something else entirely. I want our students to feel supported, empowered, and heard.
Do you have a favorite course you teach?
I love teaching COMM 163, "Radio Ops and Podcasting" and COMM 260 "Journalism."
What's your favorite thing about Simmons?
Hands down, my favorite part is the students. They are passionate, driven, and hard workers.
Is there a specific moment in your career that was especially impactful?
The most impactful moment in my career was covering the Boston Marathon bombing and the continued aftermath. It’s a day that still haunts and inspires me.
What inspired you to return to academia?
I have always wanted to inspire the next generation of journalists – it’s a tough industry, and you need someone to cheer you on. Len Mailloux, Jim Corcoran, and Dan Connell did that for me. It feels good to pay it forward.
If we visited your home office, what would we see?
Books, equipment, my Peloton, but you would probably be distracted by the snoring pup!
What's the last book you read?
Books I read not related to work: Real Life by Brandon Taylor and Give a Girl a Knife by Amy Thielen.
Is there a TV show or podcast you're currently binging?
I have a long, long list of podcasts I listen to regularly: Reveal, The Daily, It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders, My Favorite Murder, Hidden Brain, and 538 Politics.
I still enjoy Grey’s Anatomy and This is Us!
Are there any blogs you've been following lately?
I bounce between gardening and political blogs! One keeps me busy, the other keeps me guessing. I’ll let you decide which is which.
Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for students this semester?
Don’t overlook what you’ve accomplished. We tend to ignore the accomplishments and focus on what didn’t get done. Remember to give yourself credit.
