Graduate Student Bios

Graduate students can develop their skills through their participation as a teaching or research assistant.

2024 - 2025 Teaching and Research Assistants


	Jamie Carpenter	Hi, I am Jamie Carpenter, and I am studying Strategic Communication in the Master of Arts Program at South Alabama. Originally from Wisconsin and Georgia, I joined the Jaguar family in 2019. My undergraduate degree is in Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in General Business Studies. I am a Teaching Assistant, and I have also served as a Research Assisting, aiding in doctoral research. In my free time, I enjoy writing, physical activity, watching movies, and spending time with my cat, Ember. I plan to graduate in May 2025.
	Rachel Gonzalez	Hi, I am Rachel Gonzalez. I am originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia, and have lived in Alabama for 8 years now. My undergraduate degrees are in Communication and Foreign Language (Spanish Literature) from the University of South Alabama. I am a Teaching Assistant in fall 2024, and I decided to pursue an MA in Communication so that one day I could teach in a university. I also would love work experience in the field—whether as journalist, social media manager, or a public relations professional. I plan to graduate this December. My favorite hobby is running. I enjoy training for and running challenging races such as 5ks, 10ks, half-marathons and, perhaps, one day a full marathon!
	Ryler Gould	Hi, I am Ryler Gould. I am from New Windsor, New York, and a member of USA’s Track Team. I earned my undergraduate degree in Creative Advertising from University of Miami (FL). My goal in pursuing the MA in Communication here at South is to join the advertising world and make an impact on the creative side! When not studying, my hobbies include running but also graphic design and video games.
	Anindita Islam	Hi, I am Anindita Islam. I am a Teaching Assistant and Graduate student at Department of Communications. I am Bangladeshi Australian. I did my Bachelors from Australia in Accounting. Then I went to purse my Chartered Accountant certification and worked as a consultant the last couple years. Through my Masters courses, I hope to diversify my portfolio and gain a better understanding of consumer behavior from a marketing and advertising point of view. Outside of work and studies, I enjoy being artistic with my crafts and music and a good nature walk!
	Eleonora Newell	Hi, I am Eleonora Newell. I am a Mobile native who graduated from the University of Alabama in May 2024 with a BA in English and with minors in Psychology and Creative Writing. I am a Research Assistant, and this is my first semester in the MA Program. After obtaining my MA in Communication, I plan to pursue a career in journalism. In my spare time, I enjoy reading on my front porch with my cat, a tortoiseshell named Tallulah, or soaking up the sun at the beach.
	Sara Grace Overstreet	Hi, I am Sara Grace Overstreet. I am from Mobile, Alabama, and I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Communications from South Alabama in May 2024. I hope to explore my mind in all that the communications field has to offer while pursuing my Masters degree! I am serving as a Teaching Assistant, and I am excited to get to know my students while teaching them about the importance of public speaking. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach and hanging out with my friends!
	Madelyn Rottger	Hi, I am Madelyn Rottger. I am from Mobile, Alabama, and I received my Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of South Alabama. My concentration was Multimedia Journalism, and my minor was in Business. I was heavily involved on campus, representing South proudly and ecstatically through leadership positions on the University of South Alabama Dance Team, the South Alabama Prowlers, and in my sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, during all four of my undergraduate years. My goal is to complete my MA in Communications to further my education and to advance my career. I enjoy spending my time dancing, traveling, teaching, trying different foods and being with my family, friends, and pets!
	Simura Sayeda	Hi, I am Simura Sayeda. While currently pursuing my MA in Communication, I am serving as a Research Assistant. I am originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in English at Dhaka International University. My goal in pursuing the MA in Communication is to enhance my career by developing advanced communication strategies tailored for organizational settings as well as to serve my country’s potential business sector. In my spare time, I enjoy watching movies and documentaries, reading thrillers, and rock painting.