Alexandrea Matthews
Public Relations & Science Communication Doctoral Student
Alexandrea Matthews
Doctoral Student
Public Relations &
Science Communication
University of Florida
About
MY BACKGROUND
I am currently completing a doctorate in Public Relations with a graduate certificate in Science Communication at the University of Florida, working as an instructor and research assistant. I am very passionate about applying public relations theory and strategies to science! Before starting my doctoral degree, I worked in local government for 5 years managing programs, events, grants, public relations, and social media.
Prior to this, I completed a MA degree in Science Communication from the University of Florida after a BA degree in Public Relations from Bridgewater State University. In addition to my time spent at work and school, I have been volunteering my communications skills to science initiatives for the last 10 years.
Education
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
Ph.D. in Mass Communication; Public Relations
Expected Graduation: June 2024
University of Florida – Gainesville, FL
Graduate Certificate in Science Communication
Expected Graduation: June 2022
University of Florida – Gainesville, FL
Experience
WHERE I’VE WORKED
Dec. 2015–Aug. 2020 & May 2021-Aug. 2021
Programs and Events Manager
City of New Bedford - New Bedford, MA
Public Programs | Events | Public Relations | Social Media | Community Relationship Management |
Grant Writing & Federal Reimbursement (raised ~$400k/year)
July 2015–September 2015
MA in Mass Communication; Science Communication
2013-2015
University of Florida - Gainesville, FL
magna cum laude
BA in Communications; Public Relations
2007-2012
Bridgewater State University - Bridgewater, MA
cum laude
Marketing and Public Relations Consultant
Russell Morin Catering & Events - Newport, RI
Strategic Marketing | Social Media |
Community Relationship Management
June 2013–March 2014
Marketing Specialist
University of Florida Office of Technology Licensing - Gainesville, FL
Technology Transfer Marketing | Science & Technology Translation
Sept. 2011–Aug. 2012
Communications & Public Relations Coordinator
Bridgewater State University Observatory - Bridgewater, MA
Public Programs | Events | Public Relations | Social Media | Community Relationship Management
Publications
PEER-REVIEWED RESEARCH
Coming Soon!
Conferences
WORK I'VE PRESENTED
Academic
AEJMC Conference
Accepted
Revise & Resubmit
Under Review
2021 - New Orleans, LA
“Exploring the Cosmos: The Rhetoric of Successful Science Television.”
AEJMC Midwinter Conference
2021 - Norman, OK
“Exploring the Cosmos: The Rhetoric of Successful Science Television.”
Industry
Summer EATS Conference
2018 - Norton, MA
“Marketing and Promotional Strategies.”
National Recreation and Park Association Conference
2016 - St. Louis, MO
“Creating Environmental Likeability Through Park and Recreation Programming.”
Teaching
COURSES TAUGHT
Instructor of Record
-
Social Media Management (PUR 3622) Fall 2021
Graduate Teaching Assistant
-
Public Relations Ethics (PUR 4203)
-
Social Media Management (PUR 3622)
Research
WORK I'VE DONE
Aug. 2020 - May 2021
Graduate Research Assistant, University of Florida
Supervisor: Spiro Kiousis, Ph.D.
-
Led research project on climate change agenda building
-
Assisted with Political Public Relations Lab
March 2014 - May 2015
Program Evaluator, University of Florida
Supervisors: Bess de Farber & April Hines
-
Conducted & transcribed interviews with program participants
-
Assisted in evaluation and recommendations for improvement
Service
VOLUNTEER WORK I'VE DONE
Academic
Coming Soon!
Pro-Bono Work
2019–2020
Co-Founder & Member of Southeast MA Chapter
Climate Reality Project - nonprofit
Environmental communication | advocacy
2019–2020
Served on Public Relations & Political Engagement Committees
New Bedford Earth Day Event 2020 - free public event
Public relations | event planning | political engagement
2017–2020
Coordinator
New Bedford Science Café - free public events
Monthly scientist public engagement coordination
2012–2015
Public Relations Coordinator
Alachua Astronomy Club, Inc. - nonprofit
Public relations | event planning | social media
Sept. - Dec. 2010
Public Relations Coordinator
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - nonprofit
Public relations | conducted 50+ interviews with participants | created marketing material
Awards
WHERE I SHINE
-
2018 Mayor's Innovation Award - New Bedford, MA
-
2011 Associated Collegiate Press First Place Pacemaker Award
-
2011 Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s Gold Crown Award
-
2011 Seventeen Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s Gold Circle Awards
Interests
FUN IN MY FREE TIME
Travel
Yoga
Amateur Astronomy
Cooking
Informal Science
Virtual Reality