Olga Morales

Olga Morales is an administrative associate for the CDI Team. She is currently completing her master's degree in the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas. She also holds a bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Theatre from William Jewell College. Before working with the Center for Digital Inclusion team, Olga worked as a Graduate Assistant for the Center of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships in Lawrence, KS; Online Program Facilitator for Columbia University in New York, NY; VISTA Summer Associate for Americorps in Waynesville, MO; and Student Intern for the Harriman-Jewell Series in Liberty, MO.

Recently, she spoke alongside Dr. Seo at the AEJMC Commission on the Status of Women awards, winning first place in the faculty paper competition for “Teenage Girls and Digital Health: Navigating Health Misinformation on Social Media.”

Olga's research interests revolve around the representation of marginalized groups within media, specifically on the Latina community's portrayal in television and film. Her research hopes to uncover the impact of stereotypical and subtle depictions on the audience's understanding of Latina identity and feminity and contribute to broader discussions on diversity and inclusion in media and how to have more authentic and complex representations for marginalized communities. Her recent paper that she worked as a graduate research assistant with Dr. Appelman and Dr. Bien-Aime, "Said" or "Told the Reporter"? The Credibility Effects of the Quote-attribution Style were presented at the AEJC Conference this past summer in Philadelphia, PA. She is delighted with the opportunity to work as a graduate research assistant at the KU Center for Digital Inclusion and to work with a wonderful team and participants.